How to Switch from a Gas Fireplace to an Electric Fireplace

For many people, the gas fireplace is the last gas appliance in their home.

By Erin O’Kelley Muck, Ashland Climate Collaborative Executive Director

In 2019, I stopped using my natural gas fireplace. When I learned how burning natural gas causes pollution that’s warming the planet, I went cold turkey. But I missed the cozy heat in the wintertime, especially on days when it’s bone-chilly outside.

In 2025, I decided to make the switch to an electric fireplace. But where to start?

I actually called Avista, our natural gas provider, and the customer service representative was kind and helpful. She suggested I reach out to an HVAC company to get a quote.

She also explained that when our house is finally all-electric, I need to call Avista to have them come “cap my gas line” at the street. Then we’ll be fully gas-free.

We have one appliance to go (our heating and cooling system) – can’t wait for that day!

I’ve heard people mention they want to keep their gas fireplace because they want a heat source if the power goes out.

But this isn’t true for all gas fireplaces. If it has a blower to distribute the heat, the blower can’t function in a power outage; it can only heat the space directly in front of the fireplace with radiant heat. Most newer gas fireplaces have an electric pilot light, which won’t work in an outage. Still others have a standing pilot light that is lit with a match and then burns continuously. While these would work in a power outage, having a gas pilot light burning 24/7/365 is not climate-friendly.

In my case, I was motivated and ready to start figuring this out. So I called a local HVAC company. They were friendly and even visited my home. But then they said I would have to demolish my entire hearth—brick work and all—to install an electric fireplace!  My jaw dropped with disbelief. Wow! No thanks. I’d rather keep looking at my unused gas fireplace than bring a wrecking ball into my living room.

Then – aha! I asked our very own Electrify Ashland Now team member John Spillman for his advice. An Earth Advantage sustainability consultant, John cut right to the chase:

“Stop by Warmth in Phoenix and talk to Steve. They sell electric, gas, and wood fireplaces and are a good source of information. We were very happy with their service and expertise.” warmthfireplaceandhome.com 541-897-5899

And sure enough, that’s what happened.

Over the phone, I explained that I wanted to replace our gas fireplace with an electric one about the same size. I took measurements and we texted a few photos back and forth. He suggested I visit their showroom in Phoenix when he was working to chat and check out their demo fireplaces in person.

The showroom is beautiful. Owned by Steve and his wife, they have impeccable taste and offer a huge selection of fireplaces: electric, wood-burning, and gas.

Of all their options, I personally was drawn to the Modern Flame Redstone insert ($1000), the Modern Flame Orion ($2500), and the Amantii Bespoke ($2698).

Bespoke

Now for the cost. He charged $800 to rip out the old fireplace and install the new one. Depending on the fireplace I selected, the total price for the project would be between $1800 and  $3500 (possibly more).

For me, this was a big purchase. I had an idea of the ballpark cost prior to contacting Warmth, and had been saving. I get that for some folks, this kind of project isn’t a high priority. But for me, with my commitment to move away from fossil fuels, I was ready to make the investment.

After visiting the showroom and making my selection, we set up the appointment. The big day arrived – December 10, 2025 – and in about four hours, the new fireplace was installed!

Tearing out the gas fireplace.

The process looks messy from the outside – and is incredibly loud – but Steve and his assistant laid protective blankets on the floor and covered the hearth. When he was welding, actual sparks were flying in my living room! But by the time they were finished, it was super tidy and lovely and no damage had been done.

The fireplace comes with a remote control, so now, with the click of a button, I can turn on my fireplace. I can adjust the flames (speed and color), the glowing embers (color and intensity), and the moonlight on the logs. I can click the sound button and hear it crackle if I want. And I can set the heat to high, low, or auto.

Steve disposed of the old natural gas fireplace equipment, recycling what he could. He also capped the unused gas line in the fireplace.

The new electric fireplace.

We’re back in business! It’s winter in Ashland once again and I’m cozy by the fireplace for the first time in six years. I feel great about using Ashland’s clean hydro-electricity to power my electric fireplace.

Electric Fireplace Resources

There are a huge variety of electric fireplaces – inserts, wall-mounted, mantle fireplace, recessed, free-standing, tv stands, and outdoor. I did quite a bit of research before deciding what to purchase.

• Electrify Now Fact Sheet – Types and Styles of Fireplaces (pdf)
• Electrify Now Article – Install an Electric Fireplace
• DIY –  How to Install An Electric Insert
• Electrify Now Webinar (video below) – Electric Fireplaces: Cozy and Clean

Rogue Valley Electric Fireplace Vendors

Warmth: Fireplace, Home, Hearth in Phoenix
warmthfireplaceandhome.com
541-897-5899
Instagram
Ask for Steve and let him know that Ashland Climate sent you!

Keller Supply in Medford (across from Grovers)
kellersupply.com
541-773-4300
They sell units but don’t install them. You need to contact an HVAC service for the installation.

Orleys in Medford
orleys.com/stoves
541-779-5340
Buy a fireplace from the shop and their service division will install it.

Home Depot
Don’t carry them in-store. Buy online and install yourself or have an HVAC company install.
homedepot.com

Does your company sell or install fireplaces? Email us to be added to our list.

Let’s go electric, Ashland!

At Ashland Climate Collaborative, our mission is to have as many homes on clean energy as possible. Let’s move away from burning fossil fuels like natural gas and embrace Ashland’s clean electricity, powered by water.

If you’re interested in learning more about making this switch, our team is happy to provide a free home energy review.

We also offer stylish “We’re Going Electric” yard signs for free, and will gladly bring them to your door. There are stickers for many appliances, including electric fireplaces.

It takes a village to collectively build a healthier future – let’s have that village be Ashland! We look forward to meeting you.