Gas Fireplace for Your Basement

A new gas fireplace added to your basement floor plan is a great way to add style and warmth to your new spaces. Inexpensive to purchase and easy to install, the gas fireplace can be fitted quite easily into any room configuration.

There are 2 different primary operating styles for the residential gas fire place, the “vent-less” models and the “vented” models. Both work well in the basement environment. The “vent-less” model as the name would imply needs no venting at all, and burns 99% clean (no odors or smoke) and are 100% safe in basement settings. The “vented” units need to vented to the outside of the home with a code approved vent kit which is usually sold separate. Both styles work well in the basement. The vented units are more labor intensive and do require a hole to be cut through from the basement to the outside of the house.

Units are similar in price as well. You can expect to pay around $750.00 to $1,200 for these fireplace inserts, this would include the fire-box, the flame burner, and wall surround kit. These units are very easy to install into your basement wall 2″ x 4″ framing. You can dress up the surround kit by adding a wood mantle or a ceramic tile surround and hearth.

Personally I like the “vent-less” models for the added ease of installation! They look great and function just as well as the vented models. Both versions can be ordered with optional fan-blower kits to help maximize the heating efficiency of the unit. These units will add a great deal extra warmth and atmosphere to any basement project.

I suggest that the actual gas line and gas shutoff for the unit be installed by mechanical contractor who is certified to work on gas appliances. The fireplace itself can be totally installed by the homeowners, but the actual gas connections and the first test-firing of the unit should be done by a certified specialist!