Otis Singleton
Electric fireplaces are often thought to be expensive to run, but this is a misconception. Electric fires are, in fact, more efficient than gas or wood-burning fireplaces, as all the energy supplied to the unit is converted into heat, which stays in the room. They are also easier to set up, as they don't require venting or gas lines. However, the cost of running an electric fireplace can vary depending on factors such as electricity prices in your area, how long you run the fireplace, and the power setting. Additionally, while electric fireplaces are more economical than other heating options, there are ways to further optimize energy usage and save money, such as insulating your home and using the low-power function.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Running costs | Lower than other types of fireplaces such as gas or wood burners |
| Efficiency | Almost 100% |
| Cost per hour | Varies depending on the electricity prices in the area. For example, $0.26 per hour in California, $0.08 per hour at the average hydro cost, and $0.03 per hour with an average electricity rate |
| Heat output | Around 5,000 BTUs |
| Wattage | 750-watt or 1,500-watt models |
| Cost-saving features | Low-power or economy settings |
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What You'll Learn
Electric fires are more efficient than gas fires or wood burners
Electric fires are generally considered more efficient than gas fires or wood burners. This is because all the energy supplied to the unit is converted into heat, which stays in the room to keep you warm. None of the heat is lost in a chimney or flue, as is the case with other options. With a gas fire, for example, you can achieve a high level of efficiency—up to 90%—but it still does not match the 100% efficiency of an electric fire.
The higher efficiency of electric fires means that, despite electricity being a more expensive fuel, the overall running costs are lower than those of gas or wood-burning stoves. Electric fires are also more flexible, low-maintenance, and healthier than gas or wood fires. They can mimic the aesthetics of a wood burner for a lower cost and without the health impacts of smoke or fumes.
However, it is worth noting that electric fires do not give out as much heat as gas or wood fires. Most electric fires are limited to a 2kW output or less, which is significantly lower than the range available from gas and wood-burning appliances. Therefore, while an electric fire may be more efficient in terms of energy use, it may not be the most cost-effective option for producing a high level of heat.
To optimize the efficiency of an electric fire, it is recommended to insulate wherever possible and fix any drafty doors or windows to retain heat. Some electric fires also have additional lighting, effects, or sound features that can increase electricity usage, so these should be turned off when not in use. Many modern electric fires have an economy or low-power setting that can help strike a balance between cost savings and heat output.
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Running costs are lower than other types of fireplaces
Electric fireplaces are often thought to be expensive to run, but this is not the case. They are, in fact, less expensive than gas and wood-burning fireplaces. For example, a Dimplex electric fireplace uses approximately 1500 Watts, and at the average hydro cost, the total cost to operate the flame and heater is approximately 8¢ per hour (when the heater cycles at 50%). In contrast, gas fireplace manufacturers regularly advertise running costs of 17¢ per hour. This difference in costs is because electric heat is 100% efficient. All the energy supplied to the unit is converted into heat, which stays in the room to keep you warm.
Electric fireplaces are also extremely efficient, more efficient than any other fuel source. No energy gets lost in the process of generating heat with an electric fire. In contrast, with more traditional fires, you can lose both energy and heat up a chimney, out of vents, and so on. This puts electric fireplaces at an almost 100% efficiency rating.
The hourly cost of operating an electric fireplace will depend on its wattage and the electricity prices in your area. For example, the cost per hour to run an electric fireplace in California is more expensive at $0.26 per hour, compared to Idaho, where the cost is $0.12 per hour.
Additionally, electric fireplaces can be run without heat, allowing you to enjoy the ambiance of the fireplace year-round. When you are not using the heat, the flames of an electric fireplace use slightly under 300 Watts of power. With an average electricity rate, the unit operates for a remarkable 3¢ per hour, providing all the ambiance and romance of a fireplace without the heat.
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They are a smart investment for warming your home
Electric fires are a smart investment for warming your home, offering a great level of warmth and comfort. They are highly efficient, with a near 100% efficiency rating, as no energy is lost in the process of generating heat. This is because all the energy supplied to the unit is converted into heat energy, which then stays in the room, keeping you warm. This is in contrast to traditional fires, where energy and heat can be lost up the chimney or out of vents.
Electric fireplaces are also more economical than gas or wood-burning fireplaces, which can be more expensive to run. For example, a Dimplex electric fireplace uses approximately 1500 Watts, costing around 8 cents per hour to run the flame and heater together. In comparison, gas fireplace manufacturers advertise running costs of 17 cents per hour. Electric fireplaces can also be run without heat, providing the ambiance of a fireplace all year round. With an average electricity rate, this costs around 3 cents per hour.
The cost of running an electric fire will depend on the power setting, how long it is used for, and the electricity prices in your area. For example, the cost per hour to run an electric fireplace in California is more expensive, at 26 cents per hour, compared to Idaho, where it is 12 cents per hour. The wattage of the unit will also impact the cost, with 750-watt and 1500-watt models available.
There are also ways to optimise your electric fire to save money. For example, insulating your home will help keep the heat in and reduce costs. You can also turn off additional lighting, effects, and sound, as these increase the amount of electricity needed. Many modern electric fires have an economy or low-power setting, allowing for decent cost savings while still providing a good level of heat output.
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They are cheaper to run than you might think
Electric fires are much cheaper to run than you might expect. They are more efficient than any other fuel source, with all the energy supplied to the unit being converted into heat, which stays in the room to keep you warm. This means that no energy is lost in the process of generating heat, unlike with traditional fires, where energy and heat can be lost up the chimney or out of vents. This gives electric fires an almost 100% efficiency rating.
Electric fires are also cheaper to run than gas fires or wood burners. For example, a Dimplex electric fireplace uses approximately 1500 Watts, and at the average hydro cost, the total cost to operate the flame and heater is approximately 8¢ per hour (when the heater cycles at 50%). In comparison, gas fireplace manufacturers regularly advertise running costs of 17¢ per hour.
The cost of running an electric fire will depend on the electricity prices in your area, as well as how long you run the fire for and at what setting. For example, some people use their electric fire for only 1 hour a day, while others use it for 8 hours. The wattage of the electric fire will also affect the hourly cost of operating the unit, with most electric fireplaces typically coming as either 750-watt or 1,500-watt models.
There are also ways to optimise your opportunities to save money when using an electric fire. For example, insulating wherever possible is always a good start, although it can be expensive upfront. Fixing any drafty doors and windows will also help to keep the heat in. You can also turn off additional features such as lighting, effects, and sound, as these will increase the amount of electricity needed. Many modern electric fires have an economy or low-power setting that can also help to keep costs down.
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There are ways to save money when using an electric fire
Electric fires are not as expensive to run as you may think. In fact, they are more efficient than gas fires or wood burners. However, there are still ways to save money when using an electric fire.
Firstly, you can save money by insulating your home. Although this can be expensive initially, it will benefit you in the long term by helping to keep the heat in and reducing the amount of heat lost through drafts. If the initial cost of insulation seems high, you can start by fixing any drafty doors or windows.
Another way to save money is to make use of the low-power function on your electric fire. Many modern electric fires have an economy or low-power setting, which allows for a good level of heat output while saving you money. You can also turn off any additional lighting, effects, or sound, as these increase the amount of electricity needed.
If you only spend a lot of time in one room, you can use your electric fire as part of a supplemental zone heating strategy. This involves only heating the rooms that you are using, rather than wasting money heating empty rooms. This strategy is more energy-efficient and can help you save money on your heating bills.
Finally, you can shop around for energy providers that offer lower rates or provide incentives that can save you money. The amount on your energy bill depends on the per kWh rate of your current electric company, so switching to a company with lower rates could reduce your bill.
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Frequently asked questions
Electric fire heaters are not as expensive to run as you might think. They are more efficient than any other fuel source as all the energy supplied is converted into heat. This means that no energy is lost in the process of generating heat, unlike with traditional fires.
Electric fire heaters are generally cheaper to run than gas fires or wood burners. For example, a Dimplex electric fireplace uses approximately 1500 Watts and costs around 8 cents per hour to run, while gas fireplace manufacturers advertise running costs of 17 cents per hour.
The cost of running an electric fire heater depends on factors such as the electricity prices in your area, how long you run the heater for, and the power setting. Additionally, some electric fire heaters have additional features like lighting and sound, which can increase electricity consumption.
