Do Electric Fires Use a Lot of Electricity?

According to 6Wresearch, the market size of fireplaces and stoves is projected to grow over the next several years, with more people focusing on energy efficiency, sustainability and the desire for more aesthetically pleasing home interiors. Electric fires will undoubtedly be crucial if this anticipated growth becomes a reality.

We’ve already seen a wave of technological advancements in the fireplace industry from the likes of Dimplex, Evonic, Solution Fires, Flamerite, British Fires and Gazco, all recognised for producing a range of high-quality, energy-efficient electric fires and stoves, with a focus on both innovative technology and design. Today, most people know that electric fires are among the most energy-efficient heating options on the market, but just how much electricity do they actually use?

The short answer: Not a lot!

Generally, electric fires do not use a great deal of electricity, especially when compared to traditional gas and wood-burning fires which can lose heat through flues and chimneys, resulting in less energy efficiency. Electric fires are 100% efficient because all the electricity used is converted into heat or flame effects. This makes them an ideal choice for energy-conscious homeowners.

Some of the more traditional gas fires can lose 20-30% of heat through the flue or older wood-burning stoves, where significant energy is lost through the chimney. That said, there have been huge efficiency improvements across all fuel types in recent years; just look at the rise of eco-stoves! That said, the numbers are hard to ignore when it comes to efficiency, and while these are general figures below, they do offer a comparison of how well electric fires perform against other heating options.

Electric Fires (100% efficient)

Electric fires are fully efficient because they don’t require ventilation, meaning no heat is lost. All the electricity used is converted directly into heat or flame effects. Additionally, many electric fires have a ‘flame-only’ setting, allowing you to enjoy the visual effects without using the heating element, making them even more cost-effective.

B-Vent Gas Fireplaces: (50-60% efficient)

These fireplaces lose a significant amount of heat through their vertical chimney flue, leading to lower overall efficiency.

Direct Vent Gas Fireplaces: (70-90% efficient)

Direct vent fireplaces are more efficient because they use a sealed system that draws air from outside and vents gases directly, reducing heat loss through the flue.

Flueless Gas Fireplaces (100% efficient)

Flueless gas fires don’t require a chimney or flue. All of the heat generated is retained within the room, meaning there is no energy wasted. However, these fireplaces rely on good ventilation within the room, as they burn gas directly in the living space. The efficiency is on par with electric fires in that all the energy is converted into heat.

Traditional Log Burners (60-70% efficient)

Traditional wood burners lose heat through the chimney, although modern designs have improved efficiency.

Traditional Multi-Fuel Stoves (60-80% efficient)

These stoves can burn a variety of fuels, including wood and coal, and can be slightly more efficient than standard wood burners due to their versatility and design.

Eco Wood-Burning Stoves (Up to 75-85% efficient)

Eco-friendly wood-burning stoves are designed to meet stricter environmental standards, optimising combustion and reducing heat loss. These stoves achieve higher efficiency by burning fuel more cleanly and retaining more heat in the home.

Eco Multi-Fuel Stoves (Up to 80% efficient)

Eco multi-fuel stoves are built to burn multiple fuel types more efficiently and with fewer emissions. Like eco wood burning stoves, they achieve higher efficiency through advanced combustion technology.

Open Flame Wood Burners (20-30% efficient)

Open flame wood burners are among the least efficient options, as much of the heat escapes through the chimney. They are more about ambience than effective heating.

Understanding Wattage: How Much Electricity Does an Electric Fire Use?

Electric fires typically operate between 800 and 2,000 watts (2kW), depending on the model and setting. With today’s UK electricity rate at 24p per kWh (according to Ofgem), running an electric fire can cost between 18p and 48p per hour, depending on the power setting. Here’s a quick breakdown to serve as a guide:

800 watts (0.8kW): 19.2p per hour
1,000 watts (1kW): 24p per hour
1,600 watts (1.6kW): 38.4p per hour
2,000 watts (2kW): 48p per hour

The majority of today’s electric fires also offer a ‘flame-only’ mode, which uses minimal electricity (as low as 10 watts) and could cost less than 7 pence to run all day, which is perfect for when you want the ambience of a fire without generating heat. This is true of many modern homes in the UK because of our reliance on central heating for warmth that’s spread throughout the home in the winter months, meaning electric fires are, in many cases, purchased with style, character and ambience in mind as opposed to heat output.

Let’s look at how electric fires compare to some other heating methods:

Flueless gas fires will typically use about 2kW of energy. At today’s gas rate of 6.24p per kWh, they cost approximately 12.48p per hour to run.
With a wood burning stove, let’s say yours has a 5kW heat output, it should theoretically generate 5kW of heat per hour, although this isn’t an exact science. The efficiency and heat output can vary based on factors such as the type of wood used, stove quality, and air control – so there are lots of factors at play!
Open-Flame Gas Fires: These fires use around 8kW of energy and, at today’s rate, cost approximately £1.92 per hour, making them a far less cost-effective choice for home heating due to high heat loss through chimneys.
Open-Flame Wood Burners: These are among the least efficient heating methods, using around 8kW of energy and costing £1.92 per hour to run, with significant heat lost through the chimney (Energy Saving Trust).

Why Are Electric Fires & Stoves So Efficient?

Electric fires and electric stoves don’t produce waste or emissions, unlike wood-burning stoves, which create ash and soot. According to the UK Government’s Clean Air Strategy, emissions from traditional wood burners can contribute significantly to air pollution. Electric fires, however, produce no direct emissions, making them an environmentally friendly option. There are plenty of additional benefits, such as:

No wasted energy: Unlike gas or wood fires, all the energy used by an electric fire is converted into heat or flame effects.
Controllable heat: Many electric fires come with a thermostat, allowing homeowners to control how much heat is produced and preventing unnecessary energy use.
No ventilation needed: Without a chimney or flue, electric fires prevent heat loss, making them more efficient than wood or gas fires.
Flame-Only Setting: Aesthetic and Practical Dual Purpose

Which Type of Electric Fireplace Is Most Energy Efficient?

When selecting an electric fire, models with LED flame effects are up there with being the most energy-efficient. LED technology consumes far less electricity than incandescent bulbs, lowering energy costs. For example, an electric fire with LED lighting may use only 10 watts for the flame effect, adding less than 1p to your electricity bill per hour. Additionally, look for models with thermostatic control, which ensures that the fire only runs when necessary, preventing excess energy consumption.

Electric Fires Are a Smart, Efficient Choice

In conclusion, electric fires are a highly efficient and low-cost option for heating your home. With no waste, 100% energy conversion, and the ability to run in ‘flame-only’ mode, they are ideal for both practical and aesthetic purposes. Whether you’re looking to reduce your energy bills or create a cosy atmosphere, electric fires offer a sustainable and affordable solution. To learn more about the advantages of these fires, or to see them live and working up close in person, why not drop us a message here or head to our fireplace showroom. We’d love to show you around and answer any questions you have.

Please note: The figures in this article are intended as a general guide only and are based on current energy rates as of October 2024. Actual costs may vary depending on energy providers, appliance efficiency, and individual usage patterns. For the most accurate information, we recommend checking your specific energy tariffs and consulting with a qualified professional.