Gas vs Electric Fireplaces: Running Cost Comparison

If you’re debating between a gas or electric fireplace for your home, it’s important to weigh up all the different factors associated with each option. One of the key points to consider is the real day-to-day running costs. 

Both fireplace types are great at creating a warm, comfortable atmosphere. But, one of the major discrepancies is their long-term cost difference. 

In this article, we’ll break down the cost comparison between gas fireplaces and electric fireplaces. 

At The Rotherham Fireplace Centre, we are one of the UK’s leading fireplace specialists, supplying homes across the country for decades. 

If you work with trusted heating experts like our team, you can get expert guidance to assess your home, usage habits and priorities. Then, the specialists will work with you to identify the best fit solution for you and your home. 

But, to give you a better understanding of the financial aspect, keep reading to find a detailed outline of the real-world running costs of gas vs electric fireplaces.

 

Typical usage scenarios

First up, let’s outline the usage pattern that we’re going to use for our cost comparison. 

A common usage pattern for a UK fireplace is:

• 3 hours per evening
• 5 days per week
• Spanning a 6-month heating season

 

Roughly, this equates to 360 hours of use per year.

We’ll also base our calculations on a typical 2kW output (this is a common standard for both gas and electric fireplaces). 

 

Typical gas fireplace running costs

Right now, gas is the cheaper fuel option in the UK (per kWh). This means that gas fireplaces have a relatively low running cost, making them a great cost-effective heating solution. 

As per the recent 2026 cap, the average gas price in the UK is around 7p per kWh. 

So, if we take our typical gas fire output as 2kW, then the cost calculation is: 

• 2kW × 3 hours = 6kWh per day
• 6kWh × £0.07 = £0.42 per evening of use. 

• Monthly cost: If we multiply this by 20 days, then this equals: £8.40 usage cost per month
• Annual cost: If we multiply this by 120 days (the average heating period), this equals: £50.40 per year

 

Typical electric fireplace running costs

Compared to gas, electricity is significantly more expensive per kWh. This means that the running costs of electric fireplaces is significantly higher. 

The average electricity price in the UK is around 28p per kWh (21p higher than gas). 

Again, if we follow a typical electric fire output of 2kW, then the cost calculation for standard use is: 

• 2kW × 3 hours = 6kWh per day
• 6kWh × £0.28 = £1.68 per evening of use. 

 

Following the same breakdown as above, this equates to: 

• Monthly cost: £33.60 per month (with 20 days of use)
• Annual cost: £201.60 per year (with 120 days of use throughout the year). 

 

In this average use scenario, an electric fireplace would cost around 4x more to run than a gas fireplace. 

But, it’s important to note that running costs are just one factor to consider. We’ll cover the other factors influencing total cost below. 

 

Efficiency and heat output

Although electric fires have higher fuel costs, they are significantly more thermally efficient than gas fireplaces. 

In fact, while electric fires are 100% efficient at the point of use (meaning every single unit of electricity is converted directly into heat), gas fireplaces have a typical efficiency ranging from 75–90%. 

Despite this, however, gas fireplaces still have a lower overall running cost, because gas as a fuel is so significantly cheaper per kWh.

 

Installation costs

It’s also important to consider the upfront costs of each model.

Gas fireplaces

As gas fireplaces require a Gas Safe registered engineer, a flue or chimney lining and ventilation (in most cases), they typically cost between £1,000–£3,000 to install (depending on complexity). 

 

Electric fireplaces

As their installation is extremely simple (typically just plugging in the unit), with no requirements for a flue, chimney or specialist labour, their installation costs around £100–£1,000. 

 

Maintenance and ongoing costs

Gas fireplaces also have more complex maintenance requirements, meaning their ongoing costs are usually higher. 

Gas fireplaces require: 

• Safety checks 
• Annual servicing (recommended)
• Repair costs (higher likelihood, compared to electric fireplaces)

As a result, their typical annual cost for repairs and maintenance is around £60–£120. 

In comparison, electric fires require minimal maintenance and no safety certification required, meaning their typical annual cost is negligible. 

 

Other factors that affect running costs

• Room size – Larger rooms require more energy to heat. 
• Insulation quality – The better insulated your home, the more effective it will be at retaining heat. 
• Usage patterns and frequency of use 
• Whether your fireplace is used as a primary heating source, or as a secondary or zone heating source (if it’s your primary source of heating, the running costs will naturally be higher)

 

Practical considerations 

Gas fireplaces

Advantages:

• Lower running costs
• Higher heat output
• Isn’t reliant on a power source

 

Limitations:

• Higher installation cost
• Requires professional servicing and a safety certification

 

Electric fireplaces

Advantages:

• Low upfront cost
• Quick and easy to install
• Lower barriers to entry 
• Flexible placement, and ideal for zone heating

Limitations:

• Higher running costs
• Lower overall heat output 

 

At Rotherham Fireplace Centre, we offer premium quality, high performance gas and electric fireplaces, with models to suit all project types, styles and requirements. 

To find out more about our expansive product range, or to get the advice of one of our specialists, don’t hesitate to get in touch.