Does electric fireplace increase home insurance?

Author: Randy Bernhard  |  Last update: Wednesday, October 1, 2025

Electric Fireplaces and Homeowner's Insurance Installing an electric fireplace can affect your insurance premiums. Insurance companies often consider electric fireplaces safer than traditional wood-burning ones. This perception can lead to lower rates since electric models pose less fire risk.

Does an electric fireplace increase insurance?

How do fireplaces affect insurance premiums? 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.

What is the downside of an electric fireplace?

For many, the biggest drawback of an electric fireplace is its inability to replicate the authentic experience of a wood-burning fireplace. The distinct sound of crackling wood and the characteristic smell of burning logs are conspicuously absent in electric models.

Does it cost more to insure a house with a fireplace?

Yes. A house with a fireplace will likely increase home insurance costs because having a fireplace correlates with a greater risk of fire.

Do electric fireplaces reduce home value?

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 Use a Lot of Electricity?

Do high end homes have electric fireplaces?

The concept of “modern flames” has become increasingly popular in contemporary interior design. High-end electric fireplaces are at the forefront of this trend, offering sleek, minimalist designs that complement modern architectural styles.

What increases house value the most?

10 quick wins for adding value before selling
  1. Redecorate. ...
  2. Fix superficial defects. ...
  3. The front door. ...
  4. Declutter. ...
  5. Heating and lighting. ...
  6. Garden appeal. ...
  7. Create a driveway / off-road parking. ...
  8. Look smart and be energy efficient.

What kind of fireplace adds value to home?

Wood-burning fireplaces hold a timeless charm and are appreciated by buyers who enjoy the traditional crackling sound and aroma of burning wood — especially during the holidays. Homes with well-maintained wood-burning fireplaces may see an increase in resale value, particularly in colder areas.

Do fireplaces save on heating bills?

In short, having a fireplace can be cozy and inviting during the cold winter months, but they aren't a good option when saving money on your utility bills. It's more cost-effective to use your fireplace to enjoy on occasion, not as a supplemental heating source for your home.

Is it better to have an electric fireplace or not?

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.

What is the life expectancy of an electric fireplace?

Electric fireplaces typically have a lifespan of 10 to 20 years, primarily influenced by the unit's quality and how well it is maintained. High-quality electric fireplaces often use low wattage and can easily plug into a standard 120-volt household outlet for efficient operation.

Is it bad to leave an electric fireplace on all night?

Electric fireplaces are generally safe to leave on overnight, provided they have safety features like overheat protection.

How much does an electric fireplace raise your bill?

Daily and Monthly

Some states have higher electricity prices making electric fireplaces expensive to use in those areas. Using the average price of $0.1319 per kWh and the typical wattage of electric fireplaces (1500 watts), you'll spend about $4.75 a day if you run your fireplace for 24 hours.

Is insurance higher on electric?

Electric car insurance costs between 18 and 30 percent more, on average, than insurance for gas-powered vehicles.

Does electric fireplace decrease home value?

Unlike wood-burning fireplaces, there's no need for chimneys or venting systems, which further reduces expenses. Installing an electric fireplace can increase a home's resale value. Many buyers appreciate the added warmth and ambiance it provides.

What is the best electric fireplace heater to buy?

Our Top Picks for the Best Electric Fireplaces on Amazon:
  • Best Overall: Duraflame Freestanding Electric Fireplace, $300 $230.
  • Best Mantel: Ameriwood Home Mateo Electric Mantel Fireplace, $300 $225.
  • Best Design: TerraFlame Lloyd Modern Gel Fuel Fireplace $700.
  • Best TV Stand: OKD Luxury Fluted Fireplace TV Stand, $600 $540.

Do fireplaces increase insurance?

Standard homeowners insurance covers damage from fire and smoke, including accidental fires caused by chimney fires and fireplaces. However, insurance carriers typically charge higher premiums for homes with fireplaces because they see an increased risk that they'll have to pay out a claim.

Why did my homeowners insurance go up so much?

Several factors are behind the rising rates. Severe weather events continue to cause serious damage and costly insurance claims. The rising cost of building materials, supply chain issues and unfilled jobs are driving up the costs of home repairs.

Is Progressive good for home insurance?

We're one of the top 15 homeowners insurance carriers in the nation with an A+ rating from A.M. Best for all Progressive personal lines companies.

What devalues a house the most?

8 things that will devalue your home
  • It's important to every homeowner that their property retains its value. ...
  • 1) Poor workmanship. ...
  • 2) An increase in crime levels. ...
  • 3) A substandard kitchen. ...
  • 4) Noise pollution. ...
  • 5) Uninspiring exterior. ...
  • 6) How silent are the neighbours? ...
  • 7) Not energy efficient enough.

What room adds the most value to a house?

Primary Suite Addition

Adding a primary suite that includes a large primary bathroom and walk-in closet is not only a functional and smart choice for day-to-day living, it's a good investment. This type of addition brings, on average, a 63% return.

What state has the most overpriced housing market?

The most overvalued markets to purchase a home tend to be located in high-priced vacation home markets in Hawaii, in both coastal and inland California markets, Seattle and New York City, as well as still-competitive “Zoomtowns,” including Greeley and Fort Collins in Colorado and Boise, Idaho.

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