Many homeowners upgrade their old fireplace with inserts to get more heat and save energy and money. Learn more about the cost of installing a fireplace insert.
How Much Does an Electric Fireplace Cost? [2026 Data]
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Cost Insights:
Electric fireplace units cost between $100 and $10,000, with most homeowners spending around $1,000 for your new unit.
Your fireplace type and heating capacity determine your total costs, with freestanding units costing less than wall-mounted or insert models.
Account for electrician fees of $50 to $100 per hour and gas line capping costs of $130 when you plan your budget.
Hiring a local fireplace installation professional ensures safe electrical connections and compliance with building codes for your home.
In 2026, the national average cost of an electric fireplace is $1,000. Most homeowners spend between $200 and $2,200, with the spread driven by unit size, heat output, and whether you choose a freestanding, wall-mounted, or insert model.
Electric Fireplace Cost Breakdown
The cost of an electric fireplace depends on several factors, but to sum it up: The bigger the fireplace and the more bells and whistles it has, the higher the price tag.
It's also important to note that these costs don't include installation. That's because, unlike gas and wood-burning fireplaces, many electric fireplaces just need to be plugged in and turned on. However, built-in models may need to be retrofitted into an existing fireplace and often require the help of a professional fireplace installer, which will increase your costs.
Electric Fireplace Cost Factors: What Affects the Price?
Cost by Size
Electric fireplace size directly determines both heating capacity and price, with small units starting around $200 and models capable of heating a 600-square-foot room running more than $1,500. Heating capacity is measured in BTUs, and a smaller fireplace that comfortably warms a 200- to 300-square-foot room will have little effect in a larger space. The number of heat settings also plays a role: a simple single-setting model costs less than a unit with two or more adjustable heat levels. Costs vary by room size and BTU requirement, as the table below shows.
| Size of Space in Sq. Ft. | BTUs Needed | Average Cost in 2026 |
|---|---|---|
| 300 | 3,000 | $500–$1,200 |
| 400 | 4,000 | $800–$1,600 |
| 500 | 5,000 | $1,000–$2,200 |
| 600 | 6,000 | $1,500–$6,000 |
Wall-Mounted vs. Freestanding vs. Insert
Each type of electric fireplace has its merits and drawbacks. If you want your fireplace to be hardwired, you'll need to call a local electrician for help if your fireplace pro didn't set up the wiring. Here is how electric fireplace costs, installation requirements, and wiring options compare by type:
| Type | Cost in 2026 | Installation | Wiring |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wall-mounted | $300–$2,000 | Requires professional installation | Can be plug-in or hardwired |
| Freestanding | $200–$500 | DIYable | Can be plug-in or hardwired |
| Insert | $400–$2,000 | Requires professional installation | Must be hardwired |
Appearance
Photos: georgeclerk / iStock / Getty Images Plus / Getty Images, Boris SV / Moment / Getty Images
The realism of an electric fireplace's flame effect has a direct impact on its price. Models with realistic-looking flames cost more than basic units with plastic logs that simply light up red.
Custom vs. Prefab
Prefab electric fireplaces are the most accessible option, with units available at big-box stores for less than $1,000 that you can plug in and use the same day. Custom-built fireplaces start at $2,000 on the low end and can exceed $10,000 depending on the complexity of the design and how deeply the unit is integrated into your home's structure. A custom fireplace delivers a built-in, architectural look that a prefab unit cannot replicate, making it worth the premium for homeowners who want a seamless, permanent installation.
Most Common Non-Gas Fireplace Installation Projects
Most homeowners planning to install a non-gas fireplace decide to alter or replace an existing one. Examples include retrofitting an electric fireplace insert into an existing fireplace or converting a gas unit to an electric one. Other popular projects include adding a new fireplace to an existing home or new construction. A fireplace installation pro and electrician can help you create the perfect setup for cozy fires during the cold season.
Electric Fireplace Additional Costs: What Should I Budget For?
The cost of an electric fireplace unit is just the beginning. You'll also want to account for the cost of installing and using it.
Installation Costs
Installation costs for an electric fireplace range from $0 for a plug-in freestanding or tabletop unit to thousands of dollars for a custom model built into your home's structure. Hardwiring any unit requires an electrician at $50 to $100 per hour, with most jobs taking at least two hours; retrofitting an insert into an existing fireplace also typically requires an electrician. If you are converting a gas fireplace, budget an additional $130 for the average cost to cap a gas line. Wall-mounted units can be hung yourself or by a handyperson, whose average hourly cost of a handyperson runs $40 to $140, though some charge a flat fee for this task.
Electricity Costs
Electric fireplaces function similarly to space heaters, drawing comparable electricity at the same wattage setting, with most models offering two settings: 750 watts and 1,500 watts. Running a 1,500-watt unit frequently will noticeably increase your electric bill, so limiting use is the most practical way to manage ongoing energy costs.
Additional Costs to Consider
The cost of an electric fireplace unit is just the beginning. You'll also want to account for the cost of installing and using it.
Installation Costs
How much you'll pay to install your fireplace largely depends on the model. For a plug-in freestanding or table top unit, your installation costs are likely to be $0. But if you want to hardwire the unit, you'll need to hire an electrician, who will likely charge by the hour.
The average hourly cost for an electrician is $50 to $100. Count on the electrician needing at least two hours to do the job.
If you want to retrofit an electric fireplace insert into an existing fireplace, you'll most likely need an electrician, too. If you're converting a gas fireplace, you may need to hire someone to cap the gas line. The average cost to cap a gas line is $130.
You can hang a wall-mounted unit yourself or hire a handyperson to do it. The average hourly cost of a handyperson is $40 to $140. Some may charge a flat fee to hang a wall-mounted fireplace unit.
Finally, expect to pay a decent amount to install a custom electric fireplace, especially if the design and construction of the fireplace will be built into the structure of your home. The installation may add thousands of dollars to the cost of the electric fireplace.
Electricity Costs
Electric fireplaces are essentially tricked out space heaters. They use about the same amount of electricity as a similarly sized space heater, depending on the setting. Many models have two settings: 750 watts and 1,500 watts.
Since a 1,500-watt electric fireplace can use a lot of electricity, you're likely to see an uptick in your electric bill when you use the unit. To keep your energy costs under control, consider limiting its use.
Next Steps: Finalize Your Project With a Pro
Ask your pro if your current electrical system will work for your new fireplace, or if it requires upgrades
Get guidance on balancing the size of the fireplace with your budget
Consider a freestanding fireplace if an insert will drive costs too high
Talk to your pro about custom fireplaces if you’re going for a specific look
How Angi Gets Its Cost Data
Home is the most important place on earth, which is why Angi has helped more than 150 million homeowners transform their houses into homes they adore. To help homeowners with their next project, Angi provides readers with the most accurate cost data and upholds strict editorial standards. We extensively research project costs to develop the pricing data you see, so you can make the best decisions for you and your home. We rely on reputable sources, including the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, academic journals, market studies, and interviews with industry experts—all to ensure our prices reflect real-world projects.
Want to help us improve our cost data? Send us a recent project quote to [email protected]. Quotes and personal information will not be shared publicly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Fireplace services reviews from real Angi homeowners in Columbus, OH
4.8★ avg. • 6 total reviews
- Sue B.
Terrible experience. Walls/trim/floors/cabinets/doors all have drip marks, overspray, etc. Tiling at the fireplace had to be redone by another vendor due to incorrect and shoddy install by Profect. Contractor had his children in our house while he was on site without prior authorization or...
Profect painting & exteriors - Alexander W.
Supreme Brick & Chimney did a great job with a cleaning and inspection of the fireplace! He was efficient, on time, and very pleasant. The space was kept very clean, and the fireplace was spotless when he was done. He also performed a thorough inspection, and did a great job talking us...
Supreme brick & chimney - Donald L.
Ace Fireplace Services came to the rescue for my chimney repair. They were quick to pinpoint the issue and worked their magic to fix it. My chimney is now in excellent shape, and I'm a satisfied customer.
Ace Fireplace Services - Chanda L.
Custom Paint Jobs LLCs custom murals brought life to our childrens rooms. They love it!
Custom Paint Jobs, LLC - Hannah T.
Storms Mobile Welding was great to work with. They were prompt, professional and did an overall excellent job on the project. I highly recommend.
- Heather M.
On time, clean and finished fast. Windows seem sturdy and the finish is good. Caulking was done with no smudges. Would recommend.
Window Depot USA of Central Ohio - Tiffany V.
The team is awesome!! I can generally pick up and clean throughout the week, but they CLEAN! Windows, stair rails, microwave. All the things I can’t ever seem to get to regularly. The house looks and smells great after they leave.
- Steven K.
Bought a half a cord of firewood from Pitzer with stacking last month. I waited to report so I could see how the wood burned. <br /> <br /> I have three pet peeves regarding landscapers, but Pitzer scored "A"s regarding all three. First, rather than having customers "leave a message" and...
Pitzer Landscaping - M T.
We decided to update our partially finished basement, with a budget. Gerald worked with me on the lighting and chair rail selections, and produced an end product that was everything we wanted and within our budget. The work was done quickly, and he and his crew were always prompt and...
- Amy T.
Outstanding! The granite and the installation went so well that we had the remaining slabs of the granite put into our new house. The 2ND kitchen/wet bar installation went as well as the 1ST, so we had them put granite on our master bath counter top, shower seat, ledge and kick plate for...
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