Quick answer
An electric fire is usually cheap to run when you are using the flame effect on its own, and more noticeable on the bill when you use the heat setting for long periods. The only reliable way to estimate it for your home is to use your own electricity unit rate and the heat setting you would actually use.
If you want a quick sense check, bring a photo of your fireplace wall and tell us how you use the room. In the Heatwave Fireplaces showroom at Osnath Works in Warrington, we can show you electric fires running on different settings and talk through what that means in real use.
What people really mean when they ask about running costs
Most customers are not asking for a perfect spreadsheet. They are trying to avoid two common problems.
First, buying an electric fire they never use because they are worried about the cost.
Second, buying an electric fire expecting it to work like central heating, then feeling disappointed when it is used in a way it was never designed for.
Electric fires are often used for one room comfort. They can be a practical choice in summer and autumn too, because you can have a fire lit without overheating the whole house.
The three things that change the cost the most
1. Your unit rate
Your unit rate is the price you pay for electricity. It varies by tariff and it changes over time. That is why we avoid quoting a pence per hour figure in a blog post. A neat number that is wrong for your bill is not helpful.
If you are not sure where to find it, check the electricity section of your bill or your supplier app. Ofgem explains how energy tariffs work here:
https://www.ofgem.gov.uk/
2. Whether you use heat or just the flame effect
A lot of people use an electric fire for the flame picture most evenings, and the heat only now and again.
That matters because the flame effect can use less electricity than the heater. The heater is the part that can push costs up if it is left on for hours.
3. How you use the room
Two neighbours can buy similar electric fires and have very different running costs, purely because of habits.
Ask yourself:
* Is it an evening room for one to three hours, or is it used all day
* Do you tend to sit near the fire, or do you want it to warm the whole space
* Do you want background warmth, or do you want a quick warm up then off
If you are trying to heat a large open plan room, the cost question often becomes less about the fire and more about whether the room is insulated and draughty.
A simple way to estimate your own running cost
You can estimate running cost using two bits of information.
* Your unit rate from your bill
* The heat setting you plan to use
Most electric fires have a heat setting that people describe in kilowatts. If the heater is set to 2 kW and your unit rate is X, the cost for one hour is roughly:
Unit rate times 2
If you run it for three hours, it is unit rate times 2 times 3.
This is deliberately simple. It is meant to help you compare options and be realistic about how you would use the heat.
If you want help doing this properly, bring your unit rate and the model you are looking at into the showroom. We would rather give you a calm, honest comparison than guess.
What usually surprises people
The flame effect is not the expensive part for most households
People often assume the flame picture must be costly because it is running for hours. In reality, the heater is normally the bigger draw when it is on.
If you like the look of a lit fire most evenings but you do not need extra heat, an electric fire can be a comfortable option that feels easy to live with.
Heat feels different from a boiler
An electric fire heater is usually a fan heater style warmth. Some people like it, some do not.
This is why seeing a few electric fires working in person is useful. A phone video cannot show you how the flame looks in a bright room, and it cannot show you what the heater feels like.
Which type of electric fire are you thinking about
The running cost method is the same, but the way you end up using the fire can be different depending on the style.
Electric fires in a media wall
Electric media wall fires are often used as a visual feature first, with heat as an extra. People tend to use the flame effect more than the heater, especially in summer.
If you are planning a media wall, think about cable routes and power early. It is much easier before the wall is finished.
You can browse electric fires here:
https://heatwavefireplaces.co.uk/store/category/fires/electric fires/
Electric inset fires and electric fire suites
Inset electric fires can be a neat choice when you want a slimmer look. A full electric fireplace suite can give a traditional surround look without major building work.
In both cases, the sensible question is about more than running cost. It is also whether it suits your opening, your skirting and your socket location.
If you are early in the process and still comparing fuel routes, this guide is a good starting point:
https://heatwavefireplaces.co.uk/fireplaces warrington how to choose/
The practical checks that stop expensive mistakes
Check the power supply before you choose a fire
Many electric fires need a socket or a fused spur in the right place. The last thing you want is a cable running across a hearth or trailing behind a TV unit.
If you are replacing an old gas fire, you also need to make sure the gas supply is dealt with safely by a qualified engineer. That is separate from the running cost question, but it comes up often in the showroom.
Be honest about what you want the heat to do
If you want to take the chill off a living room while you watch TV, many electric fires can do that.
If you want to heat a whole house, an electric fire is rarely the right tool. In that case, we usually talk about heating plans for the home first, then choose a fire for comfort and atmosphere.
Think about the room you are putting it in
A small snug can feel warm quickly. A large room with open doors and draughts can feel like it eats heat.
If you bring a photo and a rough room size, we can help you set expectations and avoid a purchase that feels underpowered in your space.
Two showroom tips that make the decision easier
Bring a photo and a couple of measurements
A straight on photo of the wall and a second photo from the side tell us more than a long description.
If you have an existing opening, bring the width, height and depth.
Tell us your unit rate
If you have your unit rate handy, we can talk through a realistic estimate for the heat setting you would actually use.
Example setup images from the showroom
Frequently asked questions
Are electric fires expensive to run
They can be if you run the heater for long periods at a high heat setting. If you mostly use the flame effect and only use heat occasionally, many households find the running cost easier than they expected.
How much does it cost to run an electric fire for an hour
It depends on your unit rate and the heat setting. The simple method is your unit rate times the heat setting in kilowatts. That gives a sensible estimate for comparing options.
Does the flame effect cost much to run
It usually costs less than the heater, but it still uses electricity. If running costs are a big concern for you, ask to see the fire on flame only and heat settings in person so you understand how you would use it.
Can I use an electric fire as my main heat source
Most people use electric fires as a one room comfort heat and a visual feature. If you need to heat an entire home, it is worth treating the fire as part of a wider heating plan rather than the only source.
What should I bring to the Warrington showroom to get the right advice
Bring a photo of the fireplace wall, any opening measurements, and your postcode. If you can, bring your electricity unit rate as well. You will get a clearer answer on running cost and suitability in one visit.
Next step
If you want to compare electric fires in person and get a running cost estimate that matches your own tariff and habits, visit Heatwave Fireplaces at Osnath Works in Warrington, WA2 7XE.
Call 01925 230045, or use the contact page to plan your visit:
If you are within around 20 miles of WA2 7XE, we can also talk through options for your home and what needs checking before you decide.
Visit us in Warrington
Heatwave Fireplaces, Osnath Works, Lythgoes Lane, Warrington, WA2 7XE. Call 01925 230045 or use the contact page to plan your visit.