How much does a gas fireplace insert cost in Virginia?

There is no single Virginia price for a gas fireplace insert, and we found no dated price for an installed insert from a government or utility source. The total depends on the insert you choose and on what your existing fireplace and chimney need before it can go in. The only price in this guide that comes from a primary source is a utility rebate, covered below. For the rest, the reliable number is the one on an itemized written quote for your own house.

What goes into the price

The insert itself. Models differ in size, ignition, heat output, fan, trim and the look of the firebox. Kingsman's installation manual lists a minimum fireplace opening for each of its insert models,^[1] so the opening you have limits which models fit. The manual also covers brick and porcelain liner panels, glass doors, fronts and a fan with a variable speed control,^[1] and each choice can change the price.

The vent liner. An insert needs its own liner, usually two flexible pipes from the insert to a cap on top of the chimney. The vent liners must end in a rain cap, and the area between the existing chimney and the liner must be capped off.^[1] Taller chimneys and awkward bends mean more liner and more labour. If an old insert's liner is being reused, Kingsman says the existing vent liner, if it is being reused for a replacement insert, must be the proper size and be inspected for obstructions, damage and corrosion.^[1] The basics are in what a chimney liner is and whether you need one.

Chimney inspection, cleaning and repair. Kingsman says the chimney must be inspected, cleaned and repaired if necessary before a liner is run through it, and that a chimney used for a solid fuel fireplace must be professionally cleaned.^[1] A chimney in poor shape can add real cost, and it is better to hear about it in a quote than halfway through the job.

The gas supply. A fireplace that never burned gas needs a gas line run to it. A line that is already there still needs checking and connecting. Fairfax County says new gas piping installed with an appliance calls for a Residential Plumbing permit instead of a Household Appliance permit,^[3] which tells you the piping is treated as a job of its own.

Electrical, finishing and the surround. An insert with a fan and electronic ignition needs power at the fireplace. Trim kits, hearth changes and a new mantel or surround add to the total.

The permit. Fees and rules are set by your locality. Prince William County's permit guide lists installing a prefabricated fireplace, insert or wood stove among the work that always requires a permit.^[4] Fairfax County also requires a chimney vent certification for installing fuel-burning appliances in existing buildings.^[3] Ask each contractor whether the permit and inspection are in the price. See who can install a gas fireplace insert in Virginia for the licensing side.

A utility rebate worth checking

When we checked on October 27, 2026, Columbia Gas of Virginia was offering a $100 rebate for a high efficiency direct vent gas fireplace.^[2] The details matter:

• Rebates are available to its residential customers for direct vent gas fireplaces with a fireplace efficiency of 70% or more and an electronic pilot ignition.^[2]
• The unit must be purchased and installed on or after January 1, 2026, and all purchases and installations must be made by December 31, 2026.^[2]
• Columbia Gas of Virginia says the application must be received within 120 days of purchase and installation, or by January 31, 2027, whichever is sooner.^[2]
• The home must have primary natural gas heating, and the rebate is only for retrofit installation in existing homes.^[2]
• Columbia Gas of Virginia says rebate quantities are limited in number and are handled first come, first served.^[2]

If you are served by another gas or electric utility, ask whether it runs something similar.

Getting quotes you can compare

DPOR advises getting at least three written bids or estimates using identical plans and specifications so you can compare prices and contractors.^[5] For a gas insert, ask each contractor to put in writing:

• the insert model and size, ignition type and fan
• the vent liner: type, length and who supplies it
• the chimney inspection and any cleaning or repairs the contractor expects
• the gas line: what is being run, tested and connected
• electrical work, trim, surround and hearth changes
• the permit, inspection and clean-up
• warranty terms on the unit and on the labour

Virginia's contractor regulations call for a residential contract to state the total cost, the amount of the down payment, the schedule of progress payments, and the contractor's licence number, class and specialty services.^[6] DPOR's guide also advises limiting your deposit to 10% down or $1,000, whichever is less.^[5]

When to call a licensed pro

For the whole installation. If the work is valued at $1,000 or more, a valid Virginia contractor's licence is required for the licence category in which the contractor is to work.^[5] Virginia's Class C licence covers a single contract over $1,000 but less than $30,000; larger jobs fall to Class B or A.^[7] Check the licence before you pay a deposit; see how to check a contractor's licence in Virginia, and how a gas fireplace insert works so you know what a complete quote covers.

Loclis lists licensed fireplace and chimney businesses with their licence details. Browse chimney and fireplace services or read more chimney answers.

To get prices for your own fireplace, describe the job once and licensed local businesses quote it.