Indoor fireplaces are no longer just decorative features.
For many households, they serve as supplemental heating, comfort zoning, or even backup heat during emergencies.
Two options dominate modern homes:
At first glance, electric fireplaces seem cheaper and simpler. Gas fireplaces appear more powerful but more expensive to install.
But when you look closely at power bills, cost per hour, energy pricing, and reliability during outages, the comparison becomes far more nuanced.
This guide breaks down the real operating costs and dependability of gas vs electric fireplaces—without sales bias and without oversimplification.
Before comparing costs, it’s critical to understand what you’re paying for. Read our full breakdown of monthly running costs for detailed calculations.
Indoor Gas Fireplaces
Indoor Electric Fireplaces
Electric fireplaces convert nearly 100% of electricity into heat—but electricity itself is often more expensive per unit of heat than gas.
Most indoor electric fireplaces draw 1,200–1,500 watts (1.2–1.5 kWh).
This cost is predictable but adds up quickly with daily use.
Indoor gas fireplaces typically operate between 20,000–40,000 BTUs per hour.
Electric fireplaces are cheaper for short, occasional use. Gas fireplaces cost slightly more per hour but deliver 4x to 6x more heat for that price. Natural gas is often the most cost-effective heating fuel per unit of energy delivered when heating larger spaces.
Electric Fireplaces
Typically produce 4,000–5,100 BTUs. They are best for small rooms or zone heating, but heat output limits mean they struggle in open floor plans or cold climates.
Gas Fireplaces
Produce 20,000–40,000+ BTUs. They heat larger spaces effectively and can offset central heating use.
Important insight: A gas fireplace may cost more per hour, but it can replace or reduce central heating use—electric fireplaces usually cannot.
| Scenario | Electric Fireplace Cost | Gas Fireplace Cost | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Evening Ambience (2 hrs/day) | ~$12–18/month | ~$20–30/month | Electric (Cheaper) |
| Daily Zone Heating (6 hrs/day) | ~$35–55/month | ~$60–85/month | Electric (Cheaper*) |
| Cold Climate Heating | Struggles to heat | Reduces furnace use | Gas (Better Value) |
*Electric is cheaper to run, but gas provides significantly more warmth for the money.
This is where the comparison shifts dramatically.
Electric Fireplaces
Gas Fireplaces
In regions with winter storms, gas fireplaces offer true resilience that electric units cannot match. It is a common question: will a gas fireplace operate during a power failure? For many millivolt and battery-backup systems, the answer is yes.
Electric fireplaces are tied to future grid pricing. Gas fireplaces are tied to fuel supply stability.
Electric Fireplaces
Minimal maintenance, no venting, and long lifespan for visual components. However, heater elements can degrade over time.
Gas Fireplaces
Annual inspection recommended (see our maintenance checklist). Higher service cost but better durability and longer service life for heat output.
Choose Electric If:
Choose Gas If:
According to Direct Energy, calculating the true cost of operating your fireplace depends heavily on usage frequency and local utility rates.
There is no universal winner.
If power bills are your only concern, electric often looks cheaper. If comfort, reliability, and winter performance matter, gas fireplaces justify their cost.
Choosing between gas and electric isn’t about preference—it’s about usage patterns, climate, and energy pricing.
If you want help calculating real operating costs for your home, or deciding which option fits your space:
📧 support@pureflameco.com
📞 +1-833-922-6460
We help homeowners make informed decisions, not impulse purchases.
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