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
$68.58
8 hours/day · 750–1,500 W
Electric Fireplace · per month
$40.01
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) | $68.58 | $40.01 |
| Cost per year (US avg) | $823 | $480 |
| Cost per month in Hawaii | $170 | $99.16 |
Rates as of April 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 (18.8¢/kWh), the electric fireplace is cheaper: about $40.01/month versus $68.58/month for the space heater — a difference of $28.58 per month.
How much could I save per year by choosing the electric fireplace?
About $343 per year at typical usage and average rates. In Hawaii (46.6¢/kWh) the annual gap grows to roughly $850.
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 North Dakota at 12.4¢/kWh to Hawaii at 46.6¢/kWh. Open each appliance's page for the exact cost in your state.