How Much Does an Electric Fireplace Cost to Run in the UK?
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An electric fireplace is one of the easiest ways to add warmth and atmosphere to a room. With no chimney, flue or gas connection required, it’s simple to install and even simpler to use.
With energy prices still a concern for many households, it’s no surprise that many homeowners ask how much an electric fireplace costs to run in the UK before choosing one.
The answer depends on three things:
- The heat setting you use
- How long the fireplace is switched on
- The price you pay for electricity
Once you understand these, it’s easy to estimate the running cost and decide what works best for your home.
How Much Does an Electric Fireplace Cost to Run?
Most electric fireplaces have two heat settings, typically 1kW and 2kW.
Using the current UK electricity price cap of 26.11p per kWh for July to September 2026, the estimated running costs are:
| Heat Setting | Cost per Hour | 3 Hours per Day | Monthly Cost (30 Days) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1kW | £0.26 | £0.78 | £23.50 |
| 1.5kW | £0.39 | £1.17 | £35.25 |
| 2kW | £0.52 | £1.57 | £47.00 |
These figures assume the heater operates continuously at the selected setting. In reality, many modern electric fireplaces include a thermostat that switches the heating element on and off automatically once the room reaches the desired temperature, meaning the actual running cost is often lower.
Energy Prices Change Over Time
The estimates above are based on the current Ofgem energy price cap for electricity. Because the price cap is reviewed every three months, the exact cost per hour may change over time.
The good news is that the calculation itself always stays the same — simply multiply the fireplace’s power rating in kilowatts by the number of hours you use it and your electricity unit rate.
If you’re budgeting ahead or reading this guide after the latest price cap update, you can find the current and upcoming energy prices on the Ofgem website.
What Affects Running Costs?
The heat setting is only part of the picture.
How much electricity your fireplace uses also depends on:
- The size of the room
- How well the room is insulated
- The outdoor temperature
- Your chosen thermostat setting
- Your electricity tariff
For example, a well-insulated living room will usually stay warm for longer than a draughty room, allowing the thermostat to reduce energy consumption automatically.
This is one of the reasons modern electric fireplaces are designed as supplementary heating. Rather than heating an entire house, they’re intended to make the room you’re using feel more comfortable.
Does the Flame Effect Cost Much to Run?
One of the biggest advantages of an electric fireplace is that the flame effect can usually operate independently of the heater.
That means you can enjoy the ambience of a flickering fire throughout the year, even when the room doesn’t need additional heat.
LED flame effects are extremely efficient. Depending on the model, they typically use between 10 and 20 watts, costing only a fraction of a penny per hour to run.
More advanced technologies, such as water vapour flame effects, may use slightly more electricity, but they remain inexpensive compared with running the heater itself.
Can an Electric Fireplace Heat a Room?
A modern electric fireplace can comfortably provide additional warmth in a small or medium-sized room.
Most models offer either a 1kW or 2kW heat output, making them suitable for living rooms, home offices, bedrooms and garden rooms.
Rather than replacing central heating, they’re designed to provide heat exactly where you need it. For many households, warming one occupied room is more practical than heating the entire property.
If you’re comparing different styles, our electric fireplace collection includes built-in models, wall-mounted fires, electric inserts and complete fireplace suites, making it easier to find a design that suits both your space and your heating needs.
Electric Fireplace or Central Heating?
Electricity currently costs more per kilowatt-hour than mains gas, so heating an entire home with electric heaters alone is rarely the most economical solution.
However, the comparison isn’t always straightforward.
If you’re spending the evening in one room, switching on an electric fireplace for a couple of hours may be more practical than heating the whole house.
It’s less about comparing electricity with gas, and more about heating the space you’re actually using.
Simple Ways to Reduce Running Costs
A few small habits can help keep energy use under control.
Use the lowest heat setting that keeps the room comfortable, and allow the thermostat to regulate the temperature rather than leaving the fireplace running continuously.
Keep doors closed while heating the room and reduce draughts around windows where possible. Curtains can also help retain warmth, although they should always remain safely away from the fireplace and its warm air outlet.
When additional heat isn’t needed, switch to the flame-only setting. It creates the same welcoming atmosphere while using very little electricity.
If you’re choosing a new fireplace, it’s also worth looking for features such as programmable timers, thermostats and Eco modes, which help manage energy use automatically.
A Comfortable Home Without Unnecessary Energy Use
Electric fireplaces offer one of the simplest ways to enjoy warmth and atmosphere in a modern home.
While running costs will always depend on your electricity tariff and how often you use the heater, they remain a practical choice for providing additional warmth exactly where it’s needed.
Used thoughtfully, an electric fireplace can help create a comfortable living space without the complexity of a traditional fire or the need to heat an entire property.
Explore the Collection
If you’re looking for an electric fireplace that combines contemporary design with efficient everyday performance, explore our collection of built-in electric fireplaces, wall-mounted models, electric inserts and complete fireplace suites.
Whether you’re creating a media wall, updating an existing fireplace or adding a feature to a new living space, each design is selected to bring together warmth, simplicity and modern style.