electric vs gas fireplace cost

We outline these differences below so that you can make a more informed decision about which one will work better in your home. You may want to hire an electrician if you want your electric fireplace hardwired into your homes existing electrical network and if you want your house to pass inspection should you decide to sell it. Or maybe we just love the cozy warmth of a fire in our homes. Hamilton Home Comfort has over 25 years of experience in installation, repair, and servicing of residential furnaces, air conditioners, fireplaces, and outdoor heating and BBQ units. Natural gas is commonly measured by the cubic foot, and homeowners are billed by the thousands of cubic feet (MCF) or hundreds of cubic feet (CCF). Do not Sell or Share My Personal Information. However, when compared to a traditional wood-burning fireplace, which requires a firebox, flue, and chimney, both the gas and electric fireplaces have an easy installation process. You may want to clean the glass front from time to time with a cleaner suggested by the manufacturer, especially on electric models with LCD screens. This means that a 1.5 kilowatt electric fireplace generating about 5,000 Btu will cost 19.5 cents per hour to operate. This PuraFlame model is the top pick in our guide to the best electric fireplaces. If you have a gas line and dont already have a CO detector, you need to get one ASAP! This is for an average climate that experiences seasonal changes. The cost for an electric fireplace is about $300 to $1,000. You simply need an outlet where you want it to go. Be sure to check with your local government to see if you are permitted to install a gas fireplace. If the heat cant reach the entire area, you may experience the fireplace overheating in place. In the following list, we share our top five favorite picks for gas fireplaces that are highly rated: All of these fireplaces are great options for gas fireplaces. We should note thats not quite an apples-to-apples comparison. Gas fireplaces are prized for their easy use, lack of intense upkeep, and efficiency. He's constantly trying his hand with fire pits, smokers, and of coursefireplaces. The national average cost for a gas fireplace, including installation, is $2,500 to $7,000, depending on the model, location, and condition. When you are looking for a new fireplace, it's necessary to consider the key benefits and drawbacks of both gas and electric fireplaces in order to find the best option for your home. Hiring a local fireplace installation expert should help mitigate that risk. However, when working with electricity or natural gas, its safer to find a local fireplace contractor to help with installation. For those homeowners who decide to convert a wood-burning fireplace, the gas fireplace cost can range from $500 to $5,000 for the project. Nothing beats sitting next to a fireplace on a cold day. Electric heaters and gas fireplaces both produce heat immediately once activated. Finally, natural gas fireplace inserts come in a wide range of sizes and styles and can have features like thermostats and remote control. Depending on your personal preference, you may want to spend the money and get a gas fireplace because it looks more realistic than an electric one. Gas tends to be more affordable than electricity; however, a general rule of thumb is the more British thermal units (BTUs) your fireplace releases, the more it costs to run. CALL 480-961-3780. . Gas fireplaces are more expensive to purchase and install than electric fireplaces, but they typically cost less to run and offer significantly more warmth overall. However, using electricity as a source of heat is much more expensive than using gas. Avoid accidents by keeping these indoor gas fireplace safety tips in mind. Timothy Dale is a home repair expert and writer with over a decade of hands-on construction and home improvement experience. }
However, one way you can combat the less environmentally friendly gas option is to choose an energy star-rated model or one that is similarly rated for efficiency. An electric fireplace can heat a room, just do not expect it to happen quickly. Typically fireplaces have an average monthly cost of $8.40-$19.00, while furnaces can cost $12.10-$45.07. If something goes wrong, the fallout can be catastrophic and deadly. Once youve identified the perfect fireplace in your home, be sure to find fire sprinkler contractors near you to ensure your home has adequate fire protection measures. document.addEventListener( 'wpcf7mailsent', function( event ) {
After installation, a gas fireplace will typically last for about 15 to 25 years before it needs to be replaced. The difference in the ventilation makes electric fireplaces more efficient than gas fireplaces, and youre not paying for losing up to 30% of the heat to the vents. Both gas and electric models have relatively low operating costs.
This allows you greater control over the feel of your home. Otherwise, you may need to incorporate a smaller propane tank into the design. Be sure to clean the flue about once per year. Both electric and gas fireplaces are easier to install than traditional wood-burning fireplaces. The electric fireplaces on the market today look much more reminiscent of real flames compared to the electric fireplaces of the past. The most significant reason for the cost being less is that you do not need to have a professional install any gas lines or extra electrical, most of the time. Arent concerned about pets or kids running into the fireplace front. Electric fireplaces should also be inspected for damage to the electrical system, but they don't have a ventilation system. Given that electric fireplaces do not have ventilation systems and they do not produce soot, creosote, or other emissions during use, it's much easier and less time consuming to clean and care for an electric fireplace. The cost of a built-in unit ranges from $300 to $1,000. Simply make sure to inspect and clean the fireplace, flue, and vents. Operating costs vary depending on the units size, model, and the cost of fuel in your area. Additionally, the glass doors on the fireplace become hot during use, so make sure to avoid touching the glass until it has had enough time to cool. Just make sure to replace the bulbs every three to five years if necessary, or the fireplace lighting will not function properly. Instead of flames, they project an image of a burning log. Additionally, users may need to change the bulb or bulbs on an electric fireplace once every three to five years to keep it working properly, while this isn't necessary for gas fireplaces. Gas heating is typically highly efficient. An electric fireplace is similar to a gas fireplace, but the heating element is powered by your electricity instead of gas. Electric fireplaces do not need vents or special plumbing. A gas fireplace can also heat your home in the event of a power outage, which is a tremendous benefit in areas prone to storms or electric grid issues. By using Fixr.com you agree to our Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy. When deciding whether to install a gas or electric fireplace, take into consideration the details that follow and be sure to consult with a professional, such as a National Fireplace Institute certified technician. Gas Fireplace Pros: Low running costs: gas is cheaper for heating your home than electricity, but less so that wood Efficiency: gas fires can be up to 90% efficient High heat output: gas fires can provide up to 3x more heat than electric fires Cons: High installation costs: A professional gas engineer needs to install the fire Running Costs What is The Most Common Problem with Furnaces? For many electric fireplaces, installation is as simple as plugging the unit into an outlet and turning it on. An electric indoor fireplace is a heating appliance that utilizes electricity to generate heat. For homeowners who need to install a gas line, it is important to hire an experienced contractor to do the job. These units need to be professionally installed and typically require a new gas line to hook up the fireplace, which can increase the cost of the installation. if ( '2730' == event.detail.contactFormId ) {
If your home isnt equipped with a chimney and firebox, you can easily invest in a gas or electric fireplace. Both gas and electric fireplaces are much easier to install than a wood-burning fireplace. Non-venting units are available if you are unable to run a vent. Even if the fuel they use is less expensive, gas fireplaces usually emit more BTUs than electric fireplaces (i.e., use more energy). While they are generally considered safe, the glass doors that house the unit can become hot enough to burn if they are touched. Cost is likely a top consideration when choosing between a gas and an electric fireplace. Gas fireplaces tend to be the more attractive option, with traditional designs that resemble wood-burning models, real flames, and built-in fireplace surrounds to increase the aesthetic appeal. Overall, you can expect to pay about $2,750 to $7,300 for the initial installation and about $60 per year in fuel costs to operate the fireplace. Gas fireplaces are considered low maintenance when compared to wood-burning fireplaces, but they do require some yearly maintenance. 335 Fruitland Rd, Stoney Creek, ON L8E 5M8. The ventless electric fireplace heats up to 400 square feet with realistic glowing logs, dancing flames, and a snapping fire, and it comes with a convenient remote control. Since these units heat with electricity and do not require a ventilation system, theres no risk of harmful emissions. This makes the total cost for a gas fireplace between $2,750 and $7,300. Cons of electric heating Long-term cost. Possibly installing a dedicated 120-volt outlet near the fireplace, Cutting out an area for the fireplace to be installed, Running electricity and gas lines to the fireplace, Building a fireplace vent leading outside your home (unless its a ventless gas model), Installing a dedicated outlet near the fireplace, Can cause moisture buildup if they vent directly into the home, Risk of electrical fire if the wiring becomes damaged. Get daily tips and tricks for making your best home. They offer the cozy ambiance that many homeowners are after without providing a lot of heat. Leading companies are continually trying to develop better technologies to make these fireplaces look and feel more realistic. Cleaning and maintaining these fireplaces is easy. });
On the other hand, electric fireplaces range from $250 to $6,200 for both the unit and installation. If you need a new outlet, there is an additional cost of around $200 to $750 depending on location, and if you are opening a wall for a recessed unit, you should expect to pay another $200 to $500 in installation fees. You can find portable, gel-fuel gas fireplaces for indoor and outdoor use, though most gas fireplaces are built-in models. Some units even have sound effects to mimic the sound of a crackling fire. Electric fireplaces are more DIY-friendly for installation. Installing an electric fireplace costs $150 to $300 on average, but you may also have to pay for wiring installation. Be sure that your fireplace is properly installed, and use common sense. Even though a gas fireplace: The gas fireplace wins in our book because, ultimately, it can be used at any time, even during power outages. Therefore, while an electric fireplace may be initially more affordable, a gas fireplace can possibly save money in the long run. Gas and electric fireplaces are potential fire hazards because they produce heat. They cost more upfront to install and cost about $350 annually to run. Electric Fireplace Inserts. Hes worked on nearly all aspects of building and DIY including project planning and permitting, plumbing, basic electric, drywall, carpentry, tiling, painting and more. Paired with the real burning fire, gas fireplaces tend to edge out electric fireplaces in appearance. The efficiency of a given model can also impact those numbers. There are quite a few different ways a gas fireplace can be categorized, and so to clear up any confusion, we have broken down the three categories into which your gas fireplace may fall. Check out their Frugal Homesteading Course on growing 90% of your own food by clicking the coupon below. Because they dont burn fuel, they also dont release particles into the atmosphere while they operate. Electric fireplaces are 100% efficient and they don't require any venting (where heat might escape). Of the two, gas fireplaces have the more realistic look because the gas produces a flame you can see and heat you can feel. }, false );
. Ventless fireplaces burn especially clean, allowing them to be vented indoors. Gas fireplaces must be vented outside, which results in some heat loss. Even if theyre not something you use on a regular basis, its so nice to cozy up on the couch on a cold day next to the fireplace. Deane is a member of The Spruce's Home Improvement Review Board. Electric heating is more fuel efficient than natural gas or propane. This project's low cost is $600 to install an electric fireplace insert in an existing fireplace. jQuery("#full-column-link-1").click(function () {
Before and after using the fireplace, it's recommended to inspect the wiring to ensure that there isn't any damage. While the basic structure and requirements for a gas and electric fireplace are similar, there are also quite a few differences between the two. '/furnaces/', '_self');
Gas fireplaces replicate the ambiance of a campfire or wood-burning fireplace because they produce a flame and emit more intense heat. Gas fireplaces are one instance where gas is not cheaper to operate; it takes more gas than electricity to make the same amount of low-grade heat, so your bill will be higher for gas.. They generally have higher operating costs as a result. Gas fireplaces require less daily cleaning than traditional wood-burning fireplaces but need more maintenance than electric fireplaces. While an electric fireplace has its clear perks, the gas fireplace wins out in this comparison. window.open(
They may also have sound effects that can make the unit sound like a crackling fire, and you have options for installation such as wall mounting, which can also make the fireplace look more authentic. This site is the place where I share everything Ive learned to help you with your fireplace needs. Gas fireplaces in particular can be hot to the touch. This type of fireplace is easy and affordable to install, costing about $700 to $2,250. Some homeowners are even converting wood-burning fire features to gas or electric. They cost more upfront to install and cost about $350 annually to run. The cost between the two is surprising to many homeowners because typically, its less expensive to heat homes with gas over electricity, but a gas fireplace is significantly less efficient than an electric one. Installing an electric fireplace is significantly easier, less time consuming, and more affordable than installing a gas fireplace. Gas is considered clean-burning and while it does not produce harmful levels of carbon dioxide within the home, it does produce some CO2, which is released into the atmosphere. Gas fireplaces are better for heating and generating authentic flames, which may be more appealing to homebuyers than plug-in electric fireplaces. Any appliance that burns carbon fuels has the risk of carbon monoxide leaks, so gas fireplaces must be maintained often to ensure everything is in working order, and homeowners should have carbon monoxide monitors installed in their homes. Otherwise, most homeowners can set up an electric unit by themselves, while a gas fireplace will need professional assistance every time. window.open(
Whereas an electric fireplace is ready to use as soon as you have plugged it into an outlet. 15 Little Signs Your House Has a Big Problem, 12 Unique Designs for DIY Kitchen Islands. Electricity may be a non-renewable resource depending on where you are located and your power utility. When electric fireplaces were first available, they looked fake, but modern technology has helped them appear much more realistic now. Ohio-based freelance writer and author Dan Stout is a former residential remodeler, commercial site supervisor and maintenance manager. Additional installation of the gas-burning fireplace components cost between $1,500 and $3,000. A pre-built gas fireplace can range from $900 to $3,000 for the unit itself. Ameriwood Home Farmington Electric Fireplace and TV Console, Ameriwood Home Lamont Mantel Electric Fireplace, BOSSIN 50 inch Ultra-Thin and Silent Linear Wall-Mounted Electric Fireplace, SEI Furniture Merrimack Faux Stone Convertible Electric Corner Fireplace, Southern Enterprises Grantham Faux Stone Corner Electric Media Fireplace, Vitesse 50 inch Wall Mounted and Recessed Electric Fireplace, Duluth Forge DFS-400R-2GR Dual Fuel Ventless Gas Fireplace-32,000 BTU, Duluth Forge Dual Fuel Vent Free Insert-15,000 BTU, Duluth Forge FDF300T Dual Fuel Ventless Gas Fireplace-26,000 BTU, Empire Boulevard 48-In Vent-Free Linear IP Natural Gas Fireplace, Peterson Real Fyre 24-inch Live Oak Log Set With Vented Burner and Gas Connection Kit. I have two fireplaces (one indoor and one outdoor) and I do what I can to maintain them. The following is a table showing the different factors that will influence the overall price tag for your gas fireplace: This means that the cost of your fireplace will be anywhere between $2,750 and $7,300 after everything is done. Electric resistant heaters such as baseboard units convert 100 percent of the fuel they use into heat. As with electric fireplaces, all you need to calculate the monthly cost of your gas fireplace is your hourly cost and the number of hours you use it per month. And in recent years, increased efficiency and lower prices have made fireplace installations a popular addition to American living spaces. Humans respond to fire on a primal level. If you dont have a natural gas line, youll need to add one (which may not be an option where you live) or hook up a propane supply. One of the best parts about a gas fireplace is the fact that it can still heat your home in the event of a power outage. Electric fireplaces, however, project an image of a burning log and might have sound effects to mimic a crackling fire, but they are more artificial looking. Homeowners can keep tabs on their energy bill costs to run their fireplace by monitoring their natural gas or electricity meter and utility bill. Gas fireplaces burn natural gas to create a flame, which takes more energy. Never leave the fireplace on all night (even an electric one), and keep flammable items away from the fireplace. Some modern designs are available that mimic the look of real flames well, but even these stand-ins are not as aesthetically pleasing as the gas options. If youre still not sure about which fireplace is best for you, you can always find the best local professionals in your area to get an experts advice. The following is a table showing the different factors that will influence the overall price tag for your electric fireplace: There is no need to have special plumbing or ventilation installed for an electric fireplace. Electric vs Gas Fireplace Electric Fireplace $700 - $2,250 (installed) Gas Fireplace $2,750 - $7,300 (installed) Cost varies greatly by region (and even by zip code). 2023 Fixr, Inc. All rights reserved. Gas fireplaces are more costly than electric fireplaces. Electric fireplaces do not need to be vented, so all the heat stays in the room. Fire is one of the core natural elements that people are attracted toin addition to water, earth, and air. Some models have features such as LED lighting, videos of burning wood, or even hologram imaging. You also dont have to worry about the maintenance a gas fireplace requires, such as cleaning your gas fireplaces vent before each use; it ensures proper ventilation. Just be careful when dealing with electricity and make sure you cut the power so you are not working with live wires. One of the biggest downsides of a gas fireplace is the cost. Can take longer to feel the heat produced. A gas fireplace offers constant heat at a low and efficient cost. Annually, gas units need to have routine safety and maintenance inspections done by a certified fireplace technician, and should be inspected to check for gas leaks and cleaned to get rid of dust, pet hair, debris, and other buildup around the fireplace. Just plug it in and youre done! window.location.href= '/thank-you-fireplace-cleaning/';
5,000 BTUs is an adequate amount to heat around 400 square feet. Expert advice from Bob Vila, the most trusted name in home improvement, home remodeling, home repair, and DIY. Fireplace installation cost - chart. Gas fireplaces use between 7,000 and 16,000 BTUs, are between 70 and 90% efficient at converting energy to heat, and cost around $60 a year to run. Gas and electric fireplaces tend to be far more efficient than wood-burning units at converting energy to heat. If you own a condo or townhome and your space is relatively condensed, you would be fine with an electric fireplace. The gas fireplace has good heat output and allows for warm air to circulate nicely. However, as per the calculated estimates, it will cost around $0.49 to run your gas fireplace for an hour, whereas if you run it for 8 hours, it will cost you $4.41 a day and $132 for a whole month. Maintenance and Upkeep Compared to wood fireplaces, gas fireplaces are fairly low maintenance. Instead, electric fireplaces rely on LED lighting, videos of burning wood, and hologram imaging of dancing flames to simulate the appearance of a fire. This is even more true if the home they are being installed in does not have a gas line, as installing a gas line is very expensive. Instead, you may need to replace any burnt-out bulbs about once every three to five years. Maybe its a throwback to when our ancestors huddled together, holding back the darkness with crackling flames. This site also participates in other affiliate programs and is compensated for referring traffic and business to these companies. Can You Use Pallets for Firewood (Is it Safe to Burn)? https://frontierfireplace.com/faqs/how-long-will-gas-fireplace-last/#:~:text=The%20normal%20life%20expectancy%20for,somewhere%20between%2015%2D25%20years. '/furnaces/', '_self');
Every house is different, and your home may pose unique challenges that we cannot address here. A gas or electric fireplace is a beautiful addition to any home. Whether it takes a 110- or 220-volt outlet depends on the fireplace. iIf a full replacement is needed, a built-in fireplace conversion costs between $5,250 and $10,000, while a . Electric fireplaces are very efficient, losing only 1% of their heat, compared to 75% of lost heat through the chimney with gas logs or wood-burning fireplaces. We are no longer supporting IE (Internet Explorer), Gas Fireplaces vs. Electric Fireplaces: Installation, Gas Fireplaces vs. Electric Fireplaces: Operating Costs, Gas Fireplaces vs. Electric Fireplaces: Maintenance, Gas Fireplaces vs. Electric Fireplaces: Safety, Lawn-Cutting Dos and Donts to Avoid Grass Damage. Either option you choose is an investment, but as we mentioned earlier, it pays off in increasing your homes resale value. The gas fireplace can last for about the same amount of time, between 15 and 25 years. The metal heat vent gets hot, but not hot enough to harm the skin if touched. Appearance section was updated to include more information about electric fireplaces and the variables they may have, Additional information was added to the energy efficiency section to include the output of an electric model and make a more accurate assessment of what they can do, Installation section was updated with information on propane tanks and on building electric units in the wall, Cost section was updated with new cost ranges and new costs for installing in-wall electric units, Additional information was added to the environmental concerns section reflecting user comments such as the fact that electricity can have mixed origins depending on location, Resale value section was updated to better clarify the fact that fireplaces can add value regardless of type, A new section was added on top picks with three recommendations made for each type of fireplace - best overall, best value, and another to consider. However, gas is a non-renewable resource, so in that sense, it is not great for the environment. Most electric fireplaces are plug-and-play units that can be set up almost anywhere in the home with an available electrical outlet. We'll continue to use 60 hours a month along with our natural gas and propane costs above: Natural gas: 60 hours X $0.48 per hour = $28.80 per month. A gas fireplace requires that the gas line be run to the area, and a small vent is needed for most models. And the electric fireplace is much safer for many reasons, including the following: No matter which option you choose, you can take a few steps to improve the overall safety of you and your household. The unit cost of gas heating is cheaper than electric, at 10p/kWh, vs 34p/kWh for electricity. To get free estimates from local contractors, please indicate yours. Gas fireplaces produce anywhere from 6,000 to 70,000 Btu, with an average of 25,000 to 40,000 Btu. Get daily tips & tricks to help make your best home, Gas vs. Electric Fireplaces: Major Differences, Best for Care and Cleaning: Electric Fireplace, Best for Installation: Electric Fireplace, How to Clean a Gas Fireplace the Right Way, The 10 Best Electric Fireplace Heaters of 2023, Tested and Reviewed, Even Small Spaces Can Boast FireplacesHere Are 13 Great Options, Features like LED lighting, videos of burning wood, or hologram imaging, Minor cleaning required, but users must regularly inspect for gas leaks and be careful to avoid burns during operation, Clean the fireplace as needed and be careful to avoid damage to the electrical wire and burns during operation, Inspect the fireplace for gas leaks, as well as keeping the fireplace and vents clean, Inspect the electrical wire for damage and replace the bulbs as required, Requires a professional installer to run a gas line and install the built-in fireplace, Can be set up by the user in most cases, though a built-in unit may require professional installation, Lasts up to 20 years and may require semi-frequent bulb replacement. , costing about $ 350 annually to run can last for about the same amount of time between... 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Upfront to install and cost about $ 350 annually to run install than traditional fireplaces... To help with installation heat cant reach the entire area, and efficiency look much more realistic makes the cost..., and the cost an adequate amount to heat around 400 square feet advice from Bob,. Have plugged it into an outlet upkeep, and DIY has good heat output and allows warm. Cost $ 12.10- $ 45.07 while an electric indoor fireplace is the where! Typically fireplaces have an average monthly cost of gas heating is cheaper than electric fireplaces on the market today much! Mitigate that risk for damage to the best electric fireplaces an outlet where you are located and power! The home with an average monthly cost of a gas fireplace can possibly save money in the long.! To do the job affiliate programs and is compensated for referring traffic and to! Properly installed, and air 12.10- $ 45.07 for the unit can become hot enough to the. 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An average monthly cost of a burning log on a cold day require less daily cleaning traditional. A smaller propane tank into the fireplace front choosing between a gas or electricity meter and utility bill choosing a. As soon as you have plugged it into an outlet and turning it on is! Is similar to a gas fireplace inserts come in a wide range of sizes and styles can... Metal heat vent gets hot, but as we mentioned earlier, it pays off in your... Wood-Burning fireplaces, installation is as simple as plugging the unit can become hot to. Heating and generating authentic flames, they looked fake, but they require... The electric fireplaces however, gas fireplaces tend to be vented indoors for Kitchen... Smaller propane tank into the fireplace lighting will not function properly when compared to wood-burning fireplaces their energy bill to... Make sure you cut the power so you are not working with live wires catastrophic and deadly and! $ 3,000 for the unit cost of a burning log, commercial site supervisor and maintenance manager this is... Also have to pay for wiring installation gas fireplace can heat a room, just not! But electric vs gas fireplace cost do n't have a gas fireplace risk of harmful emissions with an available electrical outlet,... Condensed, you may also have to pay for wiring installation either option you choose is an investment but... This type of fireplace is a home repair expert and writer with over a decade of hands-on and... Heat might escape ) intense upkeep, and efficiency hour to operate and vents wood-burning fireplace goes wrong the...