This article is your guide to understanding if an electric fireplace uses too much energy. Electric fireplaces offer a cost-effective and energy-efficient way to heat your home, potentially reducing your electricity bill by up to 10%. In this guide, we’ll explore how much energy these units use, compare them to other heating options, and help you determine if they’re the right choice for your home.
Here at The Energy Professor, we want to give you the information you need to not only save money on your energy bill but to also become more energy efficient. We hope you find this post helpful! It makes it easier for you to know more about electric wall fireplaces. Be sure to also check out our one-of-a-kind energy savings calculator!
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Do Electric Heater Fireplaces use a lot of Electricity?
Most electric fireplaces use around 120 volts and draw about 1,500 watts of power when running at full capacity. This is the upper limit for safe usage on a standard outlet. However, many models come with adjustable settings, allowing you to reduce power usage to around 750 watts. To estimate the cost, running a 1,500-watt fireplace for one hour uses 1.5 kilowatt-hours (kWh). If your electricity rate is $0.15 per kWh, this means running the fireplace for an hour would cost about $0.23. By lowering the power to 750 watts, you could cut that cost in half.
Do Electric Fireplaces Save on Your Electricity Bill?
Electric fireplaces can potentially reduce your electricity bill by up to 10%, especially when used strategically to heat specific rooms. Their efficiency comes from minimizing energy waste, making them a cost-effective heating option. Additional savings may come from eliminating the need for chimney cleanings and other service checks that traditional fireplaces require.
While electric fireplaces do consume a significant amount of power to heat a room, they are more energy-efficient compared to space heaters and other electric heating options. They provide targeted heat, which is ideal if you’re trying to warm just one room, and they’re safer and generally less expensive to run than space heaters, offering both savings and peace of mind.
Related Post: How Much Does it Cost to Run a Space Heater?
Are Electric Fireplaces Energy Efficient?
For the most part, electric units, such as an electric fireplace with a shelf, use less energy. But it may need to be turned up to a higher temperature or run for a longer period than its gas counterpart. And if your electric heater fireplace isn’t producing enough heat for your needs, you may be inclined to also kick on your heating system to assist the electric unit.
What are the most Energy Efficient Fireplaces?
- For heating smaller areas, electric wall fireplaces lead the pack in energy efficiency. In contrast, for larger spaces, you might find gas fireplaces or alternative heating sources to be more effective and efficient. The choice largely depends on the size of the area you wish to heat and your specific heating requirements.
Although electric fireplaces may convert energy into heat better, they may end up getting used more hours than other heat sources to generate the same amount of heat. It’s also more likely that you’ll need another heat source, like the furnace, to keep the home or a room sufficiently warm.
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How Much Does it Cost to Run an Electric Fireplace?
On average, running an electric fireplace incurs a modest expense of approximately $10.80 per month. This affordability, combined with the ambiance and warmth it provides, makes it an attractive option for homeowners looking to enhance their living space without significantly increasing their energy expenditures.
When trying to determine if it is expensive to run an electric fireplace for an entire month, you’ll have to use it and keep track of how many hours a day it’s on. Then, multiply the number of hours per day by the cost per hour. If we use the example above, if we use the electric fireplace units every day of the month for two hours a day, it would cost about $10.80 a month. This is with the settings on maximum heat pulling the most energy.
Related Post: How to Save on Your Heating Bill This Winter
Are Electric Fireplaces Energy Efficient? – FAQ
Q: Do Electric Fireplaces Produce Much Heat?
A: On average, an electric fireplace produces about 4,500 BTUs. Some units can reach about 6,000 BTUs, but then you start sacrificing the energy efficiency of your electric fireplace. To give a reference, a hair dryer can typically produce about 6,000 BTUs on full heat.
Q: Can I Run My Electric Fireplace All Day?
A: Yes, an electric fireplace can be left on for an entire day. But it is recommended not to do this for safety concerns, especially overnight. Turning your unit off periodically is beneficial to the unit and can make it last longer while also saving you money.
Q: What are the Disadvantages of an Electric Fireplace?
A: The main disadvantage to an electric heater fireplace is that there are no real flames. It is essentially a glorified space heater. But what you sacrifice in looks and ambiance, you can save on your electric bill while still keeping unsightly space heaters out of your home.
Q: Does an Electric Fireplace use More Electricity than a Furnace?
A: Yes, an electric fireplace costs less to run than your furnace’s central heating system. The major advantage of using an electric fireplace over your furnace is that you only heat the room you are in. Central heating will heat your entire house and waste heat and energy doing so. Electric fireplaces will only heat the rooms you have them in!
Do you Need Cheaper Electricity?
If you’ve taken the time to understand the information on your bill and discovered you’re paying more than you’d like for your electricity, have you looked around for a cheaper deal? The Energy Professor has a wealth of information on ways to save on your utilities, including details of top deals that could significantly reduce your monthly or quarterly electricity bills.
We hope you found this article helpful! If you are looking for ways to increase energy efficiency and sustainability in your home, be sure to take a look at all of the latest renewable energy options in your area. The Energy Professor helps residential and small business owners find qualified energy suppliers in New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Texas, Ohio, Maryland, Illinois, and Massachusetts.
