Are Electric Fireplaces Energy Efficient?

With the rise of environmentally friendly trends, the movement has found its way to the fireplace industry. Increasingly, more homeowners nowadays are looking to reduce their carbon footprints, and traditional wood-burning fireplaces won’t do the trick.

Luckily, electric fireplaces have evolved to provide all the benefits of traditional models, plus superior energy efficiency.

Do Electric Fireplaces Use a Lot of Electricity?

An electric fireplace typically uses the same amount of electricity as a traditional heater. Some models will provide a higher or lower amount of electric consumption, depending on their BTUs and heat capacity.

Additionally, some electric fireplace manufacturers have designed models with better heat capacity that won’t overuse electricity to function. However, these electric fireplaces are more expensive than baseline models.

Energy Consumption of Electric Fireplaces

Most electric fireplaces use 120 volts to power the internal heating mechanism, which draws 1,500 watts at 12.5 amps.

However, you shouldn’t look at electric fireplaces just for their energy consumption. Having one at home can reduce the need for other heat sources, which can reduce your overall carbon footprint.

Factors that Influence the Energy Efficiency of a Fireplace

Here are the main factors that contribute to energy efficiency for electric fireplaces:

Space Size

The main factor that influences the energy consumption of electric fireplaces is space. For an efficient heat output, you need to understand that electric fireplaces work just like traditional heaters, but with one difference. They include flame displays that mimic the look of wood-burning fireplaces.

However, like heaters, the efficiency will be determined by the space your electric fireplace needs to warm up. For smaller spaces, the energy consumption will be smaller. On the other hand, bigger spaces will need more electricity.

Heat Loss

Traditional wood-burning fireplaces have constant heat loss due to venting mechanisms like chimneys. Electric fireplaces do not have that problem, as they are ventless models.

However, there are other ways in which you can have heat loss in your home. For instance, keeping your windows or doors open will allow heat to escape the room. This will affect the overall energy consumption of your electric fireplace.

Sealing the room you want to warm up is essential for better energy efficiency. Thermally broken doors and windows can also help with this.

Can You Leave On an Electric Fireplace All the Time?

Although you can leave on electric fireplaces for long periods of time, we recommend letting them rest. Keeping any electrical appliance running all the time reduces its longevity and can cause malfunctions down the road.

We also recommend never leaving your electric fireplace unattended. Use it to set the temperature in your home. However, turn it off before going to sleep or whenever you leave the house. An unattended electric fireplace could short-circuit and cause a fire.

Will Using an Electric Fireplace Save Me Money?

Traditional wood-burning fireplaces are the most cost-effective way to keep your home warm during the coldest months of the year. However, they are not the most efficient nor environmentally friendly options.

Electric fireplaces can help reduce your carbon footprint but will increase your monthly electric bills. However, improving energy efficiency at home could save a lot of money in the long term.

How Much Does It Cost to Run an Electric Fireplace?

The total cost of running an electric fireplace depends on where you live and how much electricity costs overall. However, there are ways to determine the average electric fireplace cost for a single household.

The average cost of electricity in the United States is around 12 cents per kilowatt-hour. So, a traditional electric fireplace should cost around 15 cents per hour. It’s not a lot of money, and it can save you a lot of time compared to wood-burning models.

Are Electric Fireplaces More Expensive than Gas Fireplaces?

The average cost of running a gas fireplace in the United States is about 70 cents per hour. This makes it a more expensive solution compared to an electric fireplace. Although gas models create a more realistic fire display, they are not the most energy-efficient options.

Benefits of Electric Fireplaces

Electric fireplaces provide more benefits than just energy efficiency. These incredible appliances can help create the perfect atmosphere at home. Here are some additional benefits of electric fireplaces:

Electric Fireplaces Are Easy to Use

Unlike traditional wood-burning fireplaces, electric fireplaces don’t use real fire or firewood. This means there’s no need to spend time and effort turning the appliance on. All you need to do is press a button and use the settings to set the right temperature for your house.

Some electric fireplaces even include user-friendly remote controls, so you can control the settings without moving from your couch.

Electric Fireplaces Include Additional Features

Another benefit of electric fireplaces is their additional features. Some include a safety mechanism that shuts off the appliance in case of overheating. This can protect you and your family against short circuits and fires.

They can also include additional settings for a more enjoyable experience, from customization options to connectivity.

For instance, some manufacturers include options to change and customize the flame display, from intensity to colors. Additional features include Bluetooth connectivity, remote controls, and more!

Electric Fireplaces Are Easy to Clean and Maintain

Since there’s no real fire involved, ash and soot do not accumulate inside your electric fireplace. That means that, unlike traditional wood-burning fireplaces, electric models are a lot easier to clean and maintain.

Although you don’t have to clean your electric fireplace after every use, you should clean it a couple of times per year to keep it running properly. All you need to do is use a cloth to remove accumulated dust and dirt from the appliance’s surface and the internal heating element.

Find the Perfect Electric Fireplace for Your Home with CAPO Building Specialties!

Are you looking for a high-quality electric fireplace for a more energy-efficient home? Look no further than CAPO Building Specialties.

We have the widest selection of electric fireplaces from the most popular brands, from DIMPLEX

 to Modern Flames. Check out our full Electric Fireplace collection and find the perfect model for your needs!