Electric Fireplace: Do Electric Fireplaces Give Off Heat?

‘Electric fireplaces’ are becoming increasingly popular in our homes, particularly as people believe traditional fireplaces as ‘un-environmentally’ friendly.

We can power electric fireplaces with the available electricity supply in our homes. It often appears as producing a ‘realistic-looking flame.’ However, we have a question about do these electric fireplaces actually give off heat or not. 

Electric fireplaces serve a purpose that is far greater than their decorative aspect. The vast majority of electric fireplaces do give off heat. They contain a ‘heating element’ near the top of the unit. Further, its fans drive away hot air to the outside to endow the room with heat. 

The clever thing about electric fireplaces is to turn the heat and flame aspects on and off separately. So you can do it if you want to see the flames dance but want to keep your room cool! 

Let Us Examine How Do Electric Fireplaces Give Off Heat

Nowadays, most ‘electric fireplaces’ come on the market with a heat function. It can turn on to produce ‘heat.’ As mentioned above, the heating element is separate from the flame element so that we can get through it on and off individually.

When we activate it, ‘the fireplace’ will pull in cooler air from the room. Further, heat it internally before fans push the hot air out.

All you have to do is that you must plug your fireplace into an electrical socket or outlet in your home so that it gives your appliance power. As with most fan heaters, you can adjust the heat settings to your preferences.

More modern models come with remote controls, allowing you to turn on the flames and adjust the heat without getting out of your seat. 

How Much Heat Do Electric Fireplaces Produce? 

It is true that you lose about 80% of the heat produced through the chimney while using a traditional wood-burning fireplace. However, we will release all of the heat produced by an electric fireplace back into the room.

Despite the electric fireplaces being 100% efficient, we have some limitations. What they can output it has a limited production of the ‘electricity voltage’ provided to them.

Most electric fireplaces run on 120 volts. It has a maximum draw of around 1500 watts. The heat output is limited to around 5000 BTUs (British Thermal Units) which will provide enough heat to warm a small or medium room. We may also connect some models to 240 volts to generate more heat. 

In comparison, a gas fireplace can give off up to 30,000 BTUs, which is far too hot for most rooms. 

Let Us Find Out How We Can Compare The Heat To Other Fireplaces

The heat output of an electric fireplace has limited to a standard electrical socket. However, most units have only output around 5000 BTUs.

It is no wonder some models will provide around double the heat of a standard electric fireplace, averaging around 9000 to 10,000 BTUs. It would heat a larger room.

In comparison, ‘wood-burning and gas fireplaces’ can produce anywhere between 7000 to 60,000 BTUs. However, we will lose most heat through a chimney or a flue. Therefore, it is not essentially better to have higher heat output.

Is An Electric Fireplace Flame Real?

Although an electric fireplace flame looks very realistic, it is not real, and the heat is produced separately from the flame. As it is a fake flame, it cannot produce harmful gases or smoke, and there is no need to have a chimney, vent, or flue.

An ‘LED light bulb’ often produces a flame. When the light gets refracted, it gives the dancing flame effect. 

Without needing a chimney, you can keep ‘an electric fireplace’ in the house. Most people have got the inclination to put their electric fireplaces on feature walls or under their TVs.

From the above, it is clear most electric fireplaces allow you to turn on the flame without turning the heating element on. It means you can enjoy the flames even on the ”warmest evenings’.

Will Electric Fireplaces Get Hot?

The ‘glass on the electric fireplace’ will not get hot from unreal flame. Because of the said feature, it is much more child and pet-friendly than traditional fireplaces.

However, the heating element will get hot, just like standard electric heaters. That said, you should be careful where you place your electric fireplace, as it needs proper ventilation.

Although the fire is unreal, it can still ground electrical fires. It can block the vents and cause a fire hazard. Ensure you put it in an open area, away from items such as curtains.

If you have an electric fireplace insert, you need to worry about the positioning, because it should slot straight into your existing fireplace.

How Much Do Electric Fireplaces Cost To Heat?

If you want to focus the heat on one room in your house, electric fireplaces are great for zone heating. 

By focusing on the heat, you don’t risk overheating the rest of your house. Because of the same, they cost far less to operate a year compared to traditional gas fireplaces.

On average, electric fireplaces cost around $50-$80 a year to operate compared to $350 a year for gas fireplaces. It’s worth considering an electric fireplace if you want to save on your electricity bills.

To maximize the heat from an electric fireplace, do not use them to heat rooms with high ceilings as they will need to use much more energy. Please place them in average-sized rooms instead of that, and which are roughly around 500 square feet approximately.

It’s also worth noting that using just the flame element costs significantly less than using the heating element. So if you are enjoying the flames, you don’t have to worry about the price stacking up.

Unlike other fireplaces, electric fireplaces require minimal maintenance, servicing, or repairs. They cost a lot and less to maintain. They tend to last a lot longer than gas fireplaces.