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Do Electric Fireplaces Use A Lot Of Electricity

Electric Fireplace that costs little to operate.

When it comes to the idea of heating your home, there are many options that you can consider. Some homes have built-in fireplaces, while others have added a gas fireplace or electric stove. You might also see an electric fireplace that is plugged into a standard electrical outlet. The roaring fire looks so real, and yet it doesn’t produce smoke or require any exhaust options. Do electric fireplaces use a lot of electricity? The size of the electric fireplace determines the amount of electricity used.

Let’s take a look below at the specifics regarding electricity usage and an electric fireplace.

What Is An Electric Fireplace

In most cases, homeowners will purchase an electric fireplace to accent an empty wall. They are great at being a nice decorative piece and are very practical. Essentially, an electric fireplace produces less heat than a wood-burning fireplace but has great energy efficiency.

Also, they are easy to install and can provide a room with an ambiance that has a cozy feeling. The best part is, that there is no smoke to worry about.

Using an electric fireplace does not use a lot of electricity.
A roaring fire in your electric fireplace.

Will It Heat A Room

Believe it or not, heating a room depends on the make and model of the electric fireplace that you have purchased. There are many varieties of electric fireplaces, so you will want to select the one that best fits the size of your room and uses the least electricity. Keep an eye on the manufacturer’s BTU listing to decide if a certain electric fireplace works for your room. The higher the BTU the more square footage it will heat.

For example, an electric fireplace with a standard 120-volt plug can push out 4,500 to 5,000 BTUs and heat a 400 sq. feet room. This is the same energy as a small electric space heater.

Additionally, if you want something to cover a large space that is 1,000 or more square feet, you will need a 240-volt electric fireplace unit. These can produce 8,500 BTUs, which is enough to comfortably heat that kind of square footage.

What Are The Advantages Over A Gas Fireplace

There are a few advantages to using an electric fireplace instead of a gas fireplace. Let’s take a look at those advantages:

  • No chimneys, ducts, or vents are needed.
  • Heat is kept inside the home.
  • Standard outlet plug of 120-V in each household.
  • No gas lines or propane tanks for natural gas are needed to keep your fireplace fueled.

How Much Does It Cost

The national average cost to operate electric fireplaces ranges from $50 to $90 per year in electricity usage. Keep in mind that the cost will vary depending on where you live. Homeowners that live in colder areas might utilize their electric fireplace more often, and thus create a higher electricity cost.

The biggest variations in your electric bill will be based on the unit purchased, how long you run it, and the cost of electricity charged by your electric company. Based on the volts and wattage used, it is not unreasonable to assume that it would cost 15 cents per hour to run your electric fireplace.

Other Recommended Maintenance

Now that you know about electric fireplaces, there are some other areas that you can maintain in your home. One of those is soundproofing a door. When homes are built, a hollow door is usually used inside the home. Some people want the hollow door to be soundproofed and this can be done by adding mass to it, using acoustic foam, soundproof curtains, acoustic foam, or a door rug to name a few.

While we are talking about hollow doors, if you replace those doors with a more modern and solid door can add value to your home. This is because you know have quieter rooms, the home is safer, it is more energy efficient, and adds more design and personalization to the home.

Lastly, another area to look at is your lights. If you notice a flickering light, you might wonder if it can cause a fire. It depends on what the issue is as it can be due to a loose bulb, dimmer switch, or a loose plug. Additionally, it can be loose or old wires so you may need to contact a professional if you are not sure.

Repairing your electrical fireplace is key to saving money.
Sometimes repairs to your electrical fireplace are needed.

When Do I Call A Professional

When it comes to your electric fireplace, anytime a repair is needed you will need to call a professional. In most cases, the electric fireplace might not be worth a repair, and you’re better off just purchasing a new unit. If you aren’t sure how it will affect your resale value, consult your local home inspection team. Your local home inspection team can take a look at your electric fireplace location and make sure it isn’t near any other area of the home that could cause a hazardous fire.

Conclusion

Installing an electric fireplace can be very simple. In many cases, an electric fireplace is prewired with an outlet plug. This keeps things simple as you would just need to mount the fireplace and plug it into the outlet. If you decide to purchase an electric fireplace, make sure to reach out to your local home inspection team before you do. They can tell you a good safe location to mount your electric fireplace and let you know if it is a good investment. Additionally, getting a home inspection saves you time and money as you invest in home upgrades. Call Waypoint Property Inspection to inspect your home in Tampa, St. Petersburg, Lakeland, Orlando, Palm Beach, Ft. Lauderdale, and surrounding areas.