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How Much Will an Electric Fireplace Raise My Electric Bill?

How Much Will an Electric Fireplace Raise My Electric Bill?Photo by Vidar Nordli-Mathisen

Originally Posted On: How Much Will an Electric Fireplace Raise My Electric Bill? | Appliance Accreditor

 

It is hard to deny the beauty of a fireplace in your home. There are certainly a lot of benefits to using an electric fireplace; however, some people often think twice about buying one since they do not want their electricity bill to go up. Understanding how an electric fireplace affects your electricity bill is the key to making sure that an electric fireplace is an affordable solution for your home. If you’re looking to add cozy warmth to your home in the winter months, join us as we answer the question: how much will an electric fireplace raise my electric bill?

How Much Electricity Does An Electric Fireplace Use?

Typically, electric fireplaces consume around 1,500 watts of electricity, although some may consume more or less depending on the make and model. BTUs, or British thermal units, is a form of measurement used for electric fireplaces, and a standard 1,500 electric fireplace puts out around 5,100 BTU – this is ideal for medium-sized rooms. There are also more powerful electric fireplaces that are able to produce 7,500 to 10,000 BTU, making them ideal for heating large rooms but at increased energy cost.

The good thing is that electric fireplaces are 99% efficient and convert electricity to heat quite effectively. If you are new to the concept of electric fireplaces and would like to learn more on how they function, and what are the features to look for, then click here to explore Appliance Accreditor’s detailed electric fireplace buying guide.

How Much Does It Cost To Run An Electric Fireplace?

Now that we have a better understanding of how much wattage an electric fireplace consumes, let’s look into how much using an electric fireplace will actually cost. As an example, we’ll use the standard 1500-watt electric fireplace (5,100 BTU) with an average cost of 13¢ per kWh and compute for its running cost.

The formula for computing the running cost is: [Watts x Hours per Day x kWh Rate]

Below is the actual cost of running a 1,500-watt electric fireplace for easy reference:

DurationCost
1 hour$0.195
24 hours$4.68
1 month$140
1 year$1,684

Keep in mind: the estimations above assume that you are running the electric fireplace for 24 hours a day. You can drastically reduce the cost of running your electric fireplace by only using it for several hours at a time – most people use these appliances for 8 to 12 hours a day, either strictly during the day or overnight.

Are Electric Fireplaces Energy Efficient?

Yes! As a matter of fact, electric fireplaces are one of the most energy efficient appliances available for home heating—only 1% of the heat from an electric fireplace is lost. Aside from being energy efficient, an electric fireplace is clean for the air inside your home—you do not need to worry about pollutants, which are an unavoidable effect of traditional fireplaces.

If those points did not appeal to you, here are more reasons to get an electric fireplace:

  • Electric fireplaces are low maintenance, unlike a real fireplace that comes with many additional costs
  • They do not emit any fumes, protecting your family and your home
  • Installation cost is a mere fraction of a real fireplace – if you get a standalone electric fireplace, that cost will be $0!
  • Electric fireplaces are safer for homes with pets or children

With all these reasons, it is fitting to say that an electric fireplace is both a safe and a cost-effective solution to warming up your home and making sure that you and your loved ones are warm, comfortable, and relaxed – even when it’s chilly outside!

Best Energy Efficient Electric Fireplace

For the absolute lowest energy costs, you’ll want to find an energy efficient electric fireplace. Fortunately, we have an excellent recommendation for you: the TURBRO Suburbs TS25 Electric Fireplace. This cost-effective fireplace not only has an affordable price tag, but it also offers impressive energy efficiency. The 1400-watt electric fireplace will only cost you around 18¢ per hour to operate. Even if you choose to leave it running for 24 hours a day during the winter, it will only cost you about $4.32! That’s substantially cheaper than the cost of operating your home’s heating system.

In addition to offering competitive energy efficiency, the TURBRO electric fireplace offers many other compelling features:

  • Aesthetically appealing—awe your friends, colleagues, and family with its distinctive look
  • Adjustable flames—create an enchanting fireside environment without the hassle and mess of a real fire
  • User friendly—flip the switch to turn on the heating element and wait as your room instantly begins to heat up
  • Overheating protection—this feature automatically shuts the heater off when it detects that the internal temperature is too hot

Another feature that you will really like about this electric fireplace is its timer. By setting the timer, the electric fireplace will automatically shut off to help you eliminate excess energy usage, and thereby save more money on your electric bill.

Plus, the TURBRO electric fireplace comes in multiple sizes, ensuring that you get the appliance that fits your home and offers optimal heating and energy efficiency.

Electric Fireplace vs Space Heater

If you’re looking for portable home heating solutions, we can’t overlook the traditional space heater. Space heaters are more affordable, efficient, and may be more suitable for people who are looking for heat without the natural look of a fireplace.

On the other hand, electric fireplaces are safer compared to space heaters. The main reason is they produce a flame effect without creating an actual, real fire. The probability of danger around furniture, table cloths, and drapes is pretty slim – while the heating components of a space heater may be more accessible, posing a bigger risk to children and pets. Also, an electric fireplace does not work via the forced-air mechanism, and therefore does not cause dust and allergy-causing particles to circulate in the room you place it into.

If you would like to explore space heaters as an alternative to an electric fireplace, you can visit our space heater buying guide for everything you need to know. We cover energy costs and usage, sizing your space heater and more. You can find the guide here:

We hope you’ve found the answer to the question, “How much will an electric fireplace raise my electric bill?” – and hopefully it’s an answer you’re happy with! Our goal at Appliance Accreditor is to provide our readers with in-depth knowledge needed to locate the appliance that is ideal for their needs. To explore more information about home appliances, visit us today at applianceaccreditor.com.

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