electric fireplace

5 Reasons to Consider Electric Fireplaces Over Gas Fireplaces For A New Home

5 min read

When it comes to fireplaces, people have two popular options. They can either choose a gas fireplace or an electric fireplace. The truth is that they both have their unique advantages and disadvantages, but the new home builders are choosing electric over gas fireplaces.

Electric fireplaces are a more convenient and less expensive way to heat your home. They make it easy and quick to get warm and cosy. There are many styles of electric fireplaces on the market today, including wall-mounted fireplaces and built-in electric fireplaces that have been integrated into the design of your home.

If you're still on the fence about which type of fireplace you should go with, here are five reasons why new home builders are choosing electric over gas fireplaces

1. Electric fireplaces are more economical than gas fireplaces

The primary economic benefit of electric fireplaces is that they are cheaper to operate than gas units. The average electric fireplace running on maximum setting can be expected to cost $10.80 per month, whereas the average gas fireplace will cost $28.80 per month. This is based on the national average kilowatt-hour at 12 cents drawing 1,500 watts (18 cents)  and 60 hours of runtime. https://www.directenergy.com/learning-center/how-much-energy-fireplace

Freestanding electric fireplaces can be a great solution if you live in a rental apartment or condo because they don't require installation and have no venting requirements. They're also portable and can be easily moved from one location to another.

The electric fireplace is a versatile, beautiful, and traditional way to add warmth and comfort to a living room or bedroom. Furthermore, they are also installed in a shorter amount of time than gas fireplaces, and you can customize them to fit your home's decor theme.

 

electric fireplace

2. You can get better control over the temperature with an electric fireplace

With your remote control or thermostat you can easily turn your electric fireplace on and off. There is no need to adjust your controls directly like you would on a gas fireplace. And because it's electric, the fireplace will always be warm and ready in a split second!

Wall fireplace, tabletop and freestanding electric fireplaces are all great options for different occasions and spaces. A linear electric fireplace is great if you want to add some style to your living room or other types of wall space. Having all of your controls in one place helps you easily maintain the heat in your home without having to adjust heat levels on a gas fireplace.

 

electric fireplace safety

3. An electric fireplace offers better safety for your home

A built-in electric fireplace is safer than a traditional fireplace because it doesn't use any open flames to heat the room. Almost all of the heat generated by an electric fireplace comes from an electric heater built into the fireplace. Your house is never at risk of catching on fire the way there is with a traditional fireplace.

There are no emissions because the source is the electric fireplace heater. Traditional gas fireplaces burn solid fuel, whereas an electric fireplace uses a fan to create a realistic flame effect. No smell is produced by electric fireplaces. Adding a fragrance or scented oil on top of your fireplace is a great idea to enhance the experience.

 

electric fireplace

4. Electric fireplaces are easier to install than gas fireplaces

The clear choice for new home builders is to install electric fireplaces because electric fireplaces are not as difficult to install as gas fireplaces. This greatly reduces the time and cost of your construction. Gas fireplaces require costly venting systems for installation.

Electric fireplaces are completely self-contained and don't require external venting or specialized know-how during installation, making them more DIY-friendly. Electric fireplace auxiliary heat also run cooler than gas fireplaces, which means you won't feel like the walls of your room are melting while you're sitting in front of your new fireplace.

 

electric fireplace ease of installation

5. Gas fireplaces are noisier

Electric fireplaces are quieter than gas fireplaces. Gas fireplaces can produce noise levels up to 90dB. An electric fireplace is normally reported at 50dB, which is approximately the sound level of a refrigerator. The combustion process in gas fireplaces that creates the fire makes noise: gas logs crackle, and the flame flicker.

Some of these effects can be intended elements of a gas fireplace's appeal. Still, they often annoy neighbors or make it hard to hear the television or conversation in another room. Homeowners who want a fireplace but don't want to deal with noise have an alternative in electric fireplaces.

 

gas fireplaces are noisier

Conclusion

An electric fireplace is highly energy efficient, easy to install, and does not require gas lines to be installed. Reducing your carbon footprint in your home can start with an electric fireplace heating system. Your overall heating costs will be reduced in the long term and you will have the flexibility of moving your electric fireplace as long as there is a power output.

Check out some of our economical electric fireplaces when considering your heating options for your new or existing home.