Are Electric Fireplaces Energy Efficient?

Research shows that every fireplace unit in your home can add up to 12% of the selling price. The convenience of an electric fireplace also adds to the value for buyers.

Fireplaces are a very desirable element of homes that buyers look for. But you may be wondering are electric fireplaces energy efficient?

People are trying harder to have energy efficient homes. This is a part of the green living movement and trying to reduce the energy that each household wastes.

Keep reading to find out are electric fireplaces energy efficient.

How Efficient is an Electric Fireplace?

Studies have shown that the average electric fireplace uses 1 to 1.5 kWh of electricity. The most efficient electric fireplace was able to heat a square foot of space for every watt.

This was the result even with a low range of BTU. This research shows that fireplaces use about the same electricity as a space heater.

Electric fireplaces also have the potential to heat larger spaces than space heaters. The fireplace design allows for more heat distribution even though space heaters are portable.

If we compare electric fireplaces to central heating, a fireplace isn’t more efficient. This is because central heating heats the entire home, not just one room.

But a fireplace is ideal if specific rooms need more heat. For instance, you may put a fireplace in the living room because that is where you spend most of your time in winter.

Depending on how much heat you need, you may be able to save on your energy bill by using a fireplace.

Electric vs. Gas Fireplaces

If you compare an electric fireplace to a gas fireplace, things get complicated. These run similarly even though they use different kinds of fuel.

Gas fireplaces are considered to be a bit more efficient because they produce more heat. But an electric fireplace converts energy into heat better than gas does.

You may have to run your electric fireplace a bit longer to achieve what a gas fireplace achieves. But electric fireplaces are still efficient since they convert 100% of energy into heat.

Gas fireplaces are estimated to convert 70% to 90% of energy into heat. The one you choose will depend on how much heat you need and which one you will prefer.

Both are considered to be much better options than wood-burning fireplaces. They operate similarly, allowing you to turn the fireplace on with the press of a button.

Electric Fireplaces Reduce Pollution

If you want to participate in sustainable living, you need to choose from eco-friendly fireplaces. The good news is that electric fireplaces are known to cause less pollution.

Unlike wood-burning fireplaces, electric fireplaces don’t create smoke. In fact, some places have even banned wood fireplaces because of smoke pollution.

Even if you are careful with the kind of wood you burn, it is still polluting the air. It pollutes the outside air, and some smoke is likely to end up in your home.

Electric fireplaces have zero emissions and don’t produce hazardous byproducts. No smoke is created, and they will not pollute the air in your home.

Electric Fireplace Benefits

If you are considering getting an electric fireplace, there are some benefits to consider. Are electric fireplaces energy efficient?

Electric fireplaces are not just energy efficient, they have many other benefits as well. If you are still on the fence about this decision, these benefits may change your mind.

Easy Installation

Electric fireplaces are very easy to install in your home. They do not require a chimney or pipework like a wood-burning fireplace does.

All you need to do is find an installer and a place for the fireplace. Electric fireplaces also come in a wider range of sizes so that they can fit any home.

It usually only takes a few hours for one of these fireplaces to be installed.

Reduced Bills

You may be able to save money by using this type of fireplace to heat your home. You can reduce how much you use central heat by heating the room you spend the most time in.

If you spend the majority of your day in your living room, install the fireplace there. Then you can reduce the heating in your home and run your fireplace to stay warm.

You also do not have to buy any fuel, reducing how much it cost to run this fireplace.

Minimal Maintenance

Electric fireplaces are considered to be very beginner friendly. They require very minimal maintenance and rarely have issues that needed to be repaired.

You should have maintenance scheduled once a year as a preventative measure. Although, issues with these fireplaces are rare unless they are much older.

Style Options

Unlike other kinds of fireplaces, electric fireplaces offer a lot of styles. You can get a three-sided fireplace or a two-sided fireplace for a unique look.

You have a wide variety of electric fireplace inserts for different kinds of homes. Because they are so versatile, they are suitable for more traditional or modern homes.

Are Electric Fireplaces Energy Efficient?

You may be wondering are electric fireplaces energy efficient. The answer to this is that they are energy efficient when it comes to heating sources.

They are more energy efficient than wood fireplaces and space heaters. Although, it is important to keep in mind that they can only warm a small space.

Are you interested in having an electric fireplace installed in your home? Contact us today at Dreifuss Fireplaces for high-quality residential fireplaces.