How Much Does an Electric Fireplace Cost to Run?
An electric fireplace costs its wattage divided by 1,000, multiplied by your electricity rate and hours used. A 1,500 W heater uses 1.5 kWh per hour, so your rate and heating time set the cost.
On this page (8 sections)
- How do you calculate how much an electric fireplace costs to run?
- How much does an electric fireplace cost per hour?
- How much does it cost to run an electric fireplace each day or month?
- What changes an electric fireplace's running cost?
- How can you measure your fireplace's actual electricity use?
- What do common fireplace wattages cost to run?
- Can an electric fireplace lower your heating bill?
- How can you estimate your own electric fireplace cost?
An electric fireplace costs its wattage in kilowatts multiplied by your electricity rate and hours used. A 1,500 W heater uses 1.5 kWh per hour, while a 750 W setting uses 0.75 kWh.
Your exact cost depends on the rate on your bill and how long the heater runs. Flame effects without heat also use electricity, so check the manual or measure that mode if you want a precise estimate.
How do you calculate how much an electric fireplace costs to run?
Multiply kilowatts by hours and your electricity rate per kWh. Divide the fireplace's wattage by 1,000 to convert watts to kilowatts.
Use this formula:
Wattage ÷ 1,000 × hours used × electricity rate per kWh = estimated cost
For example, a 1,500 W fireplace running for 1 hour uses 1.5 kWh. At 16 cents per kWh, the estimate is 24 cents.
Use the rate shown on your bill. If it changes by time of day or season, use the rate that applies during the hours you plan to run the fireplace.
How much does an electric fireplace cost per hour?
At 16 cents per kWh, a 1,500 W heater costs about 24 cents per hour while it runs at full power. A 750 W setting costs about 12 cents per hour at the same rate.
| Heater setting | Energy used in 1 hour | Cost at 16 cents per kWh |
|---|---|---|
| 750 W | 0.75 kWh | 12 cents |
| 1,500 W | 1.5 kWh | 24 cents |
These are estimates based on the heater running continuously at the stated wattage. A thermostat may cycle the heat on and off, which can lower use over time.
For a broader comparison of heat output and running cost, read electric fireplace vs space heater.
How much does it cost to run an electric fireplace each day or month?
Multiply the hourly estimate by the number of hours you use the heater. At 16 cents per kWh, a 1,500 W heater costs about 96 cents for 4 hours or 7 dollars.20 for 30 hours of use.
| Heater setting | 4 hours per day | 30 hours per month |
|---|---|---|
| 750 W | 48 cents per day | 3 dollars.60 per month |
| 1,500 W | 96 cents per day | 7 dollars.20 per month |
The monthly example represents 30 total hours, not 30 hours every day. For a daily routine, multiply the 4-hour estimate by the number of days you use the heater.
Your real bill can differ if the fireplace cycles, you change its heat setting, or your utility rate changes. Treat the table as a planning estimate, not a bill forecast.
What changes an electric fireplace's running cost?
Wattage, heat setting, run time, and your electricity rate determine the heater's estimated cost. Room conditions and thermostat cycling affect how long the heater actually runs.
Does a lower heat setting cost less?
A lower-wattage setting uses less energy per hour when it runs. A fireplace with 750 W and 1,500 W settings uses half as much power on the 750 W setting, if both operate for the same time.
Some models adjust temperature or cycle the heater to maintain a set point. That can change total use, so the wattage alone doesn't predict a full evening's consumption.
Does using the flame without heat cost anything?
Yes, flame-only mode still draws electricity for the display. The amount varies by model and isn't captured by the heater's wattage.
If you want ambiance without heat, see how to use an electric fireplace without the heat on. Check the manual for energy use in that mode, or measure it with a compatible monitor.
How can you measure your fireplace's actual electricity use?
A plug-in power monitor can show the electricity used by a compatible corded appliance. Check the monitor's voltage and amperage limits and the fireplace manual before connecting anything.
The P3 Kill A Watt Power Monitor measures electrical use by day, week, month, or year and displays consumption in kilowatt-hours. It's designed for AC 115 V appliances, up to 15 A.
The monitor's limits matter. Don't use it if the fireplace plug, voltage, amperage, or installation doesn't match the monitor's requirements.
A built-in or hardwired fireplace may not be suitable for a plug-in monitor. In that case, use the model's manual and rated wattage, or ask a qualified electrician about safe measurement options.
What do common fireplace wattages cost to run?
A 1,500 W heater uses 1.5 kWh per hour at full power, and a 750 W setting uses 0.75 kWh. The R.W.FLAME 60 Inch Recessed Fireplace and Electactic 50 Inch Ultra-Thin Fireplace both offer those two heat settings.
At 16 cents per kWh, that works out to about 24 cents per hour on 1,500 W or 12 cents per hour on 750 W. The calculation uses each stated setting, not a measurement of either fireplace.
Both fireplaces are listed with a 400 sq ft supplemental heating coverage figure. Room layout, insulation, and temperature can affect comfort and heater run time, so don't treat that figure as a promise of whole-room heating.
To see how room size factors into the choice, read how big a room an electric fireplace can heat.
Can an electric fireplace lower your heating bill?
It may reduce heating costs if you use it to warm one occupied room and lower the rest of your home's heat. Whether it saves money depends on your current heating system, local rates, and how you use both systems.
Compare the cost of running the fireplace with the cost of your usual heat during the same hours. If you leave central heat at the same setting and add the fireplace, you're adding energy use rather than replacing it.
How can you estimate your own electric fireplace cost?
Start with the wattage and electricity rate, then multiply by your expected heater hours. Use the 750 W or 1,500 W figure that matches the setting you plan to use.
For a more exact estimate, measure compatible plug-in use over a typical evening.
Pick the lower setting when it keeps the room comfortable, and compare costs before using the fireplace as supplemental heat. For heat type and how it works, see infrared vs standard electric fireplace heat.
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to run an electric fireplace for 1 hour?
Multiply the fireplace's wattage in kilowatts by your electricity rate. A 1,500 W heater uses 1.5 kWh in an hour, so at 16 cents per kWh it costs 24 cents.
A 750 W setting uses 0.75 kWh, or 12 cents at the same rate.
Does an electric fireplace use a lot of electricity?
A fireplace's heater may use 750 W or 1,500 W, depending on its setting and model. At 1,500 W, it uses 1.5 kWh for each hour the heater runs.
Compare that use with your home heating system and electricity rate to judge the impact on your bill.
Does the flame effect use electricity without heat?
Yes, the flame display still needs electricity, but its use can differ from the heater's. Check the manual for the flame-only wattage or measure it with a compatible power monitor.
The heater's rated wattage doesn't tell you the exact draw of the flame effect by itself.
Can an electric fireplace lower heating costs?
It may help you heat one occupied room while lowering a central thermostat, but savings depend on your home's heating system, electricity rate, insulation, and habits. Compare the fireplace's hourly cost with the cost of your usual heat before treating it as a bill-saving choice.
