Electric vs Gas Fireplaces: Costs and Efficiency Compared

Key takeaways

• Electric fireplaces usually have lower upfront and installation costs, while gas fireplaces often cost more to install due to gas lines, flues and professional labour.
• Gas fireplaces typically cost less to run per hour than electric models if you use them as a main heat source, but electrics can be more economical for occasional, short bursts of use.
• Electric fires are usually easier to install in flats and new builds and do not require chimneys or flues, while gas fireplaces need proper ventilation and, in many cases, building control or landlord permission.
• Ventless gas fireplaces can offer high efficiency but require careful use and good room ventilation; some homeowners prefer alternative fuels such as high-purity bioethanol fuel like this premium bioethanol fuel for flexible indoor and outdoor setups.
• Electric fireplaces tend to win on simplicity, safety and low maintenance, while gas fireplaces suit those who prioritise strong, realistic heat and long sessions of economical heating.

Electric vs gas fireplaces: core differences

Both electric and gas fireplaces aim to give you warmth and an attractive flame effect, but they achieve that in very different ways. Understanding these core differences makes the cost and efficiency comparisons much easier to interpret.

Electric fireplaces use electric resistance heating elements and a fan to blow warm air into the room. The flame effect is created by LED lights or projections, so the ‘flames’ themselves are purely visual. This means you can usually run flame effects without heat, something that is handy if you simply want ambience. Gas fireplaces, by contrast, burn natural gas or LPG to produce real flames and radiant heat. The visual effect is usually more realistic, and the heat output can be significantly higher.

Because of this, electric fireplaces are simple plug-and-play in many cases, whereas gas fireplaces require professional connection to a gas supply and suitable ventilation. That extra complexity has knock-on effects on cost, permissions, and even which properties they can be fitted in safely.

Upfront costs and installation complexity

When people compare electric vs gas fireplaces, the first surprise is often how large the installation cost difference can be. The unit price is only part of the story; labour, materials, and any building alterations often matter more than the sticker price.

Electric fireplace installation

Most electric fireplaces are relatively straightforward to install. Wall-mounted and freestanding units typically just need a suitable wall and a standard electrical socket. Some inset or built-in electric fires may require a recess to be created or an old fireplace opening to be adapted, but this is usually carpentry and plasterwork rather than major structural work. If you are deciding between formats, our guide to wall mounted vs freestanding electric fireplaces can help you narrow things down.

In many cases, you can budget for the cost of the unit plus a modest fitting charge, especially if you already have a suitable socket nearby. You may need an electrician if a dedicated circuit or a new spur is required, but this is still usually cheaper and quicker than gas installation. There is rarely a need for building control approval, and most landlords are more positive towards electric fires than alterations to gas systems.

Gas fireplace installation

Gas fireplaces almost always require a qualified gas engineer. If you already have a gas supply and a suitable chimney or flue, the cost may be fairly contained, but if new pipework must be run, a flue must be added, or a chimney lined, the total can increase significantly.

Vented gas fireplaces need a flue to carry exhaust gases outside. This may be through an existing chimney, a new flue liner, or a balanced flue through an external wall. Ventless (or flueless) gas fireplaces do not require a traditional flue, but they must still meet strict room size and ventilation requirements, and regulations or landlord rules may limit where they can be used.

In older homes with chimneys, converting a disused open fireplace to a modern gas insert may involve chimney inspection, potential repairs, and adding a liner. In flats or new builds without chimneys, a balanced flue or flueless model may be required, which may need freehold or building control approval. All this means that the real-world cost of installing a gas fire can vary widely and is often substantially higher than for electric fires.

Permissions and property suitability

The type of property you live in makes a big difference to how practical electric vs gas fireplaces are. What is straightforward in a detached house might be complex or impossible in a leasehold flat.

Flats and apartments

Electric fireplaces are usually the easiest choice for flats. They do not alter the building’s structure, do not require flues through external walls or roofs, and typically do not trigger building control sign-off. In rented properties, an electric fire is also easier to remove or replace when you move out. For more inspiration, you can look at fireplace alternatives for apartments and small spaces, which often prioritise plug-in or flueless designs.

Gas fireplaces in flats are more challenging. Freeholders, management companies and landlords may restrict alterations that affect gas systems, external walls or roofs. Balanced flue gas fires that vent through an external wall may be possible in some ground-floor flats, but upper floors can be more restricted. Flueless gas fires might seem a workaround, but they are not suitable for every room size or ventilation setup, and building regulations and manufacturer instructions must be followed carefully.

New builds and older homes

New builds often have excellent insulation and airtightness, which is great for energy efficiency but means combustion appliances must be carefully specified. Electric fireplaces fit neatly into this environment with minimal fuss. Where gas is available, balanced flue gas fires can work well, but design considerations are usually addressed during the building stage rather than as a later retrofit.

Older homes with existing chimneys open up more options. Converting an open fire to a modern gas insert or sealed gas stove can give you higher efficiency and cleaner combustion. However, chimneys often need lining and repairs, which should be factored into the cost. Electric fires can also be set into old fireplace openings, giving a traditional look with simpler installation and lower maintenance.

Running costs per hour: gas vs electric

Running costs depend on your local tariffs and how you use your fireplace, but broad patterns are quite consistent. To keep things evergreen and neutral, we will focus on relative differences and scenarios rather than quoting specific tariffs, which change over time and by supplier.

Electric fireplace running costs

Electric fireplaces typically draw between 1 kW and 2 kW when heating. The cost per hour is simply the power rating multiplied by your electricity unit price. Because electric fires are close to 100% efficient at turning electricity into heat in the room, you know exactly what you are paying for. When you use only the flame effect, the power draw drops dramatically, often to the level of a few lamps.

For occasional evening ambience or as a top-up heater in a single room, electric fireplaces can be relatively economical. Their big advantage is control: instant on/off, precise thermostats, and timers. You are unlikely to leave an electric fire running all day as a main heat source, but for short, targeted use, the per-hour cost can be manageable.

Gas fireplace running costs

Gas fireplaces consume gas in kW or in cubic metres per hour, depending on how your supply is metered. Gas is typically cheaper per kWh than electricity, which means that for the same heat output, gas often costs less to run than an electric fire. This becomes especially noticeable if you run your fireplace for long periods or use it as a main heat source for a large living space.

However, not all the heat produced by a gas fire ends up in your room. Older open-fronted or poorly designed models can send a lot of heat up the chimney. Modern glass-fronted and balanced flue gas fires can be much more efficient, especially sealed units where most of the heat radiates into the room. This is where proper specification matters: a high-efficiency gas fireplace can bring the running cost per unit of useful heat down significantly compared with both older gas fires and electric alternatives.

Heat output and overall efficiency

When comparing fireplaces, it is helpful to distinguish between raw efficiency (how much of the fuel becomes heat) and effective comfort (how warm the room feels). A very powerful appliance in a draughty room might feel no better than a smaller one in a well-insulated space.

Electric heat output

Most electric fireplaces are limited to a maximum of around 2 kW of heat output because of what a standard plug socket can safely deliver. This is usually enough to make a medium-sized living room feel comfortably warm as a supplement to central heating, but it may struggle to heat large or very open-plan spaces on its own.

The upside is that electric fires are effectively 100% efficient at the point of use. Every unit of electricity drawn is turned into heat in the room. There are no flue losses, and because the casing often stays cooler than a gas or solid fuel appliance, furniture placement is more forgiving. For modest rooms, this is often perfectly adequate and predictable.

Gas heat output

Gas fireplaces can deliver significantly higher heat outputs. It is common to see 4 kW to 7 kW for many living-room-sized models, and even higher for larger stoves and built-in fires. This allows them to act as a serious heat source, capable of warming bigger or draughtier rooms where an electric fire might only take the chill off.

Efficiency, though, depends on design. Vented gas fireplaces with open fronts can lose a fair amount of heat up the chimney. Modern high-efficiency, glass-fronted and balanced flue models are much better, often capturing a large proportion of the heat for the room. Ventless gas fireplaces, where permitted, can be extremely efficient in terms of retaining heat indoors, but they rely on room air for combustion, which places safety and ventilation requirements on the space.

Vented vs ventless gas fireplaces

Gas fireplaces can be divided broadly into vented and ventless (flueless) designs. Each has implications for efficiency, safety and installation.

Vented gas fireplaces

Vented gas fires exhaust combustion gases outdoors via a chimney or flue. Traditional chimney-vented models may use existing brick chimneys, often with a liner fitted for safety and performance. Balanced flue models use a sealed combustion system with a flue that passes through an external wall, drawing air from outside and expelling exhaust gases without mixing with room air.

Balanced flue designs are typically more efficient and safer than older open-vent models, as they are sealed from the room. They are particularly popular in modern homes without chimneys. While installation is more involved than for flueless gas or electric fires, many homeowners appreciate the combination of strong heat, realistic flames and controlled venting.

Ventless (flueless) gas fireplaces

Ventless gas fireplaces do not have a traditional flue. Instead, they burn gas very cleanly and rely on the room’s ventilation to disperse combustion products. Because there is no chimney or flue carrying heat outside, they can be highly efficient in terms of heat retention in the room.

However, they are subject to strict installation and usage limitations. Rooms must meet minimum size and ventilation requirements, and some regions or building managers place additional restrictions on flueless gas appliances. Many models include oxygen depletion sensors and other safety features, but users must still follow instructions closely and ensure good airflow.

If you are considering a ventless gas fireplace, always check current local regulations, manufacturer guidelines and landlord or freeholder rules before committing. Efficiency is only an advantage if the appliance is installed and used safely.

How fireplaces affect your overall energy bills

The impact of a fireplace on your energy bills depends on how you integrate it with your main heating system. A well-chosen fireplace can allow you to turn down the central heating and focus on the rooms you actually use, but a poorly matched or overused appliance may end up adding to your total energy spend.

An electric fireplace shines when used as a zoned heater. For example, if you spend most of your evening in one room, you might reduce your whole-house heating slightly and use the electric fire to keep that room cosy. This spot-heating approach can be cost-effective, particularly if your home is well insulated and you do not need to run the fire for very long periods.

A gas fireplace, especially a high-efficiency model, can act as a powerful central feature in a living space. If you spend long periods in that room, you may find that running the gas fire instead of or alongside your boiler reduces how much your radiators need to work. Because gas is often cheaper per unit of heat, there is potential for savings, but only if you are disciplined about turning down the rest of the system rather than simply adding extra heat on top.

Safety and maintenance needs

Both electric and gas fireplaces can be safe when installed and used correctly, but they have different risk profiles and maintenance requirements. Thinking ahead about ongoing upkeep helps avoid nasty surprises later.

Electric fireplace safety and maintenance

Electric fireplaces avoid combustion entirely, so there are no exhaust gases, no need for chimneys to be swept, and no risk of carbon monoxide from the appliance itself. That said, they are still electrical devices and should be treated with the same care as any other heater.

Common-sense safety includes keeping soft furnishings clear of the heater outlet, ensuring the plug and cable are in good condition, and following manufacturer guidance on wall mounting or recessing. Maintenance is usually limited to dusting, occasionally replacing bulbs if the unit uses them, and having an electrician check the circuit if you suspect any issues.

Gas fireplace safety and maintenance

Gas fireplaces require more structured maintenance. It is advisable to have them serviced regularly by a qualified gas engineer, who will check the burner, pilot light or ignition system, seals, and flue function. If your fireplace uses a chimney, that chimney or flue should also be inspected and swept as recommended.

Carbon monoxide alarms are strongly recommended in rooms with gas fireplaces. You should also pay attention to any warning signs such as unusual smells, discoloured flames, or soot deposits. The benefit of this extra care is that, when properly maintained, gas fireplaces can be dependable and efficient sources of real flame and warmth.

Which is better for the environment?

Environmental impact is not just about what comes out of the fire; it is also linked to how the electricity or gas is generated. Electric fireplaces produce no on-site emissions, but the carbon footprint of the electricity they use depends on the mix of power sources on the grid. Gas fireplaces burn fossil fuel directly, producing carbon dioxide and other emissions in your home’s flue.

In simple terms, electric fireplaces can become increasingly low-carbon as electricity generation decarbonises. They also avoid particulate emissions associated with some solid fuel appliances. Gas fireplaces currently rely on fossil gas, although future changes in gas supply, such as blends with lower-carbon gases, may gradually alter their footprint.

Some homeowners look beyond gas and electric to alternative fuels. For example, high-purity bioethanol can be used in dedicated bioethanol fireplaces and fire pits. A product like EKOFUEL Premium Bioethanol Fuel is designed to burn cleanly with minimal odour and no need for a flue, making it a flexible option for both indoor and outdoor use when used in compatible appliances. These alternatives have their own pros and cons, covered in more depth in our guide to ventless and ethanol fireplaces.

Real-world cost scenarios

To make the trade-offs more concrete, it helps to think in terms of typical usage patterns. Actual figures will depend on tariffs and appliance specifications, but these scenarios show how the balance can shift.

In a small flat where you work away from home and mainly want a cosy ambiance for a couple of hours in the evening, an electric fireplace tends to be simpler and cost-effective. You avoid installation obstacles and only pay for limited, targeted use. If you mostly run the flame effect without heat, the energy use is even lower.

In a larger family home where the living room is used for many hours every day, a high-efficiency gas fireplace may turn out cheaper to run across a season if you use it as a primary heat source in that space and slightly reduce the central heating. The higher heat output and lower per-unit fuel cost can add up, especially where you value a strong, room-filling warmth.

If you live in an older property with an existing chimney, you might compare the cost of lining and converting it for a modern gas insert against simply fitting an electric fire into the opening. The gas route may provide a more powerful and traditional-feeling fire, but the electric route minimises structural work and ongoing maintenance.

Which suits flats, new builds and older homes?

Bringing the earlier points together, you can think of electric vs gas fireplaces in terms of how they fit specific property types and lifestyles.

Best for flats and small spaces

Electric fireplaces are usually the most straightforward answer here. The absence of flues, gas lines and structural modifications makes them attractive for leasehold flats, rented properties and compact living rooms. If space is tight, slim wall-mounted or inset electric fires create visual impact without taking up floor area, and there are plenty of designs that complement modern decor. If you want a more flexible flame option for occasional use, a small bioethanol fireplace paired with a clean-burning fuel can also work well, provided you follow ventilation and safety guidance.

Best for new builds

In new builds, the choice often comes down to how the house was designed. Where the developer has planned for a built-in gas fireplace with a balanced flue, these can deliver impressive efficiency and a strong focal point. If not, electric fireplaces are an easy retrofit that integrates nicely with modern media walls and open-plan layouts.

Because new builds are generally well insulated, you may find that a modest electric fire is more than enough to create comfort and ambience, with the main heating system doing most of the heavy lifting. Here, aesthetics, smart controls and ease of use often matter as much as raw heat output.

Best for older homes

Older homes offer more freedom but may need more work. If you have an existing open fireplace, you could convert it to a gas insert or a sealed gas stove, gaining better efficiency than using an open fire with logs or coal. Alternatively, fitting an electric fire into the opening preserves the fireplace look while eliminating the need for chimney sweeping and reducing draughts associated with unused chimneys.

Some owners of older properties still enjoy traditional solid fuel fires or stoves. In these cases, accessories such as quality kindling and heat-powered stove fans can make a noticeable difference. For instance, using properly dried kindling like Log Barn Kiln-Dried Kindling Wood helps stoves and open fires light cleanly, while a heat-powered log burner fan can circulate warmth more evenly around the room.

Decision checklist: electric vs gas fireplace

To decide which fireplace type suits you, it helps to run through a quick, honest checklist. You can treat it as a mini-decision tool when comparing specific models.

Electric is likely to be the better fit if you:

• Live in a flat or rented property where structural changes are limited.
• Primarily want ambience and occasional heat rather than a main heat source.
• Prefer a simple plug-in installation without gas work or flues.
• Value low maintenance and do not want to schedule regular servicing.
• Like the idea of running ‘flames only’ without heat for visual impact.

Gas may be the right choice if you:

• Own your home and are comfortable arranging gas installation and ongoing servicing.
• Want a powerful heat source capable of warming a large or draughty room.
• Prefer the look and feel of real flames with higher heat output.
• Expect to run the fireplace for many hours at a time and want lower per-unit fuel costs.
• Have (or are willing to add) suitable flue arrangements or balanced flue systems.

If you find that neither option fits perfectly, or you are constrained by building rules, it may be worth exploring ethanol fires, electric stoves, or other compact solutions. Our overview of the best fireplaces for apartments and small living rooms highlights a range of space-conscious alternatives.

Conclusion: which should you choose?

Choosing between an electric and a gas fireplace comes down to how you balance installation practicality, running costs, heat output and the character of the flame. Electric fireplaces win on simplicity: they are easy to install, flexible for flats and rentals, highly controllable, and almost maintenance-free. They suit anyone who wants affordable ambience, modest supplementary heat, and minimal disruption.

Gas fireplaces, on the other hand, appeal to those who want a more traditional, powerful source of real flame heat and are ready to invest in professional installation and servicing. With the right high-efficiency model, gas can be cost-effective for long, cosy evenings in a main living space, especially where you can dial back other heating.

If you decide that neither electric nor gas quite fits your situation, alternative approaches such as ethanol fireplaces powered by a clean-burning fuel like EKOFUEL Premium Bioethanol Fuel or using a traditional stove supported by good kindling and a heat-powered stove fan may bridge the gap. The key is to be honest about your property, your budget, and how you actually plan to use the fire day to day.

FAQ

Is a gas fireplace cheaper to run than an electric one?

Gas is usually cheaper per unit of heat than electricity, so a modern, efficient gas fireplace can cost less to run per hour than an electric fire if you use it heavily or as a main heat source. However, for occasional, short bursts of use, especially in smaller rooms, the simplicity and targeted nature of electric heating can narrow the difference. Remember that gas fires have higher installation and servicing costs, so the total cost picture includes more than just fuel.

Do electric fireplaces really heat a room?

Yes. Most electric fireplaces provide up to around 2 kW of heat, which is enough to warm a typical living room when used as a supplementary heater. They are best seen as a top-up to your main heating system rather than a sole heat source for large, open-plan spaces. Their ability to run the flame effect without heat is useful when you just want ambience.

Which is safer: electric or gas fireplaces?

Both can be safe when used and installed correctly. Electric fireplaces avoid combustion, flues and exhaust gases, which makes them straightforward in many homes. Gas fireplaces introduce combustion and require proper venting, regular servicing and, ideally, a carbon monoxide alarm. If you prioritise low-maintenance safety and live in a flat or rental, electric often feels simpler; if you opt for gas, professional installation and ongoing checks are essential.

What if I cannot install a gas or traditional fireplace?

If gas installation is not practical and you cannot have a solid fuel fireplace or chimney, you still have options. Electric fires offer the broadest compatibility and easiest installation. Another alternative is a dedicated ethanol fireplace using a clean-burning fuel, such as premium bioethanol fuel, which can provide real flames without a flue when used in the right appliance and with suitable ventilation.