When choosing between a gas or electric fireplace, there are a few key factors to consider including efficiency, cost, maintenance, environmental impact, safety, aesthetics and convenience. Both gas and electric fireplaces have their pros and cons depending on your needs and preferences.
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Efficiency
Gas fireplaces tend to be more energy efficient than electric fireplaces. Gas fireplaces convert natural gas or propane to heat at an efficiency rate of up to 95%, meaning up to 95% of the fuel is converted to usable heat. Electric fireplaces operate at 100% efficiency in converting electrical energy to heat, but the electrical energy is produced much less efficiently. At a power plant, only about 30-45% of the energy content of the fuel is converted to usable electricity due to losses in generation and transmission. So the overall efficiency of an electric fireplace is only around 30-45%.
However, zone heating provided by an electric fireplace may offer localized efficiency advantages over trying to heat an entire house with a central furnace. An electric fireplace lets you add focused, on-demand heat to the rooms you use most. This zoned approach helps reduce waste from heating unused spaces.
Cost of Operation
Operating costs are lower for gas fireplaces compared to electric due to the better fuel efficiency. Natural gas prices are also typically lower compared to electricity per unit of energy provided. The exact operating costs will depend on the unit, local fuel prices, and patterns of usage. But in general, gas fireplaces are less expensive to run on a daily basis.
Here is a comparison of estimated annual operating costs for common gas and electric fireplace models:
| Fireplace Type | Estimated Annual Operating Cost |
|---|---|
| Vented 35,000 BTU gas fireplace | $150 – $300 |
| Ventless 18,000 BTU gas fireplace | $100 – $250 |
| Built-in electric fireplace (1,500 watts) | $150 – $300 |
| Wall-mounted electric fireplace (400 watts) | $20 – $60 |
Electric fireplaces can provide zone heating at a relatively low operating cost if used judiciously. Just turning on the fireplace for a few hours a day in your living room can add warmth without running up the electricity bill too much. But for consistent, whole home heating, gas ends up being less expensive in most cases.
Installation and Maintenance
Gas fireplaces require professional installation including gas lines, vents and chimneys. This significantly increases the initial setup costs over an electric fireplace. Gas fireplaces also require more periodic maintenance such as getting the unit serviced and chimneys cleaned. The components have to be kept clean and in good working order to ensure proper combustion and venting. Improper maintenance can lead to carbon monoxide poisoning.
Electric fireplaces can be easily installed by the homeowner. Just plug it into a standard wall outlet. No gas lines, vents or chimneys are needed. Maintenance is also minimal – just keeping the unit and air inlets dust-free. So electric fireplaces provide simplicity and convenience when it comes to installation and maintenance.
Environmental Impact
From an environmental standpoint, electric fireplaces are better than gas options because they don’t emit any onsite air pollution or greenhouse gases. Gas fireplaces emit carbon dioxide, nitrogen oxides, carbon monoxide, and some sulfur dioxide due to imperfect combustion. These contribute to air pollution and global warming. The overall greenhouse gas emission depends on the fuel source used to generate the electricity. But even considering power plant emissions, electric fireplaces have less environmental impact than directly burning natural gas or propane for heat.
Aesthetics
In terms of aesthetics, both gas and electric fireplaces come in a wide range of styles – from ultra-modern to traditional. This allows them to be integrated into any decor seamlessly. High-end gas fireplaces may provide a more realistic open flame effect. But modern electric fireplaces also use LED lights, reflective materials and animated logs/crystals to provide an equally convincing flame appearance.
One difference is that electric fireplaces don’t require a chimney or flue. This allows greater flexibility in where they can be installed in a room. They can mounted flush on walls and at various heights around a TV or decorative mantel. Gas fireplaces require proper venting through an existing chimney or purpose built flue. So the placement may be more constrained, although vents can still be run horizontally to add some flexibility.
For many homeowners, the enhanced flame effects and realistic ambiance of gas fireplaces provide more aesthetic appeal. But modern electric options have largely closed this gap with innovative flame technology and lower profile installations.
Safety
Electric fireplaces are generally safer than gas options because there is no open flame or combustion byproducts. However, gas fireplaces that are properly installed and maintained do not pose any significant safety risks. They are equipped with oxygen detection sensors and will automatically shut down if notenoughfresh air is available for complete combustion. Building codes also require gas fireplaces to have sealed combustion chambers so all exhaust goes up the chimney flue, not into the living space. Still, electric fireplaces eliminate any concerns over gas leaks, carbon monoxide, or improper venting that can accompany gas appliances.
Convenience
Electric fireplaces offer more convenience and flexibility for most homeowners. There is no need for gas lines, extensive venting or hiring contractors for installation. Electric fireplaces are also portable and can be moved to different rooms easily. Gas fireplaces are permanently fixed in place once installed.
Electric fireplaces provide instant ambiance at the flip of a switch. Just plug them in and turn them on. Gas fireplaces require more time to ignite and heat up. And if the pilot light goes out, you need to relight it before using the fireplace. Overall electric options provide quicker and easier operation in most circumstances.
Zoning and Whole Home Heating
One of the key advantages of electric fireplaces is zoned heating. They allow you to add heat just where and when you need it without heating unused rooms. This is difficult and inefficient with central gas forced air systems. Gas fireplaces can provide some zone heating as well, but it is impractical to install gas lines and venting to every room. So electric fireplaces offer superior zoning flexibility in most homes.
On the other hand, gas systems generally provide better whole home heating. The greater heat output and efficiency make gas a better choice for heating an entire house over electric. Gas furnaces and boilers also interface well with home HVAC systems and ductwork. So it really comes down to application – gas for whole home, electric for zoned heating.
Heat Output
Gas fireplaces produce significantly more heat output than electric options. Typical vented gas fireplaces generate 30,000 – 50,000 BTUs of heating power. Ventless gas fireplaces range from around 10,000 – 18,000 BTUs. Electric fireplaces have heat outputs between 400 – 1500 watts, which converts to around 1,365 – 5,120 BTUs.
So a single gas fireplace can heat a large open living room or common area of a home. Electric fireplaces work best at heating smaller spaces like bedrooms or offices. Although heat output has increased on newer electric fireplace models, gas still holds the advantage for heating larger rooms or supplementing a central furnace.
Heating Capacity by Fireplace Type:
| Fireplace | Heating Capacity (BTUs) |
|---|---|
| Vented gas fireplace | 30,000 – 50,000 BTUs |
| Ventless gas fireplace | 10,000 – 18,000 BTUs |
| Electric fireplace | 1,365 – 5,120 BTUs |
Cost to Purchase and Install
Electric fireplaces have a clear advantage when it comes to upfront purchase and installation costs. Economy electric fireplace units can be purchased for $100 – $300. More elaborate built-in electric fireplaces run from $500 – $1500. Installation just involves plugging them in.
Gas fireplaces have starting costs around $2,000 – $3,000 for the unit. But total installed costs frequently run from $5,000 – $8,000 after adding venting, gas lines, finishing materials, labor and contingencies. New gas fireplace installations require permits and professional contractors. So there is a significant cost premium for gas fireplaces.
Estimated Fireplace Costs:
| Fireplace Type | Purchase Price | Installed Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Gas fireplace | $2,000 – $3,000 | $5,000 – $8,000 |
| Electric fireplace | $100 – $1,500 | $100 – $1,500 |
Electric fireplace costs are not impacted much by size, style or heat output. But gas fireplace costs go up rapidly with larger units, more elaborate surrounds and higher heat outputs. So this is another advantage of electric for anyone on a tight budget.
Conclusions
Gas and electric fireplaces both have pros and cons across a range of factors. Gas fireplaces provide greater efficiency, more heat output and lower operating costs. But electric fireplaces offer simplicity, flexibility, zone heating and a lower upfront investment. There is no definitively “better” option. The right fireplace depends on your specific needs within your home.
Here are some general guidelines for choosing between gas and electric:
- Gas fireplaces are better for whole home heating needs and larger spaces.
- Electric fireplaces are ideal for zone heating of smaller rooms.
- Electric fireplaces are the budget-friendly choice for install and purchase costs.
- Gas fireplaces provide lower ongoing operating costs.
- Electric fireplaces are easier to install and require less maintenance.
- Gas fireplaces offer more heat output and realistic visual effects.
Take some time to decide which features are most important for your home. Determine the goals you want your fireplace to achieve, whether supplemental heating, zone heating or pure aesthetics. Get quotes for both gas and electric options. Comparing the costs and capabilities will help determine which type makes the most sense for your situation. There are excellent choices in both the gas and electric fireplace categories – pick the one aligned with your needs.
With some thoughtful evaluation of your needs and professional installation, either a gas or an electric fireplace can provide years of cozy warmth and beautiful ambiance for your home.