Or are you looking to shave some money off your energy bill and want to see how your fireplace could help you do that?
Whatever the reason is that brought you here, we have the answer for you!
We are all looking for ways to cut down on our energy usage and save some money. But how can we do this? We first need to know the running costs of our appliances and devices, including our electric fireplaces.
But when you head online to find out more, you are often met with conflicting or contradictory information that leaves you unsure where to turn or who to trust.
Well, no more! Today we are here with the answers that you need. Keep reading to find out how much it costs to run an electric fireplace and how you can save some money too!
What Is An Electric Fireplace?
Before we dive into today’s article, let’s have a quick recap for those that need it! An electric fireplace is a fireplace that runs on electricity!
The fireplace consists of a mount and surround, and an electric heater that is designed to look like a traditional fireplace. When the heater is turned on, it mimics a fireplace, usually with fake coals and flames.
Electric fireplaces come in a range of styles and sizes, meaning it is sure to suit your home! You can pick them up at an affordable price too, so no matter the budget, you can spruce up your home with a new fireplace!
Now that we have briefly established what an electric fireplace is (see also ‘Electric Fireplace Common Problems‘), let’s move on to see how much running one costs!
How Much Does It Cost To Run An Electric Fireplace?
Let’s get right into it! On average, it costs 12 cents per kilowatt hour to run your electric fireplace. Of course, this does depend on the cost of electricity in your area, how efficient your fireplace is, and how many watts it uses.
Thankfully, you can find all of this information pretty easily, allowing you to calculate an accurate running cost of your electric fireplace!
If you don’t have the time (or all the information)to do this, then you can use our average! With an average of 12 cents per kilowatt hour, you can expect it to cost roughly 15 cents an hour to run your electric fireplace.
Over the course of a day, you are looking at 36 cents or $10.95 for a month. This is based on the fireplace being on for two hours a day, every day. If it was on for longer, then it would cost more.
For example, if your electric fireplace was on for twelve hours a day, you are looking at an average cost of $2.16 a day, or $65.64 a month!
How much it costs to run your electric fireplace could be below or above this average, depending on how long you leave it on. This varies again depending on the temperature in your home.
In the warmer summer months, you will likely have your fireplace on for shorter periods, or not at all, bringing the cost right down.
But in those colder months where we are typically at home more, you will probably notice a spike in your energy bill as you use your fireplace more.
How Can I Save Money Running My Electric Fireplace?
If you looked at the average running costs of electric fireplaces stated earlier and thought it was reasonable, you wouldn’t be alone! Electric fireplaces tend to be cheaper to run than radiators and gas boilers, especially in the cold winter months.
But, we still want to save some money, don’t we? And having your fireplace on all day every day will still be expensive. So we have some money-saving tips and ideas for you below! Check them out now.
Seal A Draft
If the room your fireplace is in has a draft, look to seal it immediately. This will prevent the heat from escaping, meaning you can have your fireplace on for less time!
There won’t be any heat escaping you need to replace, and the room should feel warmer too. If you can’t seal the draft, like gaps between doors and the floors, you can purchase some draft excluders to run along these spaces.
They will help to keep the heat in and you feel toasty! We also recommend keeping doors and windows closed when the fire is on to keep the heat trapped in the room. This way, the room stays warm even when the fire is off.
Use A Thermostat
If your fireplace has a thermostat feature, we recommend using it. Simply set the temperature you want, and once the fireplace reaches that temperature, it will turn off.
The fireplace won’t turn on again until the temperature dips below the set temperature. This helps to reduce how long the fireplace is on, saving you money on your bill!
Turn Off The Flames/Light
Modern fireplaces often have a separate control for the lights or flame on the display.
By turning these off, your fireplace will use less electricity, saving you some money! It won’t be a whole lot, but over a few months, you should notice a reduction in your electricity bill.
Not all fireplaces will have this option, though, so be sure to check how your fireplace operates. You don’t want to turn the heat off accidentally!
Use A Ceiling Fan
If you run your ceiling fan clockwise, it will help to move the warm air from your fireplace around the room. Not only does this make your fireplace more efficient, but it heats the room quickly too!
A ceiling fan doesn’t use too much electricity either, so it shouldn’t cost you too much to run.
Final Thoughts
And there you have it! On average, it costs between 10 dollars and 65 dollars a month to run an electric fireplace depending on how often you use the fireplace and how efficient it is!
Thankfully, we have some tips today that will help you shave some dollars off your running cost, making the electric fireplace an even more affordable option to heat your home!
Hi, I am Stevie Morris. As a qualified electrician, I have installed countless electric fires and worked on projects with all types of fireplaces, including wood burning, bioethanol, and gas installations.
By working hands-on with different brands, you quickly become an expert on the best fireplaces and those you should avoid.
My family also owns the largest online retailer of fire pits and outdoor fireplaces in the UK. Although not part of the family business, I regularly help when needed.
I hope you can benefit from my experience and impartiality, which I have gained from installing fireplaces and seeing the family's fire pit business grow.
