5,000 BTUs is an adequate amount to heat around 400 square feet. Nothing beats sitting next to a fireplace on a cold day. When deciding whether to install a gas or electric fireplace, take into consideration the details that follow and be sure to consult with a professional, such as a National Fireplace Institute certified technician. Dual-sided electric fireplaces can cost up to $6,200. jQuery("#full-column-link-1-mobile").click(function () {
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Copyright 2023 Acton Media Inc. All rights reserved. We should note thats not quite an apples-to-apples comparison. By comparison, a 25,000 Btu gas fireplace will cost 30.5 cents per hour to run on natural gas. Electricity may be a non-renewable resource depending on where you are located and your power utility. Ohio-based freelance writer and author Dan Stout is a former residential remodeler, commercial site supervisor and maintenance manager. What is cheaper: gas or electric? A tell-tale sign that something is wrong is a rotten egg smell coming from the fireplace. Get Local Cost Electric Fireplace PROS Inexpensive Fast and easy installation Cheaper to run Gas tends to be more affordable than electricity, but gas fireplaces usually emit more heat energy (measured in BTUs) than electric fireplaces, making them pricier to run. With a vented gas fireplace, clean the flue once a year or so. With propane, the operational cost will be between two and three times that amount. For those homeowners who decide to convert a wood-burning fireplace, the gas fireplace cost can range from $500 to $5,000 for the project. If your home isnt equipped with a chimney and firebox, you can easily invest in a gas or electric fireplace. This PuraFlame model is the top pick in our guide to the best electric fireplaces. (If you run it 8 hours a day.) jQuery("#full-column-link-2-mobile").click(function () {
With a gas fireplace, you can detect an almost immediate warmth in the room, which is quite different from an electric fireplace. But it only takes a little caution to make your fireplace safe and secure. Although gas leaks are rare, it is important to check the fireplace since natural gas is highly flammable and long-term exposure can lead to health concerns. Valves should also be checked for leaks and to make sure they are operating properly. Electric fireplaces simply plug into where they will be used. Gas is a great alternative to wood as it is quite efficient and heats spaces quickly. A gas and electric fireplace have similar average lifespans because they require little maintenance throughout their life. Simply plug the power cord into an available outlet and turn on the fireplace for instant heat and light from the simulated fire. It can be difficult to understand if a gas or electric fireplace will fit you and your homes needs. This includes the glass doors that usually protect the flames. Electric fireplaces cost around $100 per year to run. Gas fireplaces replicate the ambiance of a campfire or wood-burning fireplace because they produce a flame and emit more intense heat. Humans respond to fire on a primal level. (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=2ba02a33-c319-4410-bba7-f8321a13bed3&cid=877050e7-52c9-4c33-a20b-d8301a08f96d'; cnxps.cmd.push(function () { cnxps({ playerId: "2ba02a33-c319-4410-bba7-f8321a13bed3" }).render("00499ba9282e4d1b985fa8af14d29c2b"); }); Gas fireplaces also have more requirements on their placement inside the home. Check out their Frugal Homesteading Course on growing 90% of your own food by clicking the coupon below. However, they also cost a significant amount more to install and require more time and effort to maintain than an electric fireplace. If something goes wrong, the fallout can be catastrophic and deadly. A wall-mounted gas fireplace install has a smaller price range at $3,000 to $8,000. Electric fireplaces are less expensive, and the installation cost is negligible as long as there is an outlet within reach. A pre-built gas fireplace can range from $900 to $3,000 for the unit itself. Whether it be the crackling sound, mesmerizing flicker of flames, or warmth they provide, many people love the cozy and soothing ambiance of fireplaces. However, you may need to run a secondary heat source due to its lower heating capacity. However, the energy efficiency of electric fireplaces is even more impressive for a number of reasons. The heat from a gas fireplace may be felt more quickly within the room than an electric unit, depending on how far away you are. And for all the battery-powered models on the market, make sure to replace batteries every six months. They also use cleaner sources of energy so they dont produce as many harmful emissions. Pretty much every big household appliance you can think of - air conditioner, furnace, land mower, tankless water heater, fireplace, and so on - can run on either electricity or gas. The following is a table showing the different factors that will influence the overall price tag for your electric fireplace: There is no need to have special plumbing or ventilation installed for an electric fireplace. Be sure to check with your local government to see if you are permitted to install a gas fireplace. Adding an aesthetically pleasing fireplace can add to the resale value of your home. In the following table, we summarize the major advantages and disadvantages of wood stoves and fireplaces in a side-by-side comparison: So now that we have quickly summarized the different features a gas and electric fireplace offers let us analyze each of the key characteristics we covered above in more detail in the next few sections. Electric fireplaces, however, project an image of a burning log and might have sound effects to mimic a crackling fire, but they are more artificial looking. The vent must be inspected yearly and cleaned as needed. Electric fireplaces require little to no maintenance because they do not burn wood or gas, and they dont require vents. Electric vs Gas Fireplace Electric Fireplace $700 - $2,250 (installed) Gas Fireplace $2,750 - $7,300 (installed) Cost varies greatly by region (and even by zip code). Although it costs more to install a gas fireplace than an electric fireplace, you may be able to recoup up to 91% of that cost when you sell your home. window.open(
The national average cost of electricity is about 16 cents per kWh, while the national average cost of natural gas is $24.60 per thousand cubic feet. Arent concerned about pets or kids running into the fireplace front. The national average cost to install an electric fireplace is $1,000 to $4,000, with most homeowners paying around $2,500 for a recessed wall unit with a custom installation. The question 'is gas or electric' cheaper makes a lot of sense, and knowing the answer can save you $1,000s per year. Electric fireplaces are cheaper in cost and installation compared to their gas-burning counterparts. Running Costs If you own a condo or townhome and your space is relatively condensed, you would be fine with an electric fireplace. How to Maintain Your Homes Heating and Cooling System? Both have their advantages and disadvantages, so well break down everything you need to know about electric versus gas fireplaces. iIf a full replacement is needed, a built-in fireplace conversion costs between $5,250 and $10,000, while a . The cost of a gas fireplace is about $900 to $3,000. Gas fireplaces in particular can be hot to the touch. However, one way you can combat the less environmentally friendly gas option is to choose an energy star-rated model or one that is similarly rated for efficiency. If your fireplace vents through a first-floor wall, make sure you dont store items outside that obstruct the airflow around the vent. So, I put together this post to better distinguish the two. And the efficiency is higher than an electric fireplace. Gas fireplaces have a forced flame around specific gas-burning logs or crystals, and so do electric fireplaces. Gas fireplace manufacturers regularly claim that the running costs for their units are about 17 cents per hour with much higher heat output than electric fireplaces. While you are not going to mistake either gas or electric fireplaces for a traditional wood-burning model, both come in a range of beautiful designs that can complement many rooms. Keep in mind these are simply estimates for installation. Before and after using a gas fireplace, it's important to inspect the unit and the gas line for any leaks or signs of damage that could cause problems in the future. However, if you have young children or pets, the electric option may be your best choice because it is safer. The national average cost for a gas fireplace, including installation, is $2,500 to $7,000, depending on the model, location, and condition. Electric fireplaces don't have the same authentic look, but they do come with visual features, like LED lighting, videos of burning wood, and even hologram imaging. These factors include: Electric fireplaces are more DIY-friendly for installation. You have to be patient as electric fireplaces will not instantly fill a room with warm air or radiant heat like a gas fireplace will. But when it comes time to pick one or the other, here are some factors to consider: We are no longer supporting IE (Internet Explorer) as we strive to provide site experiences for browsers that support new web standards and security practices. However, gas is a non-renewable resource, and burning it releases some particles into the atmosphere. Instead of flames, electric heater fireplaces project an image of a burning log. However, if electrical work is involved, you may want to consider hiring a local professional for help. Still, you do not need to worry about the firebox or chimney being maintained properly like you would with a wood-burning fireplace. You simply need an outlet where you want it to go. And most of the time, you can improve the lifespan of a household product if you maintain and upkeep it properly. Some homeowners are even converting wood-burning fire features to gas or electric. With a gas fireplace, you need to inspect and clean the vent or flue, if the unit has one, though there are gas models that do not have these components because they use a fuel that doesn't require venting. Electric heaters and gas fireplaces both produce heat immediately once activated. An electric fireplace can last for about 20 years before it is no longer producing at its peak output. However, the average cost to install a gas central heating system is around 5,250, compared with 3,790 to install an electric heating system. If you do not already have a chimney and firebox1 in your home, the simplest solution is to add either a gas or electric fireplace. Gas fireplace manufacturers regularly claim that the running costs for their units are about 17 cents per hour with much higher heat output than electric fireplaces. Firewood Measurements: What Do They Mean? There are several gas fireplace styles with different price ranges: Professionally installing a gas fireplace costs $2,300 to $10,000, depending on the units style and location in the home. A gas fireplace requires that the gas line be run to the area, and a small vent is needed for most models. Gas fireplace units cost between $2,000 to $7,500, with prices depending on the specific style and features. });
Home House & Components Parts of House Fireplace. However, wood-burning fireplaces come with a hefty installation cost and they require extensive maintenance to ensure the fireplace, flue, and chimney are all properly cleaned and in good working order. Read on to learn more about the costs of electric and gas fireplaces, and how both options compare with installation, maintenance, energy efficiency, safety, heating capacity, and aesthetics. If you are wondering, the higher the BTU rating, the more heat that fireplace can produce. Heres how gas and electric fireplaces compare: There are plenty of gas and electric fireplace units that make beautiful additions to any room. Gas Fireplace Monthly Cost. Most homes have a smoke alarm, and it is more common that newer homes come with carbon monoxide detectors nowadays. Gas fireplaces are lower-maintenance than wood-burning fireplaces but will require some attention annually. Both gas and electric fireplaces are relatively easy to keep clean. If you do not have an outlet there, it is a simple process to have one installed, and then the unit can be placed. On the other hand, electric fireplaces are somewhat cheaper than gas fireplaces. The price of a gas line hookup if you have an existing gas line runs between $150 and $300. Even though a gas fireplace: The gas fireplace wins in our book because, ultimately, it can be used at any time, even during power outages. Natural gas is commonly measured by the cubic foot, and homeowners are billed by the thousands of cubic feet (MCF) or hundreds of cubic feet (CCF). Additionally, this means you may want to steer clear of this option if you have young children or pets who tend to be clumsy or unaware of their surroundings. Whether it takes a 110- or 220-volt outlet depends on the fireplace. Gas fireplaces produce noxious fumes like carbon monoxide that can be problematic if the fireplace is not installed or maintained properly. This means that a 1.5 kilowatt electric fireplace generating about 5,000 Btu will cost 19.5 cents per hour to operate. Gas fireplaces generally cost more to purchase and to install than their electric counterparts. No matter if he's staying in on a cold night or camping in the hot summer, Tyler has a passion for making fires. Most electric fireplaces can be set up in minutes by the user, instead of needing to hire a professional to complete the job. Instead, electric fireplaces rely on LED lighting, videos of burning wood, and hologram imaging of dancing flames to simulate the appearance of a fire. Like any gas appliance, a gas leak may occur if the unit is not maintained properly, which can cause significant health problems and a fire hazard if not detected and dealt with quickly. They may also have sound effects that can make the unit sound like a crackling fire, and you have options for installation such as wall mounting, which can also make the fireplace look more authentic. 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