Everything You Must Know About How Much Electricity Electric Fireplaces Use
Discover how much electricity electric fireplaces use in our detailed blog post. Save energy, reduce costs, and stay cozy all winter!”
You’re thinking of getting an electric fireplace to warm up your home. That sounds like a great idea. But one question you should ask yourself is, How much electricity does an electric fireplace use? After all, you don’t want huge electricity bills at the end of the month.
Well, worry not. We’ve covered all the information you need about the electricity cost of electric fireplaces. Read on to find out how much electricity an electric fireplace uses and what influences it.
Electricity Needed to Power an Electric Fireplace
Electric fireplaces are powered by electricity, so you must plug them into an electrical outlet. The LED lights, fan, and heater (if the model you choose has one) all require some electricity to operate. Electric fireplaces use an average of 1.5 to 2 kilowatts (kW) of electricity every hour they operate.
With this level of electricity use, a room of around 400 square feet will be heated to around 20 degrees Celsius. However, you can enjoy the same warmth and comfort with an electric fireplace using just 1 kW of electricity per hour.
When installed properly, you can also enjoy a lower electricity bill thanks to the fireplace’s efficient energy use.
Factors that Influence How Much Electricity Electric Fireplace Use
Although 1.5–2 kW is the general amount of electricity most electric fireplaces use per hour, several factors influence this number. These include:
Size of the Electric Fireplace
The size of the electric fireplace you choose will impact how much electricity it uses. A larger model with a higher BTU output rating and multiple settings will consume more electricity than a smaller one. Some models come with built-in fans that can also increase their energy consumption.
BTU Output Rating
BTU stands for British Thermal Units, indicating how much heat an electric fireplace can produce. The more BTUs the electric fireplace has, the more electricity it will use to power up its heater component. For example, a small electric fireplace with 1,500 BTUs will use less electricity than one with 4,000 BTUs.
Temperature Setting and Length of Use
Electric fireplaces come with adjustable temperature settings to help you control how much heat they produce. The higher the temperature setting, the more electricity it will take to power the heater. The time you use your electric fireplace will also affect how much electricity it uses.
Efficiency Rating of the Electric Fireplace
Electric fireplaces come with different efficiency ratings, which indicate how well they can convert electricity into heat. A higher-efficiency model will be able to produce more heat for less electricity. It means you can enjoy the same warmth and comfort without electricity.
Calculating the Amount of Electricity an Electric Fireplace Uses
If you want to get a more accurate estimate of how much electricity your electric fireplace uses, there are a few steps you can take.
Estimating KWh Per Hour
The first step is to estimate the number of kWh per hour your electric fireplace will use. To do this, you need to look at the wattage rating of your model and then divide it by 1,000. For example, a model with a wattage rating of 1,500 watts will use 1.5 kWh per hour (1,500/1000). In addition to this, you will also need to factor in any additional electricity used by fans or other components.
Calculating the Total Electricity Cost
Once you know the number of kWh per hour, you can calculate how much it will cost to run your electric fireplace over a certain period of time. To do this, you must multiply the kWh per hour by the amount you pay for electricity in your area.
For example, if you pay 10 cents per kWh and your electric fireplace uses 1.5 kWh per hour, running for one hour will cost 15 cents (1.5 x 10).
Use of an Electricity Monitor
Finally, if you want to keep a close eye on how much electricity your electric fireplace uses, you can invest in an electrical monitor. This device will measure the electricity your electric fireplace uses and provide an accurate estimate of how much it costs per hour.
It can help you ensure that your electric fireplace runs at peak efficiency and save you money in the long run.
How Much Cost to Run an Electric Fireplace Per Hour?
To estimate how much electricity your electric fireplace uses, you first have to calculate its kilowatt-hour (kWh) rating per hour. The average unit rate in the USA is $0.12/kWh, so if your fireplace draws 1.5 kWh per hour, you’re looking at an electricity cost of about $0.18/hour.
Cost to Run an Electric Fireplace for a Month?
The monthly amount you’ll pay to run an electric fireplace depends on several factors. How often you use it, the wattage of your fireplace, and the local electricity rate all play a part in calculating your monthly cost
If you pay the average US electricity rate and use your electric fireplace for 8 hours a day, you can expect to pay less than $30 monthly.
Cost to Run an Electric Fireplace During the Winter?
Running your electric fireplace during the winter can be an affordable way to keep your home warm. However, it’s still important to calculate how much electricity you’re using and what it costs you monthly.
The wattage of your unit, local electricity rates, and how often you use the fireplace all influence the cost of running it during the winter. Generally, you can expect to pay between $15 and $30 per month for 8 hours of usage.
Tips for Reducing Electricity Consumption
If you want to reduce the electricity your electric fireplace uses, here are a few tips that can help:
Choose An Electric Fireplace With A High Efficiency Rating.
Electric fireplaces have various wattage ratings, so choose one with an efficiency rating. This will save you money on your electricity bill, but it will also significantly reduce your carbon footprint.
Adjust the Temperature Setting When Not in Use.
Turn down the temperature setting when you’re not using your electric fireplace. It will help reduce the amount of electricity used and save you money in the long run. You can invest in a programmable thermostat to make this task easier.
Use an Automatic Timer to Turn Off the Electric Fireplace.
Investing in an automatic timer for your electric fireplace will help you save electricity when it’s not in use. You can set the timer so the unit turns off after a certain time, preventing unnecessary electricity usage.
Regularly Maintain Your Electric Fireplace.
Regularly checking and maintaining your electric fireplace will ensure it runs at peak efficiency. It can include cleaning the coils and ensuring there are no blockages in the exhaust vent. It’s also a good idea to replace air filters each season to keep your fireplace running smoothly.
Invest in Insulation and Air Sealing to Reduce Energy Losses.
Adding insulation and air-sealing materials around your electric fireplace is a great way to reduce heat loss. It can help you save money on electricity costs and decrease the amount of energy used.
Conclusion
Electric fireplaces are a great way to stay warm and cozy in the winter or other seasons. But they do use up energy. The amount of electricity an electric fireplace uses depends on factors such as size, type, heat output, location, and insulation in the home.
Calculating the cost of running an electric fireplace is easy once you know the wattage being used and your local electricity rate. You can expect to pay between $25 and $30 monthly if you run the fireplace for 8 hours daily.
The ways we have mentioned to reduce the amount of electricity an electric fireplace uses can help you save on your energy bill. By taking these steps, you can enjoy the warmth of an electric fireplace while helping to reduce your energy consumption.
