How Much Does an Electric Fireplace Cost? [2025 Data]
The cost of installing an electric fireplace runs from $200 to $2,200, with homeowners spending $1,000 on average. Costs depend on size, heat output, style, and who does labor.
Electric fireplace costs depend on the fireplace type and heating capacity.
Freestanding models are the least expensive type and are easy for DIYers to install.
Inserts and wall-mounted fireplaces are pricier and require professional installation.
Fireplaces with higher heating capacities cost more than smaller units.
Electric fireplaces don’t need a chimney, so they’re more affordable to install than gas or wood-burning models.
An electric fireplace adds cozy warmth to your home without breaking the bank. The cost of an electric fireplace can be anywhere from $100 to $10,000, though most people will pay around $1,000. Factors that affect the cost of an electric fireplace include the size, heat output, and whether it's a prefabricated or custom-made style.
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 Size
The size of an electric fireplace influences its heating capabilities (often measured in BTUs, or British Thermal Units) and its price. A smaller electric fireplace may comfortably heat a 200- or 300-square-foot room but have little effect in a 500-square-foot room.
To account for the difference in heating ability, smaller models have lower prices. A small unit may cost $200. Meanwhile, a unit that can heat a 600-square-foot room may cost more than $1,500.
The heat settings on an electric fireplace can also affect its price. If you choose a simple model with just one heat setting (hot or off), you’ll pay less than you would for a more advanced fireplace with two (or more) heat settings.
| Size of Space in Sq. Ft. | BTUs Needed | Average Cost (Fireplace Only) |
|---|---|---|
| 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. Learn more about each type of electric fireplace:
| Type | Cost | 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
Some electric fireplaces look more realistic than others. You'll pay more for a model with realistic-looking flames versus a model with plastic logs that light up red.
Custom vs. Prefab
You can head to your local big-box store, pick out a freestanding electric fireplace, take it home, plug it in, and enjoy a cozy night by the fire in less than one hour. Prefab units are readily available and cost less than $1,000.
You can also go the bespoke route and have an electric fireplace custom-built. Custom-built electric fireplaces often look as though they are part of your home's structure and were there from the beginning. At the low end, you can expect to see prices of at least $2,000. Depending on how intricate the design and how detailed the project is, a custom electric fireplace could top $10,000.
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.
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
If you're looking for supplemental heating for your home, an electric fireplace can be worth purchasing. A prefab, freestanding model will only set you back a few hundred dollars and can help to heat up drafty or cooler rooms. Electric fireplaces don't have the maintenance requirements of gas or wood-burning fireplaces and don't require you to buy wood or other fuel.
Fireplaces increase your home’s value by as much as 12%. If you're looking to increase your home's value, consider installing an electric fireplace insert or a custom electric fireplace. You can take freestanding or wall-mounted fireplaces with you when you leave, so they will have less of an impact on the value of the home.
Some types of electric fireplaces use more electricity than others. Models that produce 1,500 watts will have more of an effect on your heating bill than 750-watt models.
Electric fireplaces use an average of $1.85 of electricity every eight hours. These minimal operational costs aren’t likely to make a big difference in your electric bill—unless you’re using it as a primary heating source for your home and it’s running most of the time.
Electric fireplaces give off more heat than you might think. Because they don’t lose heat through a ventilation system, which is required for wood-burning and gas fireplaces, they’re able to disperse more heat into the room. However, many electric fireplaces are limited to a max of 5,000 or 5,200 BTU heat output, and you can get more from traditional fireplaces.
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