Types of gas fireplace

Inserts for an existing fireplace use the chimney as the flue. The chimney has to be clear and sound.
Room-sealed (balanced flue) fireplaces take air from outside and vent through an outside wall. They need no chimney and do not use the air in the room.
Flueless gas heaters and fires vent into the room and are only allowed with the ventilation the manufacturer specifies. Ask the installer whether one suits your room.

What the installation involves

Site check: the chimney or wall, the room size and ventilation, and the gas line route.
The flue or vent and the fireplace itself, fitted as the manufacturer specifies.
The gas line from the cylinders or meter, with a shut-off valve.
Leak test and commissioning.
Certificate of Conformity for the installation. See gas CoC.

What affects the price

The fireplace or insert itself, and the flue or vent kit it needs.
Building work: a new opening, a surround or chimney repairs.
The length of the gas line.

Typical ranges are on gas installation costs.

Where people ask for this

In the last 12 months, gas fireplace installation requests through National Gas Installers came from Johannesburg (16), Pretoria (16), East Rand (9), Centurion (4), Cape Town (4), Bloubergstrand (3), Witbank (3), Bloemfontein (3), Alberton (2), Roodepoort (2), Bellville and Durbanville (2), Durban (2) and Strand and Somerset West (1). Each area page shows who the local installers are: