electric fireplace installation
electric fireplace style

Ask an Expert: How Much Heat Does an Electric Fireplace Produce?

Touchstone Sideline Elite Pro Smart Electric Fireplace in black accent wall by Accent Wall Designs, Arizona

“How much heat does an electric fireplace give off?” is one of the most frequently asked questions at Touchstone Home Products. Our customer service team is always happy to help shoppers figure out if an electric fireplace is best for their needs.

Will an Electric Fireplace Heat a Room?

Most Touchstone® Electric Fireplaces with built-in heaters have a BTU output of 5,000. BTU (British Thermal Unit) is a standard measure of heat energy. This 5,000 BTU heat output will warm approximately 400 square feet. Much like a space heater, an electric fireplace will add supplemental heat to a room. 

Touchstone Fireplug Pro Smart Electric Fireplace Insert in bedroom by @thisgeorgiaclay

Touchstone Fireplug® Pro Smart Electric Fireplace Insert, @thisgeorgiaclay

How Do Electric and Gas Fireplaces Compare? 

In comparison, a gas fireplace generally provides 50,000 BTUs. If you are looking for fireplace ambiance with cozy added heat, an electric fireplace could be right for your space. If you want to use a fireplace as your only heat source in an open floor plan or big area, a gas fireplace may be a better choice.

Touchstone Sideline Infinity 3 Sided Electric Fireplace easy installation

Easy electric fireplace installation - plug in or hardwire. No venting or gas line needed.

In addition to heat output, there are other factors to consider when comparing gas and electric fireplaces. Gas fireplaces cost significantly more to install than electric fireplaces. An electric fireplace does not require a chimney, flue, gas line, venting or HVAC inspection. With a standard electrical outlet nearby, an electric fireplace can be installed, plugged in and ready to enjoy in one day, in any room.

How Does an Electric Fireplace Heater Work?

Touchstone Electric Fireplaces with heaters have small openings on the front or top to pull in air. This air is warmed by a heating coil and pushed into the room with a built-in fan. The glass front remains cool to the touch with the heat on. 

Touchstone Sideline 50 Smart Electric Fireplace in bedroom by @alexlivingstontv

The Sideline® 50 Smart Electric Fireplace, @alexlivingstontv

When mounting a television or mantel above, the electric fireplace’s warm heat output is safer than the intense heat of a gas or wood fireplace. Touchstone Electric Fireplaces require a shorter space of 8 inches between the heat vents and TV or mantel. With an electric fireplace, you also avoid the risks of stray embers, excessive dust from ash, or potential gas leaks.

How Much Electricity Does an Electric Fireplace Use?

Electric fireplaces are energy efficient, with average costs from $50 to $80 per year. In comparison, gas fireplaces can average about $500 per year to run. Wood burning fireplaces are also more expensive, with the added cost of firewood, chimney cleaning and routine maintenance. 

Touchstone Electric Fireplace heat controls on app

Control the heat settings by app or remote control.

All Touchstone Electric Fireplaces include a timer and auto shut to minimize energy use. Separate controls for heat and flames let you enjoy the relaxing fire without the heater blower when desired. Many of our electric fireplaces have programmable thermostat settings, offering you customizable zone heating to offset your primary heat costs.

Do You Have a No-Heat Electric Fireplace Option?

Touchstone Outdoor Electric Fireplaces are specially made without built-in heaters. Because they don’t have heater openings for air flow, these fireplaces are weatherproof and well suited for outdoor use. They are also popular for interior use by homeowners who don’t need supplemental heat or want to mount items less than 8 inches from the fireplace.

Touchstone Sideline Elite Outdoor Smart Electric Fireplace shown inside and outside @house_of_interior_decor and @mar.i.mar.i

The Sideline Elite® Outdoor Smart Electric Fireplace, @mari.i.mari.i and @house_of_interior_decor

Ask an Expert

Still have questions? Please reach out to our Touchstone Home Products customer service team. Real humans in Exton, PA are here to help you. We are available Monday through Friday, Eastern time, during normal business hours.


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