The comfort of sitting in front of a fireplace in chilly winter is unparalleled. Nevertheless, it, too, comes with costs, such as the hassle of collecting wood and cleaning up the chimney.
Thanks to technological advancements, electric fireplaces are exceptional alternatives to their wood counterparts. They eliminate wood mess, labor for logs, smell, and smoke issues, all while adding to a home's elegance and aesthetics.
However, one burning question that beeps into every buyer's mind is their electricity usage. Thus, this article aims to discuss electric fireplaces comprehensively, focusing on how much electricity they consume, their running costs, and tips for making them more energy-efficient.
How Much Electricity Does An Electric Fireplace Require?
The power usage of an electric fireplace is the same as that of a space heater. On average, its per-hour requirement is 1500 watts, but this, too, varies with a range of considerations.
If the fireplace is running just to add aesthetics with its colorful flames and does not generate any heat, the energy use is a meager 300 watts. In the same manner, if the fireplace is intermittently heating, the electricity consumption will jump to 750 watts.
Further, the fireplace’s power consumption is proportional to its size depending on electricity requirement, which could be 120V or 240V. While 120V is more common and uses less electricity, big halls employ 240V with an average area of 1000 sq. ft, and it can generate heat output of 8500 BTU.
How Much Does It Cost To Run An Electric Fireplace?
Understanding the fireplace’s running costs has diversified implications. It helps in budgeting the costs of monthly electricity bills, all while comparing the heating efficiency of electric fireplaces with other possible options. Further insights into running costs help you make more informed and practical decisions regarding fireplace selection.
Daily Costs Of Electric Fire Place
The hourly energy needs of all commonly available electric fireplaces range between 1000W to 2000W. Some units may have prices above or below the given range.
Electricity is charged per kWh, so we need to convert watts into kWh to understand costs. Suppose your fireplace has 1500W hourly requirements. Its kWh consumption can be found with the simple equation below.
kWh = Watts x running time / 1000
kWh = 1500 x 1 / 1000 = 1.5 kWh
Now, taking the average per kWh electricity rate in the US, which is $0.23 as standard, here are the per-hour and per-day running costs of an electric fireplace.
Running Cost = Electricity consumed in kWh x price per kWh
Running Cost = 1.5 kWh x $0.23 = $0.345
You can find the daily cost by multiplying per per-hour cost with the total running time. For example, if you use the fireplace for 4 hours daily, your total cost will be $1.38.
Monthly Costs Of Electric Fireplace
To calculate the monthly cost of an electric fireplace, simply multiply its daily costs by the number of days in the month. Now, continue the above calculations if the daily expenses are $1.3 and there are 30 days in the month, the total monthly cost will be $39.
It's important to note that the given numbers are not stands and just averages to understand how costing of electric fireplaces works. The monthly costs generally vary depending on your use and size of the fireplace.
What Factors Affect Electricity Use Of Electric Fireplaces
Each fireplace variant, whether electric, wood, or gas, has its own set of challenges impacting its raw material consumption, specifically electricity in the case of electric fireplaces. You can significantly curtail the power consumption of your electric fireplace considering certain aspects discussed below.
Size of variant
Size is the basic factor in deciding the electricity use of an electric fireplace. Depending on their wattage requirement, electric fireplaces are available in variants of 750W and 1500W.
The higher a unit's wattage, the more electricity it will consume. Generally, it is recommended to analyze your space needs first and then opt for a model accordingly. As a standard, a 750W unit is enough for small places below 500 sq. ft.
Setting Of Fireplace
Most electric fireplaces allow you to adjust the heat generation, which directly impacts electricity consumption. For example, at full capacity, a 750W unit generates between 4500 and 5000 BTU of heat, and a 1500W fireplace produces 8500 BTU. These numbers are at full capacity, which might be extra, given the size of your spaces. So, temperature relegation can significantly lower electricity use.
Schedule of Use
It's simple. The longer the electric fireplace operates, the more electricity it consumes. However, if you use it more frequently during peak hours, your costs will be higher than if you used it the same amount of time in off-peak hours.
Location
If your fireplace is installed in a poorly insulated wall adjacent to the outside environment, the heat loss will be greater, and so will the electricity consumption.
Model Of Fireplace
Each day, technology is becoming more innovative, making appliances more energy-efficient, durable, and sustainable. The same is the case for electric fireplaces. The new precursors are more energy efficient than their older versions, so the model of your fireplace is indeed critical to electricity usage.
Is Electric Fireplace Energy Efficient?
Yes! Electric fireplaces are exceptionally energy efficient. This efficiency is multifurcated, as discussed in the pointers below.
- Electric Fireplaces convert 100% of electricity consumed into heat energy, and unlike their gas alternatives, there are no combustion losses. The absence of a chimney and other vent ducts also prevents heat losses.
- These modern room heating appliances involve the use of heating fans that ensure a uniform spread of room throughout the space. This leaves no hot and cold spots that overall contribute to energy efficiency.
- Further, with the thermostat, you can adjust the heating needs, and the fireplace automatically turns off when the desired temperature is achieved. So these advanced settings significantly add to their efficiency.
Is An Electric Fireplace Better Than a Gas Fireplace?
Both fireplaces are effective in combating freezing cold winters. However, to decide whether an electric fireplace is better than a gas fireplace, an analysis of various parameters like energy efficiency, running cost evaluations, and operational efficiency could offer valuable insights.
In terms of heat efficiency, electric fireplaces are unmatched. They are 100% energy efficient and convert every watt into heat. You can also control the heat generation more effectively. Further, there is no associated mess of gas pipelines, which eventually lowers the upfront costs. Lastly, they are safer without the threat of gas leakage and flame hazards.
However, one potential downside is lower heat output, which is too vulnerable to power outages. Also, the fire flam will not be natural, making it less aesthetically pleasant for some consumers.
Based on this comparison, concluding that electric fireplaces are better than gas would not be wrong. Though there are potential downsides, they are vividly outnumbered by benefits.
How Can I Save Electricity On Electric Fireplaces
Electric fireplaces can jump up your monthly energy budget if not used prudently. To save energy use, various aspects can be touched. Their brief overview will be as.
- Operate fireplace at low temperature, according to the news of your space
- Set temperature guidelines with the thermostat to curtail extra energy expenditure.
- The uniform dissipation of heat with a fan can effectively boost the warmth without any extra heat, so keep them on.
- An electric fireplace uses LED lights to offer a flame effect. Though these lights are very energy efficient, they still consume some kWh, so keep them dimmed.
- Ensure proper insulation of the room to avoid any heat losses.
Though the above-given approaches are good for saving electricity, they still do not completely cut your fireplace’s energy bills. Solar kits are more perfect cases in this regard. Their energy production is free, and they not only help with unlimited electric fireplace running but also fulfill the power needs of your home’s other appliances, helping you save a significant amount on your total monthly electricity bills.
Two highly cost-effective and compatible solar units from BLUETTI are reviewed below.
BLUETTI AC200P + 3*PV200
AC200P is a medium-sized pure sine wave inverter with an output capacity of 2000W and surge power of 4800W, enough to support the power requirements of a 1500W electric fireplace and all other necessary appliances of the home simultaneously.
The pre-built LiFePO4 battery comes with 3500+ charge cycles and 2000Wh capacity. To ensure you never run out of power, you can recharge AC200P through 7 different streams, including wall outlet (AC), solar, car battery lead battery, and Solar+AC.
Perfect for off-grid camping, AC200P integrates 17 different outlet ports, compatible with all of your home appliances. Further, the temperature-activated smart fan and battery management system boost safety by ensuring the optimum temperature inside.
BLUETTI EP500 + 3*PV200 Solar Generator Kit
Looking for a mobile solar generator? With an ergonomic design, the EP500 is an industry-leading backup system with split-phase bonding. Its battery packs feature a groundbreaking capacity of 5,120Wh, and the system’s pure sine wave inverter can deliver a continuous 2,000W power.
The EP500 unit will become your automatic home energy source during peak hours. Unlike gasoline generators, it won’t produce harmful fumes and noise pollution. Even with an extended gird emergence, the EP500 can easily keep your essential loads powered for a day or two.
Thanks to its advanced battery technology and management, the EP500 offers incredible safety and durability. You can also upgrade its firmware through your internet connection.
The Bottom Line
Electric fireplaces are a good addition to the home. They effectively boost a home’s aesthetic appeal and offer warmth in cold winters. Though their energy use is high, it is too dependent on various factors like use frequency, size, and operational guidelines.
By probing these aspects, you can effortlessly control their power consumption. However, to enjoy unlimited free power for your fireplace and other home appliances, BLUETTI solar generator kits are the best option.
