HomeBlogBlogElectric Fireplace Electricity Use: Costs & Wattage

Electric Fireplace Electricity Use: Costs & Wattage

Do electric fireplaces use a lot of electricity?

Electric fireplaces typically do not use a lot of electricity compared to major appliances, but the exact cost depends on whether you’re running the heater or just the flame effect. Most electric fireplace inserts draw around 1,500 watts when the heat is on (similar to a portable space heater). On “flames only” mode, many models use roughly 50–200 watts, which is closer to running a few light bulbs.

To picture what that means, a 1,500-watt heater uses 1.5 kWh per hour. If your electricity rate is $0.15 per kWh, that’s about $0.23 per hour. Run it for 4 hours, and you’re around $0.90. If you’re using only the LED flame display at, say, 100 watts, it’s 0.1 kWh per hour—about $0.02 per hour at the same rate.

What affects how much electricity an electric fireplace uses?

Heat output is the biggest factor. The heater is what drives most of the power draw; the visual effects usually sip power by comparison. Thermostat settings also matter: if the unit cycles on and off to maintain temperature, it may use less electricity than running continuously. Room size, insulation, and drafts play a role too—heating a small, enclosed room costs less than trying to warm an open-plan space.

How to keep operating costs low

If you want the ambiance without the higher draw, use the flame effect alone and turn the heater off. When you do use heat, treat the fireplace like a zone heater: warm the room you’re in, close doors, and avoid cranking it up higher than necessary. Many units also let you set a timer so it doesn’t run longer than needed.

For a real-world example of a popular style of setup—an electric insert paired with a large TV stand—see this guide: 70in farmhouse fireplace TV stand with 42in electric insert and LED lights.

FAQ

Can you run an electric fireplace without heat?

Yes. Most electric fireplaces have a flame-only mode that provides the visual effect without producing heat, and it typically uses far less electricity than heating mode.