Last updated: September 24, 2026
Local housing snapshot: San Francisco, CA
- Population: about 836,000
- Median year homes were built: 1945
- Homes built before 1980: 77%
- Owner-occupied homes: 38%
Older homes can mean different materials, wiring, venting or permit needs. Mention your home's age when you contact a provider.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 2019–2023 5-year estimates.
What affects the price
When you are looking at wood fireplaces, the final cost depends on several moving parts. Choosing between a pre-fabricated insert and a custom masonry build is the biggest factor. You also have to think about venting requirements, the type of chimney lining needed, and the finish materials like stone or brick veneer. If your home needs structural modifications to meet current safety codes, that will add to the labor hours. We look at your specific setup to provide a clear path forward. Exact pricing confirmed free on the call.
About this service
Frequently asked in San Francisco
Is it worth it to have a wood-burning fireplace?
For many San Francisco homeowners, the ambiance and supplemental heat a wood-burning fireplace provides are highly valued. It adds a classic touch and can be a focal point for relaxation. The enjoyment and aesthetic appeal are significant reasons it's considered worthwhile.
What is the most efficient wood-burning fireplace?
The most efficient options are typically EPA-certified wood-burning fireplace inserts. These are designed to burn fuel more completely, extracting more heat and producing fewer emissions. This makes them a more environmentally friendly and cost-effective choice for your San Francisco home.
How expensive is a wood-burning fireplace?
Will a wood-burning fireplace heat a house?
A wood-burning fireplace can provide good supplemental heat for a San Francisco home, especially in smaller or well-insulated spaces. While it might not be the sole heat source for larger residences, it can effectively warm a main living area and reduce reliance on central heating. Inserts are generally more efficient.
Are wood-burning fireplace inserts worth it?
Yes, for many homeowners, they are a wise investment. Inserts greatly improve the efficiency of traditional fireplaces, burning wood more cleanly and producing more heat. This can lead to lower heating costs and a more comfortable living environment in San Francisco.
What is the average cost of a wood-burning fireplace insert?
Also serving nearby: Daly City · Richmond · San Mateo · Berkeley · Oakland
More on this: EPA Burn Wise — efficient clean burning.
Service area details
Serving all of San Francisco — population 808,988; about 17,323 residents per square mile across 46.7 sq mi. ZIP codes covered include 94102, 94103, 94104, 94105, 94107, 94108, 94109, 94110.
Neighborhoods served in San Francisco: Richmond District, Sunset District, Bernal Heights, Noe Valley, The Mission — and every surrounding area.
Areas we serve
Browse by state, then city.
Alabama (4)
All of Alabama · Birmingham · Huntsville · Mobile · Montgomery
Alaska (1)
Arizona (8)
All of Arizona · Gilbert · Glendale · Mesa · Peoria · Phoenix · Scottsdale · Tempe · Tucson
Arkansas (1)
California (32)
All of California · Anaheim · Bakersfield · Chula Vista · Elk Grove · Fontana · Fremont · Fresno · Garden Grove · Glendale · Huntington Beach · Irvine · Lancaster · Long Beach · Los Angeles · Modesto · Moreno Valley · Oakland · Oceanside · Ontario · Oxnard · Palmdale · Rancho Cucamonga · Riverside · Sacramento · San Bernardino · San Diego · San Francisco · San Jose · Santa Ana · Santa Clarita · Santa Rosa · Stockton
Colorado (3)
District of Columbia (1)
Florida (10)
All of Florida · Cape Coral · Fort Lauderdale · Hialeah · Jacksonville · Orlando · Pembroke Pines · Port St. Lucie · St. Petersburg · Tallahassee · Tampa
Georgia (3)
All of Georgia · Atlanta · Augusta-Richmond County · Columbus
Hawaii (1)
Idaho (1)
Illinois (2)
Indiana (2)
Iowa (1)
Kansas (2)
Kentucky (1)
Louisiana (3)
Maryland (1)
Massachusetts (2)
Michigan (2)
Minnesota (2)
Missouri (2)
Nebraska (1)
Nevada (4)
All of Nevada · Henderson · Las Vegas · North Las Vegas · Reno
New Jersey (2)
New Mexico (1)
New York (4)
All of New York · Buffalo · New York · Rochester · Yonkers
North Carolina (6)
All of North Carolina · Cary · Charlotte · Durham · Fayetteville · Greensboro · Winston-Salem
Ohio (5)
All of Ohio · Akron · Cincinnati · Cleveland · Columbus · Toledo
Oklahoma (2)
Oregon (3)
All of Oregon · Eugene · Portland · Salem
Pennsylvania (2)
Rhode Island (1)
South Dakota (1)
Tennessee (6)
All of Tennessee · Chattanooga · Clarksville · Knoxville · Memphis · Murfreesboro · Nashville-Davidson metropolitan government (balance)
Texas (18)
All of Texas · Amarillo · Arlington · Austin · Brownsville · Corpus Christi · Dallas · El Paso · Fort Worth · Frisco · Garland · Grand Prairie · Houston · Irving · Laredo · Lubbock · McKinney · Plano · San Antonio
Utah (1)
Virginia (5)
All of Virginia · Chesapeake · Newport News · Norfolk · Richmond · Virginia Beach
Washington (4)
All of Washington · Seattle · Spokane · Tacoma · Vancouver
