Electric Fireplace Operating Costs: Do Electric Fireplaces Use a Lot of Electricity?

Author: Sean Summers, NFI Master Hearth Certified Technician – WoodstovePro.com

An electric fireplace is one of the easiest ways to add instant ambiance and supplemental warmth to your home. No venting, no fuel storage, and minimal maintenance - triple win! 

But homeowners often ask the same question before buying: Do electric fireplaces use a lot of electricity? The short answer is: it depends on how you use it. Most models let you run the LED flame effect without heat, and when you do use heat, smart zone heating habits can help manage electric fireplace cost and overall electricity usage.

Here’s a clear breakdown of what affects electric fireplace operating costs and how to keep them efficient.

What parts of an electric fireplace use electricity?

Most electric fireplaces have two separate “systems”:

1. LED flame effects (visuals only)
2. A built-in heater (often a fan-forced electric heater)

The flame effect typically uses far less power than the heater. So if you love the ambiance and don’t need extra heat, you can enjoy the look with minimal electricity usage compared to running heat.

What’s the biggest factor in electric fireplace cost?

The heater. When the heat is on, an electric fireplace functions similarly to other electric space heaters. Your electric fireplace cost will largely depend on:

• How many hours per day you run the heater
• Heat setting (often low/high)
• Your local electricity rate
• Room size and how well it holds heat

Running flames-only for ambiance is typically the most budget-friendly way to use an electric fireplace.

Can electric fireplaces actually save money with zone heating?

Yes - when used correctly. Zone heating means warming the room you’re actively using instead of heating the entire home. For example:

• Heating the living room in the evening instead of raising the whole-house thermostat
• Adding extra warmth to a bedroom without overheating the rest of the house
• Supplementing a drafty room during cold snaps

This approach can reduce reliance on central heat and help keep total energy use in check, especially if you lower your main thermostat a few degrees and let the electric fireplace handle the “comfort zone.”

How do I reduce electricity usage with an electric fireplace?

A few simple habits can lower electricity usage and keep your electric fireplace efficient:

• Use the LED flame effect without heat when you just want ambiance
• Use the heater only when you’re in the room
• Close doors to contain the heat (classic zone heating)
• Choose models with thermostats and timers to prevent overuse
• Keep the fireplace away from drafts and exterior doorways
• Don’t run the heater overnight unattended unless the unit is designed and rated for that use

These are small changes that can make a noticeable difference in electric fireplace cost over a season.

Is an electric fireplace expensive to run compared to gas or wood?

It depends on your region’s energy costs and how you heat your home. Electric fireplaces are usually best viewed as:

• A convenient supplemental heater
• A comfort-and-ambiance feature
• A zone heating tool

If you need whole-home heat, a primary heating appliance (wood stove, pellet stove, furnace, etc.) may be more cost-effective. But for targeted warmth and easy installation, electric fireplaces can be a very practical solution.

Final thoughts

An electric fireplace doesn’t have to be expensive to operate, especially when you use it for zone heating and take advantage of LED flame ambiance without running the heater nonstop. With the right usage habits, electric fireplaces offer cozy comfort and predictable operating costs.

Need help choosing the right electric fireplace for your room size and heating goals? Contact our hearth professionals at 888-418-0005 or info@woodstovepro.com.