Space Heater vs Electric Fireplace: Which Costs Less to Run?
An electric fireplace is marketed as ambiance plus heat; a space heater is pure function. Under the shell they are the same device — a resistance element and a fan.
Space Heater · per month
$67.12
8 hours/day · 750–1,500 W
Electric Fireplace · per month
$39.16
5 hours/day · 750–1,500 W
Verdict
It's a tie on heating cost: both deliver ~1,500 watts of resistance heat at identical price per hour. The fireplace's flame effect alone costs almost nothing, so run visuals without heat freely. Buy whichever you'll enjoy — just don't expect the fireplace to heat more cheaply.
Side by side
| Space Heater | Electric Fireplace | |
|---|---|---|
| Typical power | 750–1,500 W | 750–1,500 W |
| Typical usage | 8 hours/day | 5 hours/day |
| Energy per month | 365 kWh | 213 kWh |
| Cost per month (US avg) | $67.12 | $39.16 |
| Cost per year (US avg) | $806 | $470 |
| Cost per month in Hawaii | $190 | $111 |
Rates as of May 2026. Adjust the assumptions on each appliance's page: Space Heater · Electric Fireplace.
Frequently asked questions
Which is cheaper to run: a space heater or a electric fireplace?
At typical usage and the current U.S. average rate (18.4¢/kWh), the electric fireplace is cheaper: about $39.16/month versus $67.12/month for the space heater — a difference of $27.97 per month.
How much could I save per year by choosing the electric fireplace?
About $336 per year at typical usage and average rates. In Hawaii (52¢/kWh) the annual gap grows to roughly $948.
Do these numbers apply to my state?
The ratio between the two stays the same everywhere, but the dollar gap scales with your rate — from Idaho at 12.4¢/kWh to Hawaii at 52¢/kWh. Open each appliance's page for the exact cost in your state.