Otis Singleton
Electric fires are a popular addition to homes in the UK, offering a stylish centrepiece and a cleaner alternative to an open fire. However, with rising energy costs, many are concerned about the expense of running an electric fire. The cost of running an electric fire depends on a few factors, such as the wattage of the fire and the price of electricity from your utility company. Electric fires are generally more expensive to run than gas fires but are much cheaper than wood burners. They are also more energy-efficient than gas fires as all the energy used goes into the room and they do not require annual servicing.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Factors affecting the cost of running an electric fire | Wattage of the fire, cost of electricity |
| Average cost of a unit of electricity | 33.02 pence per KW |
| Average cost of electricity in the UK in 2018 | 14.37p/kWh |
| Average cost of gas in the UK in 2018 | 3.8p/kWh |
| Cost of running a 1 kW electric fire for 1 hour | 18 pence |
| Cost of running a 1.5 kW electric fire for 1 hour | 27.81 pence |
| Cost of running a 2 kW electric fire for 1 hour | £0.66 |
| Cost of running a 2 kW electric fire for 2 hours a day over 4 months | Based on the average UK unit price (14.37p/kWh) - £73.84 |
| Cost of running a 2 kW gas fire for 2 hours a day over 4 months | Based on the average UK unit price (3.8p/kWh) - £18.24 |
| Cost of running an LED electric fire on flame effect only for 1 year | £2 |
| Installation cost of an electric fire | Lower than a gas fire as they simply plug into a regular 13 amp socket |
| Maintenance cost of an electric fire | No annual service required, unlike solid fuel or gas fires |
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What You'll Learn
Electric fires are more expensive than gas but cheaper than wood burners
Electric fires are a great way to add a stylish centrepiece to your home and provide a cleaner alternative to an open fire. However, many people are concerned about the costs of running an electric fire. The answer is not straightforward as it depends on factors such as the wattage of the fire and the price of electricity from your utility company.
Electric fires are more expensive to run compared to gas fires. Gas is cheaper to buy than electricity, with electricity costing on average four times as much as gas. For example, the average cost of electricity per unit is 18.54 pence kW/h, whereas gas costs 3.8 pence kW/h. This means that a 1 kW electric fire will cost 18 pence to run for one hour, whereas a gas fire will cost less.
However, electric fires are more cost-effective than wood burners. Electric fires are 100% energy efficient because all of the power they use is converted into heat. They also do not require annual servicing or flue inspections, which can cost up to £70 per year. Electric fires are also cheaper to install than gas fires as they simply plug into a regular socket.
The total cost of using an electric fire depends on the make and model of the fire, as well as how you use it. For example, using the heat function will be more expensive than using the flame effect only. The Dimplex Kingsley 2kW Electric Inset Stove, for instance, will have higher running costs than the Ezee Glow 60" Celestial Built-In Electric Fire, which has lower heat output settings.
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The kW rating indicates the amount of electricity consumed per hour
The kW rating of an electric fire is its heat output or power rating. In other words, the kW rating indicates the amount of electricity consumed per hour. An electric fire with a higher kW rating will generate more heat and, consequently, consume more electricity. This means that electric fires with a higher kW rating cost more to run. For example, a 2kW fire will cost twice as much to run as a 1kW fire. The price of electricity varies depending on the utility company, but in the UK in 2018, the average cost of electricity was 14.37p/kWh. At this price, a 1kW fire would cost 14.37 pence per hour to run, while a 2kW fire would cost 28.74 pence per hour.
The total cost of using an electric fire depends on the make and model of the fire, as well as how it is used. Some electric fires have a flame effect that can be used independently of the heat function, which can create a cosy atmosphere without incurring high running costs. For example, Dimplex, a major manufacturer of electric fires in the UK, quotes an annual running cost of just £2 for their efficient LED fires when using the flame effect only. However, using the heat function will result in higher costs, as the amount of electricity consumed per hour increases.
It is worth noting that while the unit price of electricity is typically higher than gas, all of the energy produced by an electric fire goes into heating the room. Gas fires, on the other hand, often require flues and chimneys, which can result in heat loss. Additionally, electric fires do not require annual servicing or flue inspections, which can save around £50 per year. They are also generally less expensive to install than gas fires, as they simply plug into a standard socket. Therefore, despite the higher unit price of electricity, the long-term costs of running an electric fire may be comparable to those of a gas fire.
To estimate the cost of running an electric fire, you can use a fireplace running cost calculator. You will need to know the kW rating of the fire, your estimated usage time in hours, and the cost of your energy in pence per kilowatt-hour (kWh). This information can usually be found on your latest energy bill or your energy provider's app. By multiplying the kW rating of the fire by the cost per kWh and the number of hours of usage, you can calculate the approximate cost of running the electric fire.
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Running costs depend on the wattage of the fire
The price of electricity is a key factor in the running costs of an electric fire. The average cost of a unit of electricity in the UK is around 33.02 pence per kW, although this can vary significantly depending on your energy provider. The cost of electricity is higher than gas, but all of the energy used goes into your room. Electric fires are also generally cheaper to install than gas fires, as they simply plug into a regular 13 amp socket.
The make and model of the fire can also affect the running costs. For example, a 1500-watt freestanding stove with realistic flames costs around £25, while a wall-mounted 1000/2000 watt fire with a 7-day programmable feature and remote control costs around £380. Additionally, some electric fires have the option to use the flame effect independently of the heat, which can create a cosy atmosphere without the expense of running the heater.
Overall, while the running costs of an electric fire depend on various factors, including the wattage of the fire and the price of electricity, they can be a reasonable source of heat and may even out in price compared to gas fires over time.
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Installation costs are cheaper for electric fires
Electric fires are generally cheaper to install than other types of fires. This is due to a few factors. Firstly, electric fires are often standalone units that can simply be plugged into an existing power socket, whereas gas fires, for example, require a connection to a gas line, which may need to be installed by a professional.
Another factor is that electric fires do not require a chimney or ventilation system. This saves on installation costs, as there is no need for construction work to build or adapt a chimney, and no need for regular chimney sweeping and maintenance. Electric fires produce no emissions, so all the heat generated stays in the room, making them highly efficient.
The efficiency of electric fires is another reason why installation costs are lower. Electric fires are 100% energy efficient, as all the energy supplied is converted into heat energy. In contrast, gas fires are often only 70-80% efficient, with 20-30% of the energy lost through ventilation. This means that with a gas fire, you are paying for energy that you do not benefit from.
Finally, electric fires are low maintenance, requiring only occasional dusting and lightbulb changes every couple of years. This is in contrast to other types of fires, which may require regular maintenance and cleaning to keep them functioning efficiently and safely.
While the cost of running an electric fire will depend on the wattage and your electricity rate, installation costs are generally lower than for other types of fires due to their simplicity, efficiency, and lack of ventilation requirements.
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Electric fires are 100% energy-efficient
Electric fires are 100% energy efficient as all the power they use is converted into heat. This is because electricity is the primary source of energy for these fires, and there is no need for a vent or chimney, so no heat is lost through a pipe. Electric heaters are also considered 100% energy efficient because any losses in the system will be in the form of heat.
However, it is important to note that electricity costs significantly more than gas, which is about one-third the price of electricity. This means that while electric fires are more energy-efficient than gas fires, they may still be more expensive to run. This is because gas fireplaces are in the mid-70% to low-80% efficiency range, so a higher proportion of the cheaper fuel is lost as waste.
The cost of running an electric fire depends on its wattage and how much your utility company charges for electricity. A 1 kW electric fire will cost 18 pence to run for an hour if you are charged 18 pence per kW/h. A higher kW rating will generate more heat but will also consume more electricity, increasing the cost of running the fire.
Electric fires are a good option for those looking for an eco-friendly alternative to traditional fires, as they do not produce any emissions. They are also low-maintenance, only requiring occasional dusting and lightbulb replacements every 2 years. Electric fires can also be used to supplement a primary heat source, such as gas or oil, to reduce overall energy consumption.
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Frequently asked questions
The cost of running an electric fire depends on the wattage of the fire and how much your utility company charges for electricity. For example, a 1 kW fire will cost 18 pence per hour to run if you are being charged 18 pence per kW/h. The average cost of a unit of electricity is around 33 pence per KW.
Electric fires are more expensive than gas fires. However, gas is cheaper to buy than electricity, and electricity costs on average four times as much as gas. Electric fires are 100% energy efficient, whereas gas fires need an annual service, which costs around £50. Electric fires are also cheaper to install.
You can calculate the cost of running an electric fire by multiplying the kilowatts of the fire by the cost of your energy in pence per kilowatt. You can find the kilowatts of your fire in the product description and the cost of your energy on your latest energy bill.
Electric fires have the added advantage of being able to use the flame effect independently of the heat. This means you can have the warm glowing effect without using the heater, creating a cosy atmosphere without the expense of burning any fuel source.
