Looking at just the averages, running an electric fireplace for 24 hours could add around $5.76 to your bill per day. On a particularly cold month, that could mean an extra $172.80 to $178.56 — if you left the fireplace on all day, every day.
Electric fireplaces can increase your electric bill, but they are generally more energy-efficient than other heating sources. The cost will depend on the model's energy consumption and how frequently it's used.
An electric fireplace using between 1,000 to 2,000 watts can add about $57.60 to $74.40 monthly if used for four hours daily. This translates roughly to an average rate of around 13 cents per kiloWatt-hour in the U.S., depending on local electricity rates.
Electricity required. Some homeowners rely on wood-burning fireplaces for emergency heat during blizzards and/or extreme cold when the local electrical grid may be down. Electric fireplaces cannot function without electrical power.
The running costs for electric fire flame effects are minuscule. All of the LED lights inside an electric fireplace might have a combined power rating of as little as 10 watts. Even in larger fires, the total power rating of all the LEDs is likely to be less than 30 watts.
In most situations, if you are staying in the room where the fireplace is located, it will be cheaper to use an electric fireplace than it will be to use your central heating.
What costs the most on your electric bill? Heating and cooling are by far the greatest energy users in the home, making up around 40% of your electric bill. Other big users are washers, dryers, ovens, and stoves. Electronic devices like laptops and TVs are usually pretty cheap to run, but of course, it can all add up.
Electric fireplaces may have lower heat outputs than other types of fireplaces. However, they can convert nearly all input energy to heat, making them highly energy efficient. They are also the best for small spaces and rooms to help cut out the chill, especially in winter.
Electric fireplaces are generally safe to leave on overnight, provided they have safety features like overheat protection.
By lowering the thermostat by 10-15 degrees and adding electric heat to the room that you're in the most, you can reduce the use of wasted energy and save up to 15% on your gas bills. Electric fireplaces also save you from chimney cleanings, service checks, and maintenance fees.
Adding a fireplace can impact your home insurance premiums. Wood-burning and gas fireplaces may increase premiums due to higher risks of fire and chimney damage. Electric fireplaces typically have less impact on insurance costs because they pose lower fire risks.
Most manufacturers recommend only leaving the fireplace running if the heating element is turned off. You can still leave the faux flames flickering for as long as you want without worrying about any safety issues.
Hourly Cost: Electric fireplaces typically cost around $0.18 per hour. Factors Affecting Cost: Fireplace size, wattage, room insulation, and local electricity rates. Cost-Saving Tips: Use timers, choose energy-efficient models, and insulate rooms to retain heat.
An electric fireplace may emulate the look of flames, and can certainly provide radiant heat, but it doesn't generally give the same ambience as a gas fireplace, so if the house is otherwise reasonably well heated, such a replacement might lower resale value.
Do electric fireplaces really heat a room? The answer is yes – not as quickly as the traditional options but it does so in a safer and more efficient manner. With a number of benefits that make it an improvement on both gas and wood-burning fireplaces.
Environmental consciousness continues to dominate the market, and electric fireplaces are no exception. In 2025, manufacturers are focusing on creating models that are not only stylish but also eco-friendly. Look for fireplaces that offer improved energy efficiency, reduced power consumption, and smart heating modes.
As previously mentioned, most electric fireplaces consume between 1,000 to 2,000 watts per hour, with an average model using about 1,500 watts or 1.5 kilowatts (kW) per hour. This gives an estimate of 180 kWh per month for an electric fireplace running 4 hours per day.
An electric fireplace can be left on for an indefinite period of time. However, with the heating element on 24/7, you will notice a difference in your electric bill. That being said, many people leave their electric fireplace operating for extended periods of time, with the heat turned off.
Since electric fireplaces are effectively space heaters, they're safe to leave on overnight.
An electric fire can be a smart investment for warming your home if you shop around. In most cases and depending on the type, you will find them costing less to run than gas fires or wood burners. In addition to the running costs being lower, you will also benefit from the efficiency an electric fire can bring.
The most common reasons for a big jump in your electric bill include changes in your lifestyle, increased usage of energy-hungry appliances, and sudden weather changes.
The Givoni or Woods diagrams show a direct relationship between air speed and the drop in temperature felt by users of the room. In this case, a ceiling fan will consume between 20 and 50 watts (still a long way from the consumption of an air-conditioning system (800 to 1500 watts, i.e. 30 to 40 times more).