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Yes, many homeowners find a wood-to-gas fireplace conversion to be a worthwhile investment. A gas conversion trades messy firewood for push-button convenience, built-in safety shutoff valves, and low-maintenance operation. It also burns more cleanly and efficiently, which can trim energy costs and boost resale value—all around, a smart upgrade for most homeowners.

You don't technically need a chimney for a gas fireplace. However, if you go with the safer vented option, you need a direct vent or another venting system that draws in external air for combustion and expels the exhaust. If you have an existing chimney, you can use it as the vent as long as it's appropriately lined. Installing a chimney liner costs $630 to $7,000.

Yes, a gas fireplace will still work during a power outage. Gas fireplaces with a vertical pilot don't require electricity for the pilot flame to start. New gas fireplace models may use an intermittent pilot ignition system. These types of fireplaces often need a power supply to light, but most have a backup system in case of a power outage.

Absolutely—if no gas line runs near your fireplace, a licensed plumber or gas fitter can extend service for $260 to $820, with most homeowners spending an average of $540. Costs rise if your home lacks a main gas line, but professional installation guarantees leak-free connections, code compliance, and safe operation—critical when you’re dealing with combustible fuel.

No, electric fireplaces can’t be retrofitted for gas because they lack the venting, combustion chamber, and safety components needed for a gas flame. Switching to gas means removing the electric unit and installing an entirely new fireplace, vent, and gas line—an extensive project that often costs more than starting fresh with a purpose-built gas model.

Yes, gas fireplaces are a more eco-friendly option. Compared with a wood-burning unit, a natural gas fireplace releases roughly half to two-thirds the CO2 per unit of heat and far fewer particulates. That cleaner burn means better indoor air quality, less creosote buildup, and higher overall efficiency—benefits for both your home and the environment.