Electric fires are often cheaper in this case. You can easily find one for less than £200, though the most impressive designs can cost in excess of £1,000 or even £2,000. As for installation, electric fires have minimal costs as they don’t require a chimney.
Are electric fireplaces more energy efficient?
And, because electric is 100% efficient, all of the inputted energy (and associated costs) is converted to heat and flame effect with no wastage. Electric fireplaces have come a long way since their conception.
Why are electric fires so expensive to run?
Most assume that electric fires are expensive to run, this was down to the concept of electricity costing more per kWh than gas. However electric fires such as the Flamerite Gotham 1300 are 100% efficient since all the heat goes into the room as no chimney or flue is needed.
What are the advantages and disadvantages of electric fires?
The key benefits of electric fires is that they produce no smoke or emissions, plus they are 100% efficient. What’s more, if you use a renewable energy supplier, they can be highly eco-friendly. The only downside is that they usually need more energy than a gas fire to run. Gas fires also produce no smoke and use less energy than an electric fire.
Are gas fires more eco-friendly than electric fires?
What’s more, if you use a renewable energy supplier, they can be highly eco-friendly. The only downside is that they usually need more energy than a gas fire to run. Gas fires also produce no smoke and use less energy than an electric fire. However, they do use a non-renewable energy source. Winner… It’s a close call.
Do electric fireplaces use alot of electricity?
Do Electric Fireplaces Use a Lot of Electricity? Electric fireplaces use approximately the same amount of electricity as the average space heater. Since most fireplaces operate on a standard household outlet, they use 120 volts to power the internal heater and draw about 1,500 watts at 12.5 amps.
Is it cheaper to use an electric fire?
Electric fires can be easily incorporated in any kind of rooms, due to a mixture of options to choose from, in terms of color, shape and flame effects. It is a much cheaper version, compared to a conventional fireplace.
How much does it cost to run an electric fireplace for an hour?
How much does it cost to run an electric fireplace per hour? Based on the national average kilowatt-hour (kWh) rate of 12 cents, a 1,500-watt electric fireplace will cost around 18 cents per hour with all settings at maximum.
How much electricity does it take to run an electric fireplace?
The average electric fireplace uses nearly 1500 watts of power. If you use it just for ambience, then the cost can range anywhere from $0.003 to $0.03 per hour. However, if you use a heating unit as well, the costs will go up to around $0.09 per hour for a medium setting and $0.18 per hour for the maximum setting.
What is the cheapest way to heat a room?
Halogen heaters tend to be the cheapest radiant heaters as they have a low power rating (but also produce less heat), while oil-filled radiators are often the cheapest convector heater because there is a thermostat to control the temperature.
Is it cheaper to use electric fire or central heating?
So, is electric or gas heat cheaper? Using off-peak electricity, conventional electric heating may cost about twice as much as gas heating to run. And here's why: electric heaters are essentially 100% efficient.
Do electric fireplaces make your electric bill high?
On average, electric fireplaces will raise your monthly electricity bill by $32.50. This represents a 28.3% increase for the average US household. Again, this assumes $0.15 per kWh and 5 hours of use per day, over 30 days, on max power.
What are the pros and cons of electric fireplaces?
Electric fireplaces are a very popular form of fireplace thanks to their relatively low cost to purchase and install, ease of use, realistic looking flames and decent heat output....Electric Fireplace Pros & Cons (The Complete Guide)ProsConsDifferent types availableNo real fire smellsEasy to set upNon-serviceable partsMinimal install costsShorter life span13 more rows•Nov 21, 2020
Do electric fireplaces save on heating bills?
As far as fireplaces go, electric is the least expensive. One of the reasons why is because electric fireplaces provide supplemental zone heating. Zone heating saves money by allowing you to lower the overall temperature of your home by 10-15 degrees. Then, you heat only the room that is occupied.
Do electric fireplaces use a lot of electricity UK?
While many believe that electric fireplaces are high energy consumers, this is a myth. Based on average electricity rates, the total cost to operate the flame and heater of a 2kW electric fire constantly for two hours costs little more than £2 on a standard tariff.
Can I leave my electric fireplace on all night?
The Short Answer Yes, it is okay to leave an electric fireplace insert on overnight but it's best if you turn it off when possible. While it's not necessarily dangerous, it's important to observe basic safety precautions when using an electric fireplace.
How well do electric fireplaces heat a room?
Electric fireplaces can heat various room sizes. Many will comfortably heat a small- to medium-sized rooms up to 400 square feet, while others can heat larger rooms up to 1,000 square feet.
Is an electric fire cheaper to run than a gas fire?
Gas is typically cheaper than electricity. As we have already mentioned, gas fires also use less energy than an electric fire, too. So, they tend to be more economical to run. However, you should also bear in mind that gas fires require an annual safety inspection which also adds to the running costs.
How much does it cost to run an electric fire UK?
The average cost of a unit of electricity is around 18.3p per KW (British Gas Fixed until 2011 tariff), hence using the 2KW heater on an electric fire costs £18.3 x 2 = £0.36 per hour.
Which is more efficient gas or electric fire?
When comparing the two designs, gas fires are typically a more cost-effective option than electric fires as they can heat an entire room using less energy, saving you a significant amount on your energy bills.
Are electric fireplaces good for heating?
Electric fireplaces can also heat a room faster and more efficiently than wood-burning fireplaces, and they're safe to use. These cost-effective heaters are also one of the most efficient ways to heat a room, which reduces energy costs.
Where are Flamerite fires made?
Flamerite Fires Ltd was established in 1999 in the historic city of Lichfield, carrying on a thirty-year family tradition of producing British made electric fires. Over its 22-year history we have won numerous awards in the UK and abroad. We have gained an unprecedented reputation for our integrity, excellent customer service and support for the independent retail sector. Our singular focus is unrivalled, producing high quality innovative electric fires and fireplaces made to the highest UK & European standards (BS-EN).
Is an electric fireplace a good alternative to an open flame?
Home is where the hearth is, the warmth and ambience of a fireplace brings a home to life. An electric fire offers a positive alternative to an open flame fire yet allows you to relax in the comfort of your own home enjoying the benefits, without the cost or maintenance associated with gas or solid fuel.
How many watts does an electric fireplace use?
On average, electric fireplaces use 1,444 watts, with the most common wattage being 1,500 watts.
What is the average wattage of an electric fireplace?
The average electric fireplace wattage is 1,444W, with the most common being 1,500W.
How many BTU is a Whittington 40 in electric fireplace?
With 4,600 Btu, the Whittington 40 in. Freestanding Electric Fireplace is the closest to average in this range. This model also heats the largest area per watt, .67 sq. ft., out of the 4,600 Btu electric fireplaces.
What percentage of electric fireplaces are medium wattage?
36.2% of electric fireplaces in the study fall into the medium wattage group.
Which is better, a fireplace or a space heater?
However, electric fireplaces tend to offer more control in terms of room temperature control, while space heaters can be more effective for personal use.
How many sq ft is a fireplace?
The most common area heated by household electric fireplaces is 400 sq. ft.
What is a kilowatt hour?
kWh, or Kilowatt-hour (s), is a measurement of how much electricity is used over time.
What are the benefits of an electric fireplace?
Energy Efficient: An electric fireplace is energy efficient, and only uses a couple of units-per-hour to produce constant heat. It costs much less to run than traditional forms of fuel or combustion heating.
How does an electric fireplace work?
An electric fireplace uses electricity and a heating element to create warmth.
Where can’t you put an electric fireplace?
Electric fireplaces can be used indoors, and in most rooms in your home or office.
What is the best electric fireplace stove?
The Selectric Electric Fireplace Stove is one of the best electric fireplace stoves to buy on a budget. It provides up to 400 square feet, and the perfect traditional fireplace look – with very adjustable brightness settings.
How much space does an electric fireplace take up?
An electric fireplace is a popular option for homes, offices, and businesses everywhere. Energy efficient electric fireplaces can warm up to 400 feet’ worth of space.
How tall is a recessed electric fireplace?
The Recessed Electric Fireplace measures in at a height of 18.1″ and has 2 adjustable power levels (either 750w or 1, 000w).
How many square feet does an electric fireplace cover?
The average electric fireplace can warm up at least 400 square feet.
How much heat does an electric fire produce?
While they do heat up a small to medium sized room nicely, electric fires usually have maximum heat output of 2kW. Gas fires, meanwhile, can offer twice as much heat. Some gas fires offer a heat output of over 4kW, so can be preferable for larger or poorly insulated rooms. Electric fires also offer a different ‘type’ of heat.
What happens if a fire is 100% efficient?
If a fire is 100% efficient, all of the energy you use translates into heat for your room.
How efficient is a glass front gas fire?
Glass fronted high efficiency gas fires are available now which can be up to 90% efficient! This is a great improvement on open front gas fires, which usually only reach around 74% in efficiency.
Why are people put off gas fires?
Many people are put off both gas and electric fires because they are under the misconception that they don’t look as good as an open fireplace.
What is the most important factor in choosing a fire?
Efficiency . For many people, one of the most important factors in choosing a fire is how efficient it is. Just to recap, efficiency is the amount of energy used that actually goes into heating your room. If a fire is 80% efficient, for example, that means that 20% of the energy you have used is being lost.
Do gas fires require a chimney?
As they don’t burn solid fuel, they don’t require a chimney or any other ventilation. This means that no heat is lost through a flue, so you get to enjoy 100% of the heat produced! However, that’s not to say that gas fires are bad when it comes to efficiency.
Is gas fire good?
As long as it is affordable for you, both electric and gas fires are equally good options.
Best Size Options: R.W.FLAME Recessed and Wall-Mounted Electric Fireplace
This 36-inch electric fireplace has touchscreen buttons along its base to switch between heat, speed, light, color, and timer settings. These same settings can also be controlled with a remote. Plus, the unit is available in other lengths to fit walls and cutouts of varying sizes.
Best Insert: PuraFlame Klaus Electric Fireplace Insert
This Klaus fireplace is inserted into an existing cutout in your wall or chimney. It’s designed to look like a wood-burning model with its resin logs and mesh screen. It also comes with a remote for easy operation.
Best Large Fireplace: Touchstone Onyx Electric Fireplace
This 50-inch fireplace hangs from walls, keeping it out of the way and being easier to install than inserts. Its left side features an on/off switch as well as buttons to control the heat output, timer, and more.
Best Console: Ameriwood Home Chicago Electric Fireplace TV Console
For homes with limited floor space, this model combines a TV console with a fireplace. The fireplace is located in the bottom center and is surrounded on three sides by storage compartments. The top shelf holds TVs that are up to 50 inches and 70 pounds.
Best Stove: Duraflame 3D Infrared Electric Fireplace Stove
This fireplace looks like a stove you might see in a cabin, but because it uses electricity instead of wood or propane, it’s easier to maintain. It can be used to roast chicken, toast marshmallows, and cook other meals as well as keep you warm.
Our Process
There are numerous electric fireplaces online, making the process of finding the right one challenging. That’s why the This Old House Reviews Team looked into options for you, evaluating their installation, adjustability, and safety. We also included key factors and pros and cons to help you make a more informed purchase.
Fire Safety Tips
Here are a few safety tips to consider when you’re operating an electric fireplace:
Why is it bad to use a conventional fire source?
There are so many drawbacks of using the conventional fire source in our modern homes. Inadequate space, expensive installation processes, and environmental issues are the bottom ones.
How much heat does an electric fireplace produce?
Most of the electric fireplaces can provide you up to 5500 BTU per hour. And it is enough to cover up more or less than a 400 sq. ft. space. That means you can easily warm up your small to medium-sized living, bedroom, home office, or library space.
How many watts does a Touchstone fireplace use?
This fireplace allows you to run this on two different heat specifications of 1500W and 750W. That means along with high heat output. You can operate it in energy-saving mode. However, this electric fireplace may not serve you as the main heat source. But the output is enough to warm up a 400 sq. ft. area well.
How many sq ft does an electric fireplace heat?
You can enjoy a 1500W high heat setting that can heat an area to 400 sq. ft. The output is enough to cover a bedroom, a small to medium living, a study or home library.
Why do you need a timer on a fireplace?
As the timer allows you to set the duration of working for your fireplace, it is a useful feature. For example, when you wake up in the morning, you could set the timer off the fireplace if you are using it to heat a bedroom.
What to look for in an electric fireplace?
There are some additional features you have to look for in an electric fireplace. First of all, look for the remote control feature. This feature will allow you to operate your fireplace remotely and conveniently. You don’t have to leave your seat every time you need to change the settings. You can control the heat setting, flame options, temperature.
What is the best heat setting for an electric fireplace?
Almost every electric fireplace offers two different heat settings. One is the high setting of 1500W, and another one is low and energy-saving 750W. Using these two settings, you can control the heat output and energy usage more efficiently.
