What an electric fireplace costs to run

An electric fireplace has two sides: the flame effect, made of LED lights that use as much as a lamp, and the heater, which warms like a 1,500-2,000 W space heater. The cost depends almost entirely on how much you use the second. This calculator separates the two modes and estimates the annual cost and the cost of an hour in each.

It works in any currency: enter the energy price from your bill.

How the calculation works

• Flame effect: light power × total hours on, since the flame stays on while heating too.
• Heating: heater power × hours with heat × the share of time it actually heats, controlled by the thermostat.
• Cost: kWh × energy price, over the days of use.

Use and annual cost

40 W flame, 1,800 W heater on 60% of the time, 120 days, energy at 0.30 per kWh:

Used only for atmosphere, an electric fireplace costs very little a year. With the heat on it becomes a space heater and the cost rises tens of times.

The cost of one hour

Same fireplace:

The reading bands

• Flame only: minimal use, like a lamp.
• Heating under 50% of the cost: spending is still modest.
• 50% to 90%: heating makes up most of the cost.
• 90% and above: almost all the cost comes from heating.

Limits of the calculator

Real power depends on the model: check the specification, often with two heat settings. The on-time share depends on the thermostat and the room. The calculator does not compare the cost with other heating systems: for electric versus gas heat, use the space heater cost calculator.

Frequently asked questions

How much electricity does an electric fireplace use?

With the flame effect only, very little, often a few tens of watts; with the heater on, like a space heater, 1,500-2,000 W.

What does an hour of electric fireplace cost?

With energy at 0.30 per kWh, about 0.01 with a 40 W flame only and about 0.34 with an 1,800 W heater on 60% of the time.

What does it cost over a winter?

In the example with 3 hours of flame and 2 of heat a day for 120 days, about 85.

Does an electric fireplace really heat?

Yes, when you switch the heater on: it warms like a space heater of the same power.

Is it worth using as main heating?

Usually not: resistance electric heat often costs more than other systems. It suits warming one room for a few hours.

Does the flame stay on while heating?

On most models yes, and the calculator accounts for it.

What does the thermostat change?

It switches the heater off when the room is warm: the fireplace does not always draw full power.

How do I measure real use?

With a plug-in energy meter over a few evenings.

Does it work in any currency?

Yes. Enter the price per kWh in your currency.