Frequently Asked Electric Fireplace Questions

Many people enjoy a roaring fire at home because they provide warmth, add ambiance, and create a focal point for the living room.

And while the norm for centuries was wood-burning fireplaces, today’s homeowners have choices when deciding to install a fireplace in their home, including gas and electric.

At Fire N’ Stone, we’ve been in business since 2009, and you can imagine, we get a lot of questions about fireplaces, stoves, and chimneys.

If you’re considering purchasing an electric fireplace, there are many things to consider before choosing one of these systems.

Let’s dive into the most frequently asked questions we’ve gotten about electric fireplaces so you can make an informed decision should you decide to install one in your home.

Are Electric Fireplaces Difficult to Install?

One of the key advantages of installing an electric fireplace is how easy it is. Most models plug into your 120v wall outlet without needing to do any remodeling or masonry work.

How Efficient Are Electric Fireplaces?

America is pushing electricity as a more environmentally sound energy solution. So, in terms of cost-effectiveness, electric fireplaces are much cheaper to run than gas or wood.

How much cheaper?

Wood fireplaces are the least energy-efficient of the three. Wood logs burn for about 5 hours at roughly $4 apiece, costing you approximately about 80 cents per hour.

Depending on your gas fireplace model — whether you have one with a standing or non-standing pilot light — the cost to operate these systems varies. However, the average cost to run a gas fireplace is about 70 cents an hour.

Electric fireplaces claim to be 100% energy efficient, which means the system produces 1 unit of heat for every unit of electricity. Estimates suggest that you can operate an electric fireplace for as little as 3 cents per hour without turning on the flame effect.

How Do Electric Fireplaces Compare to Gas & Wood?

We’ve already seen how much cheaper electric fireplaces are than gas and wood, but how do they stack up in other areas?

Let’s look at the pros and cons of each system.

Wood Burning Fireplaces

There’s no denying how beautiful wood-burning fireplaces are; the cracking orange flame and the aroma takes us back to when we used to huddle around campfires for warmth.

And, if the electricity goes out, you don’t have to worry about not having a way to keep your home warm.

Now for the cons.

You have to either chop the wood yourself or buy it and store it so it remains dry until you’re ready to use it, which can be expensive and time-consuming.

Also, wood-burning fireplaces — for all of their beauty — are dangerous if you’re not careful.

Lastly, wood-burning fireplaces require annual maintenance to ensure they’re safe and to keep them running as efficiently as possible.

Gas Fireplaces

Gas fireplaces are more convenient than wood because you can start them with a flip of a switch or remote control.

Gas fireplaces are also more efficient than wood, saving money and providing more effective heat. And, like wood, you can rely on your gas fireplace to work when the electricity goes out.

The downside to using a gas fireplace is that it can be expensive to install, especially if you need to run a new gas line to the home.

Also, while gas fireplaces look similar to their wood-burning counterparts, there’s no comparison to the fire you get from wood.

Electric Fireplaces

As mentioned, electric fireplaces are the most efficient and inexpensive to run between wood and gas.

Electric fireplaces are also easy to install and source and are portable since all you have to do is plug them into a wall. You can enjoy an electric fireplace in virtually any room in the house.

The cons of electric fireplaces are primarily aesthetic. Electric systems rely on a flame-effect (usually LED lights), which some people find off-putting.

And last but not least, if you’re facing an extended power outage, your electric fireplace will be useless.

Are Electric Fireplaces Safe?

In a word, yes. Electric fireplaces are safe to operate and better for the environment than other methods of keeping your house warm.

Many house fires happen because people fail to have their chimneys cleaned, leading to creosote buildup and eventually a fire.

Also, when you burn gas or wood, you must be aware of the possibility of carbon monoxide poisoning and breathing ash, smoke, and toxic fumes.

Electric fireplaces don’t pose these dangers, and as long as you’re responsible with electric appliances, you and your family will be safe.

How Long Do They Last?

An electric fireplace can last between 10 and 20 years, depending on your usage frequency. And in many cases, you can install an electric fireplace in your home for as little as $200, making them an exceptional value.

Can I Leave My Electric Fireplace On Overnight?

Yes. Since electric fireplaces are effectively space heaters, they’re safe to leave on overnight.

In Conclusion

If you’re weighing your home heating options, installing an electric fireplace might be the best choice for energy efficiency and cost savings.

Fire N’ Stone has a beautiful showroom located at 539 Laconia Rd. In Tilton, NH. We sell only the top fireplace brands, inserts, and stoves.

For more information or to see what models are available, call Fire N’ Stone at 603-293-4040 or contact us online.