An electric fireplace can add value to a home by making a room more appealing to buyers, without the venting, gas line or chimney a traditional fireplace needs. It won't usually raise appraised value as much as a gas or wood fireplace, but a well-installed, quality unit will not lower your home's value. Electric fireplaces are less expensive to install, plug in or hardwire to power, can sit safely below a TV when clearances are followed, and typically have no effect on homeowner's insurance. For the biggest impact, choose a built-in electric fireplace or a wall-mount electric fireplace that looks like a permanent feature, and follow our electric fireplace insert installation guide for a clean install.

How to Upgrade Your Living Space & Home Value with an Electric Fireplace 

Yes, and in more ways than one!

If you're looking to enhance the ambiance of your living space in a dramatic way, it's tough to beat the look of a fireplace. However, building or budget restrictions may not allow for a traditional wood or gas fireplace. An electric fireplace makes an excellent alternative in these scenarios.

An electric fireplace will cost less to operate than a gas fireplace. Additionally, a gas fireplace requires a much larger upfront cost than an electric unit due to the more involved installation requirements. While an electric fireplace may not increase the value of a property in the same way a gas fireplace can, a budget-conscious consumer can create a beautiful setting with a premium electric fireplace unit. This, in turn, can create a more desirable living space and improve your home's value.

How Much Does it Cost to Install an Electric Fireplace?

As previously mentioned, one of the biggest benefits of choosing an electric fireplace over a wood or gas fireplace is the lower installation cost with fewer requirements. Typically, the largest cost associated with installation is the cost of the unit itself. However, every build is different, and your costs may vary.

Additional costs may be incurred in the form of framing and finishing materials. Labor costs can also vary greatly depending on the needs of the installation as well as geographical location. However, with products like our wall-mount electric fireplaces , these costs are kept to a minimum. Mounting a fireplace can be as simple as hanging a TV in many cases, which means most homeowners can take on the task themselves for significant cost savings.

Should an Electric Fireplace Be Installed on its Own Circuit?

Although an electric fireplace can be a plug-and-play experience, it's important not to overlook little details that can greatly affect your installation. One of the most frequent questions we receive is, Should an electric fireplace be installed on its own circuit? To answer simply, yes, your electric fireplace should be installed on a dedicated circuit.

Can You Put an Electric Fireplace under a TV? 

In addition to whether or not to use a dedicated circuit, we’re often asked if electric fireplaces can be placed under televisions. In most installations, homeowners are looking to create an impressive focal point in their room by combining a large high-definition TV and a beautiful fireplace. Fortunately, fireplaces can be placed under TVs so long as manufacturer specifications are followed.

To learn more about the clearance requirements of your fireplace, consult your product manual. If you're still shopping around, we include links to all product installation and owner's manuals on each product page. You can find these in the Documents and Downloads section near the bottom of each page.

Do Electric Fireplaces Reduce Home Value?

No, an electric fireplace won't reduce the value of your home as long as it's a quality product that was installed correctly; actually, fireplaces often contribute to increased home value and appeal. In a survey conducted by the National Association of Realtors, 40% of homebuyers identified fireplaces as a sought-after feature. Supporting this, research from the National Bureau of Economic Research revealed that homes equipped with fireplaces sold for an average of 12% more than those without. This data suggests that adding a fireplace can be a worthwhile investment for homeowners looking to enhance marketability and resale value. We always recommend investing in a reliable hearth, no matter what type. It's also important to always follow all manufacturer's recommendations when installing an electric fireplace. For more details about proper electric fireplace installation, take a look at our electric fireplace insert installation guide.

Does an Electric Fireplace Increase Homeowner's Insurance?

No, an electric fireplace shouldn't increase your homeowner's insurance premiums. While some policies may have additional costs to cover gas or wood-burning fireplaces, it's very unlikely that an electric fireplace will have any impact on insurance costs. We can't speak for all insurance policies however, so be sure to consult your policy details before purchasing or installing any kind of fireplace.

Need More Help with Electric Fireplace Installation?

We know there's a lot to learn during the electric fireplace buying process. Give us a call at 877-374-2070 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. Central Time to speak to a product expert who can answer all your fireplace questions. You can also submit your question to us via our contact us page.

Are Electric Fireplaces Worth It?

For most homeowners, yes. An electric fireplace gives you the look of a real fire and supplemental heat at a lower upfront cost than gas or wood, with no venting, chimney or gas line required. It can be installed in apartments, condos and rooms where a traditional fireplace isn't possible, and it needs very little maintenance. An electric fireplace is less worthwhile if you need it to be the main heat source for a large space, since most models are built for supplemental heat. To see how realistic today's flames look, read a guide to realistic electric fireplaces, or compare models in what is the best electric fireplace.

How Much Does It Cost to Run an Electric Fireplace?

The cost to run an electric fireplace depends on whether the heater is on and on your local electricity rate. To estimate it, multiply the heater's wattage in kilowatts by your rate per kilowatt-hour. For example, a 1,500-watt heater uses 1.5 kWh per hour, so at 15 cents per kWh it costs about 23 cents per hour with the heat on. Running the flame effect alone uses far less power because it relies on low-wattage LED lighting. Thermostat and timer settings can lower costs further by cycling the heater only when needed. Learn more in are electric fireplaces energy efficient and do electric fireplaces give off heat.

Are Electric Fireplaces Safe?

Yes, electric fireplaces are one of the safest fireplace options when installed and used correctly. There is no real flame, no combustion and no carbon monoxide, so no venting is required. Many models have glass that stays cool to the touch and include overheat protection that shuts the heater off automatically. To keep your installation safe, follow the manufacturer's clearance requirements, avoid extension cords and power strips, use the recommended circuit, and keep the heater outlet clear of furniture and fabrics.

Can You Plug an Electric Fireplace Into a Regular Outlet?

Most plug-in electric fireplaces, including many wall-mount and mantel models, are designed to plug into a standard 120-volt household outlet. Because the heater draws a lot of current, manufacturers often recommend plugging the unit into a dedicated circuit so it doesn't share load with other appliances. Some larger built-in electric fireplaces must be hardwired or require a 240-volt circuit installed by a licensed electrician. Always check the electrical requirements in the owner's manual before you buy.

How Long Do Electric Fireplaces Last?

How long an electric fireplace lasts depends on build quality, how often the heater runs and how well the unit is cared for. The LED flame lighting in most modern units is designed for long life, and the heater and fan are the parts that see the most wear. Keeping the heater vents free of dust, using a dedicated circuit and following the manufacturer's care instructions all help extend the life of the unit. Choosing a quality model from an established manufacturer is the best way to get years of reliable use.

Is an Electric Fireplace a Smart Investment for Your Home?

An electric fireplace is one of the most affordable ways to add a fireplace to your home. It may not add as much appraised value as a gas or wood fireplace, but it creates a focal point buyers notice, costs less to install and run, and won't hurt your home's value or insurance. Choose a quality unit, give it a dedicated circuit, follow the manufacturer's clearances, and pick a style that looks built in. Start by comparing electric fireplaces, electric fireplace inserts and electric fireplaces with mantels to find the right fit for your space.

Need More Help with Electric Fireplace Installation?

We know there's a lot to learn during the electric fireplace buying process. Give us a call at 877-374-2070 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. Central Time to speak to a product expert who can answer all your fireplace questions. You can also submit your question to us via our contact us page.

Shop Electric Fireplaces at Fireplaces Direct

Ready to add value and ambiance to your home? Shop electric fireplaces, wall-mount and floating electric fireplaces, built-in electric fireplaces and electric fireplace inserts from trusted brands. Need help choosing? Call 877-374-2070 and our product specialists will help you find the right fit.

Frequently Ask Questions

Does an electric fireplace need a vent or chimney?

No. Electric fireplaces don't burn fuel, so they need no vent, chimney or gas line. That makes them an option for almost any room in the home.

Can you run an electric fireplace without heat?

Yes. Most electric fireplaces let you run the flame effect on its own, so you can enjoy the look year round without warming the room.

Can I install an electric fireplace myself?

Most plug-in and wall-mount models can be installed by a homeowner, often as easily as hanging a TV. Hardwired units and new circuits should be installed by a licensed electrician.

Does a gas or electric fireplace add more value to a home?

A gas or wood fireplace typically adds more to appraised value because it is a permanent, fuel-burning feature. An electric fireplace costs far less to install and still improves a room's appeal, which can help a home stand out to buyers.

Can an electric fireplace go on a mantel or in a TV stand?

Yes. Many electric fireplaces are sold with a mantel or designed to fit into a media console. Browse electric fireplaces with mantels or add your own surround from our fireplace mantels collection, and see our electric fireplace mantel FAQs for sizing tips.

Key Takeaways

• An electric fireplace improves a room's appeal and won't reduce home value when it's a quality unit installed correctly.

• Installation costs less than gas or wood, and wall-mount electric fireplaces can often be installed by homeowners.

• Use a dedicated circuit, since the built-in heater has a high amp draw.

• Electric fireplaces can go under a TV when the manufacturer's clearances are followed.

• They are safe, need no venting and usually have no effect on homeowner's insurance.

• A built-in electric fireplace looks most like a permanent feature, which buyers value most.