Nothing beats sitting next to a fireplace on a cold day. If you do not already have a chimney and firebox ¹ in your home, the simplest solution is to add either a gas or electric fireplace. Both produce steady warmth and ambiance for the room, but the way they look and function are very different. We outline these differences below so that you can make a more informed decision about which one will work better in your home.

Energy-Efficiency

When it comes to energy-efficiency, you may find a wide range depending on size and model. Gas fireplaces use between 7,000 and 16,000 BTUs, are between 70 and 90% efficient at converting energy to heat, and cost around $60 a year to run.

Electric fireplaces have an output that is based on the electric current. The average 120v outlet will produce just over 5000 BTUs, which can warm up about 500 square feet. They do convert all their energy into heat, however, They cost around $25 a year to run.

Keep in mind, however, that while an electric heater is more efficient on the surface, it will not warm the room as well as a gas fireplace. Therefore, you may find that with a gas fireplace, you can turn down your thermostat ² and still stay warm. With an electric fireplace, you will likely have another heat source running, which may negate the savings.

Costs

A pre-built gas fireplace can range from $900 to $3,000 for the unit itself. A small gas exhaust pipe for running and venting the unit can range from $200 and $500, including installation. Additional installation of the gas-burning fireplace components cost between $1,500 and $3,000. The price of a gas line hookup if you have an existing gas line runs between $150 and $300. For a new line, the cost will range between $300 and $800. This makes the total cost for a gas fireplace between $2,750 and $7,300.

Electric fireplaces do not need vents or special plumbing. You simply need an outlet where you want it to go. The cost of a built-in unit ranges from $300 to $1,000. If you need a new outlet, there is an additional cost of around $200 to $750 depending on location, and if you are opening a wall for a recessed unit, you should expect to pay another $200 to $500 in installation fees. This makes the total for an electric fireplace between $700 and $2,250.

Safety

Gas fireplaces become hot very quickly. While they are generally considered safe, the glass doors that house the unit can become hot enough to burn if they are touched. Like any gas appliance, a gas leak may occur if the unit is not maintained properly, which can cause significant health problems and a fire hazard if not detected and dealt with quickly. Most units have a gas shut off valve in this event.

Electric units have fewer safety concerns, but like any space heater, they may cause electrical fires if they become damaged. Most new units have automatic shut-off features that kick in if the unit becomes overheated, helping to prevent fires.

Environmental Concerns

Gas fireplaces are considered efficient because they convert up to 90% of their energy into heat. However, gas is a non-renewable resource, and burning it releases some particles into the atmosphere. Gas is considered clean-burning and while it does not produce harmful levels of carbon dioxide within the home, it does produce some CO2, which is released into the atmosphere.

Electric fireplaces use less energy and do not directly release particles into the air, but the process of producing electricity to power the unit may produce CO2 gas as well. This depends on the energy mix and how it is produced. Electricity may be a non-renewable resource depending on where you are located and your power utility.

Remodeling Terms Cheat Sheet

² Thermostat: A device that senses and regulates temperature by turning heating and cooling devices on and off