Are Electric Fireplaces Energy-Efficient?

What you need to know about electric fireplaces

Electric fireplaces offer a unique and convenient heating option for homeowners. Available in a wide variety of designs, sizes, and appearances, an electric fireplace can work in almost any installation depending on the needs of the customer. If its heat and energy efficiency you’re after, here are the factors you need to consider when selecting an electric fireplace.

Do electric fireplaces really heat a room?

Electric fireplaces can be a great option for heating a room. However, there are numerous makes and models of electric fireplaces, and not all fireplaces will heat a room the same way. You’ll need to pay attention to manufacturer specifications regarding BTU to determine if a fireplace will meet your heating needs.

Some electric fireplaces are solely for decorative purposes and offer no heat output, but most electric fireplaces feature an integrated heater of some kind. Most electric fireplaces operate on a standard household outlet (120 volts) and provide between 4,500 and 5,000 BTU-roughly the same output as a small electric space heater. This means an electric fireplace like this Dimplex BLF can comfortably heat an area approximately 450 square feet in size.

Dimplex BLF Wall Mount/Built-In Series Electric Fireplace

If you’re looking for maximum heat output from an electric fireplace, consider a fireplace model designed to operate on 240 volts. Most 240-volt fireplace units provide a heat output in the neighborhood of 8,500 BTU-enough heat to comfortably warm approximately 1,000 square feet of space. If your electrical setup is designed for this kind of draw, a 240-volt electric fireplace like the Napoleon Alluravision can offer an impressive heating option.

NEFL Alluravision Deep Depth Linear Electric Fireplace Insert

Do electric fireplaces use a lot of electricity?

How much does it cost to run an electric fireplace?

The total cost of running an electric fireplace depends on three main factors: the power consumption of the unit itself, operating time, and the cost of electricity in your area. Using the general specifications we mentioned earlier (120 volts, 1,500 watts, and 12.5 amps), we can provide a reasonable estimate of the cost to operate an electric fireplace. Currently, the average cost of electricity in the United States is approximately 12 cents per kilowatt-hour. This means it will cost you approximately 15 cents per hour to operate an electric fireplace.

Is an electric fireplace more expensive than a gas fireplace?

Are you ready to add an electric fireplace to your home or business?

Originally published at https://www.fireplacesdirect.com on November 21, 2019.