Trystan Casey
Electric fireplaces have a reputation for being expensive to run, but this is not necessarily true. In fact, electric fireplaces are often more cost-effective than traditional gas or wood-burning fireplaces. They are also more environmentally friendly, as they do not emit hazardous fumes and have a carbon footprint of practically zero. There are many factors that affect the running costs of an electric fireplace, such as the per kilowatt-hour rate in the area, the wattage of the unit, and its operating time. However, with a few simple calculations, it is easy to work out how much an electric fireplace will add to your electricity bill.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Running costs | Electric fireplaces have a reputation for being expensive to run, but they are more cost-effective than you might expect. |
| Comparison to other fuel sources | Electric fireplaces are cheaper to run than gas fires or wood burners. |
| Energy efficiency | Electric fireplaces are extremely efficient as all the energy converts into heat energy. |
| Maintenance costs | Electric fireplaces have minimal maintenance costs compared to traditional wood-burning or gas fireplaces. |
| Installation costs | Electric fireplaces do not require installation costs, unlike gas or wood-burning fireplaces. |
| Impact of home energy efficiency | The energy efficiency of your home impacts the running costs of an electric fireplace. A well-insulated, draught-free home will help keep costs down. |
| Unit price/rate | The unit price or rate is the amount your electricity supplier charges per kilowatt-hour (kWh). The heat output of electric fireplaces is typically around 1.4 kW to 1.6 kW. |
| Running cost calculation | To calculate the running costs, you need your most recent electricity bill and details of the appliance. |
| Cost-saving measures | To save money on running costs, you can use the flame-only setting, turn off the appliance when not in use, and consider the low-power function. |
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What You'll Learn
Electric fireplaces are more cost-effective than you might expect
Electric fireplaces have an unfair reputation for being expensive to run. However, they are more cost-effective than you might expect. In fact, they are less expensive to run than gas and wood-burning fireplaces. For example, a Dimplex electric fireplace can be operated for just pennies a day. At an average electricity rate, the unit operates for around 3 cents per hour when the flame is on without the heat. When the heat feature is activated along with the flame, a Dimplex electric fireplace uses approximately 1500 Watts. At the average hydro cost, the total cost to operate the flame and heater is approximately 8 cents per hour (when the heater cycles at 50%).
The cost of running an electric fireplace depends on several factors, such as the per kilowatt-hour rate in your area, the wattage of your unit, and its operating time. The heat output varies between different electric fires but is typically around 1.4kW to 1.6kW. For most households, the feature of an electric fireplace that will get the most use is the flame effect. On modern electric fires, the flame effects are created by highly efficient LED lighting. Many fires have a flame-only setting, so you can use the lights independently of the heater. The running costs for electric fire flame effects are minuscule.
There are also ways to reduce the consumption of your electric fireplace. Firstly, running an electric fireplace at maximum power consumes a lot of electricity. Operating one at a lower temperature setting can cut its power usage in half. Secondly, if your electric-powered fireplace has a thermostat, you can set the desired temperature in your room. The fireplace will then turn on only when the temperature drops below your setting. Thirdly, insulating wherever possible will help to keep costs down. Fixing any drafty doors and windows will help keep the heat in. Even turning off at the mains can help save money.
Compared to other fuel sources used for fireplaces, electricity ranks well in terms of cost-efficiency. Based on a 1kW fire, it is second only to a flueless gas fire for cost per kilowatt-hour. Electric fires are also extremely efficient, more efficient than any other fuel source. All the energy converts into heat energy, whereas with traditional fires, energy and heat can be lost up the chimney or out of vents. Electric fireplaces are also a fantastic option for those looking for a hassle-free fireplace experience with little to no maintenance, and low annual expenses related to cleaning and maintenance.
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Running costs depend on how you use the fire
If you want to calculate the running costs of an electric fireplace, you can do so by using the information on your electricity bill and the details of the appliance. The unit price or unit rate is the amount your electricity supplier charges you per kilowatt-hour (kWh). This is the amount of electricity needed to run a 1,000-watt (1 kW) appliance for an hour. The heat output varies between different electric fires but is typically around 1.4 kW to 1.6 kW.
The running costs for electric fire flame effects are minuscule. For example, when not using heat, the flames of an electric fireplace use slightly under 300 watts of power. With an average electricity rate, the unit operates for about 3 cents per hour.
If you use the heater, the costs will be higher. For example, a Dimplex electric fireplace uses approximately 1,500 watts. At the average hydro cost, the total cost to operate the flame and heater is approximately 8 cents per hour (when the heater cycles at 50%). These amounts can fluctuate depending on the electricity rates in your specific area. Running an electric fireplace at maximum power consumes a lot of electricity, so operating one at a lower temperature setting can cut its power usage in half.
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Insulating your home will keep costs down
Electric fireplaces are more cost-effective than one might expect, and they are also perhaps the most transparent of all heating appliances when it comes to running costs. However, the energy efficiency of your home will play a key role in the overall cost of running an electric fireplace.
Insulating your home is one of the best ways to keep costs down. A staggering 27% of the UK's total carbon emissions come directly from domestic energy supply, including home heating. A UK household can lose up to one-third of its total heat to poor insulation, which is equivalent to throwing away £1 for every £3 spent on heating. Insulating your walls, floor, and loft can save you £630-£730 annually on energy bills. Loft insulation alone can cut your energy bills by up to £270 annually in a semi-detached home.
There are many simple yet effective ways to insulate your home, which can significantly reduce heat loss while lowering your heating bills. Fitting your hot water cylinder with an insulating jacket will save you £40 a year in Great Britain (GB) and £45 in Northern Ireland (NI) in heating costs. You can also insulate your ground floor if you live in a house, bungalow, or ground-floor flat. If you have a concrete ground floor, you can insulate it when it needs to be replaced, or you can add rigid insulation boards on top. If you have a suspended timber floor, you can insulate it by adding rigid insulation boards on top.
Cavity walls can be insulated by a professional, who will inject insulation material into the cavity. Solid walls can be insulated from the inside or outside of your home. Internal wall insulation is done by fitting rigid insulation boards to the wall, or by building a stud wall filled in with insulation material. External wall insulation involves fixing a layer of insulation material to the wall, then covering it with plasterwork or cladding.
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Electric fireplaces are more efficient than traditional fireplaces
Electric fireplaces have a reputation for being expensive to run. However, they are more cost-effective than you might expect and are more transparent than other heating appliances when it comes to running costs. In fact, electric fires are cheaper to run than other fuel sources used for fireplaces. Based on a 1kW fire, it ranks second only to a flueless gas fire for cost per kilowatt hour.
Electric fireplaces are extremely energy efficient. They convert 100% of the energy into heat, with no energy lost in the process of generating heat. This is in contrast to traditional fireplaces, where energy and heat can be lost up a chimney or out of vents. Electric fireplaces with flame-only settings can also help to reduce costs.
Additionally, electric fireplaces are more energy efficient than gas fireplaces. Gas fireplaces tend to generate a lot more heat than electric fireplaces, but they also let some hot air escape outside. Gas fireplaces typically use 7,000-16,000 BTUs, but they generate three times more heat than an electric fireplace. Electric fireplaces, on the other hand, have BTUs ranging from 3,000 to 10,000 per hour, which results in a lower heat output. However, they can convert nearly all input energy into heat, making them highly energy efficient.
The energy efficiency of your home also plays a role in electric fire running costs. A well-insulated, draught-free home will help to keep costs down, while a draughty property with poor insulation will cost more to heat. Simple measures such as fixing drafty doors and windows can help improve energy efficiency and reduce costs.
Overall, electric fireplaces are a more efficient option than traditional fireplaces due to their ability to convert all energy into heat, their transparency in running costs, and the potential for cost savings through features like flame-only settings and improved home insulation.
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Electric fireplaces are low-maintenance
Unlike traditional wood-burning or gas fireplaces, electric fireplaces do not require annual chimney sweeps or flue cleaning, saving you money on maintenance fees. Electric fireplaces are also more energy-efficient than traditional fireplaces, as they use 100% of the energy they consume to produce heat, with no energy lost up the chimney or out of vents. This makes them a cost-effective option for heating your home.
The running costs of an electric fireplace are transparent and easy to calculate. They depend on the heat output, the electricity price in your area, and how often you use the fireplace. You can simply multiply the unit cost of electricity by the energy level of the fireplace to estimate the cost of running it per hour.
To reduce running costs, you can take advantage of the flame-only settings on many electric fireplaces, which use highly efficient LED lighting to create a cosy atmosphere without generating heat. Additionally, you can turn off the plug when the fireplace is not in use, as even in standby mode, electric fireplaces use very little electricity.
Compared to gas and wood-burning fireplaces, electric fireplaces are generally considered more cost-effective and better for the environment, as they do not emit hazardous fumes or produce a carbon footprint. They are also easier to set up, as they don't require venting or gas lines.
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Frequently asked questions
Electric fireplaces have a reputation for being expensive to run, but this is not necessarily true. They are more cost-effective than you might expect and are transparent when it comes to running costs. The cost of running an electric fireplace depends on how you use it, the kW rating, and the electricity prices in your area. For example, if you have a 1.2kW electric fire and are charged 25p per unit of electricity, it will cost 30p to run for an hour.
Electric fireplaces are generally considered to be cheaper to run than gas fireplaces or wood burners. They are also more energy-efficient as all the energy supplied is converted into heat, whereas traditional fireplaces lose energy and heat through chimneys and vents. Electric fireplaces also have lower maintenance costs as they do not require annual chimney sweeps.
To reduce the running costs of an electric fireplace, you can ensure your home is well-insulated and draught-free. You can also turn off the fireplace when you leave the room or turn it off at the plug. Many modern electric fires also have an economy or low-power setting.
