Electric fireplace vs. space heater: running cost
An electric fireplace is cheaper to run: about $100 a year versus $148 for a space heater at typical use and 17.99¢/kWh, a $49 difference.
| Electric fireplace | Space heater | |
|---|---|---|
| Typical watts | 1,500 W | 1,500 W |
| Watt range | 20–1,500 W | 750–1,500 W |
| Typical use | 4 hours a day for 5 months a year | 6 hours a day for 5 months a year |
| Energy per year | 554 kWh | 825 kWh |
| Cost per hour | 16¢ | 16¢ |
| Cost per day | 65¢ | 97¢ |
| Cost per month | $19.93 | $29.67 |
| Cost per year | $100 | $148 |
| Per year in Hawaii (43.51¢) | $241 | $359 |
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What drives the difference
- Electric fireplace: Electric fireplaces have a 1,500 W heater plus an LED flame effect that uses only 10-50 W on its own. With the heat off they cost about the same as a light bulb.
- Space heater: Nearly all plug-in space heaters draw 1,500 W on high, the most a standard 15-amp outlet can safely supply. Every model converts electricity to heat at the same 100% rate, so the thermostat setting and hours matter more than the brand.
Ways to cut either cost
Same heat, but digital thermostats avoid overheating the room.
See options on AmazonSchedule the fireplace off automatically at bedtime.
See options on AmazonStores heat in oil so it holds room temperature on its lower 600-900 W settings and cycles less.
See options on AmazonWe may earn a commission from qualifying purchases. It never changes the numbers we show. Disclosure.
Frequently asked questions
Which costs more to run, an electric fireplace or a space heater?
At typical use and the U.S. average rate (17.99¢/kWh), a space heater costs about $148 a year versus $100 for an electric fireplace. That's $49 more, or 1.5× as much.
How many watts do electric fireplace and space heater use?
An electric fireplace typically draws 1,500 W (range 20–1,500 W). A space heater draws 1,500 W (range 750–1,500 W). Watts alone don't decide cost. Hours of use, cycling and standby matter just as much.
Rates: EIA, 12 months ending 2026-07. Methodology.