Are Gas Fires Cheaper to Run Than Electric Fires?
If you’re in the market for a brand-new fireplace, it’s only natural to wonder: ‘are gas fires cheaper to run than electric fires?’
The cost of living crisis has sent energy bills through the roof, and many households across the UK are looking for ways to keep costs low. Could you be saving more money with a gas or electric fire? Stick with us to find out.
Fires2U will take you through the benefits of both models and discuss their heat output, energy efficiency and maintenance costs. Plus, we’ll tell you about some of our favourite gas and electric fireplaces for sale.
Gas fires have an impressive heat output
Gas fires have a significantly stronger heat output than electric fires or even some wood-burning stoves. Electric fires typically produce between 1.2-2.0kWs of heat: enough to sufficiently heat a medium-sized living room or bedroom.
However, gas fires like the impressive DRU Passo Eco Wave Balanced Flue Stove generate 6kWs of heat at a 93% efficiency! If you have a poorly insulated or spacious living room, a gas fire like this will warm you up in no time.
Price: POA
Gas is cheaper than electricity
Gas energy is cheaper than using electricity. From October 2022 to March 2023, energy prices will remain at 34 pence per kWh of electricity and 10 pence per kWh of gas: the government’s Energy Price Guarantee aims to protect customers from increases in energy costs.
However, a gas fire will still be more cost-efficient than an electric fire. Alongside your standard rate, electricity suppliers will also have daily standing charges that you must pay regardless of how much electricity you use.
If you’re planning to make the most out of your fire on cold winter nights, a gas fire will cost you less in the long run.
Gas fires have realistic flames
If you want to watch realistic, flickering flames from the comfort of your sofa, gas fires can offer you just that. Models like the Crystal Diamond Contemporary Gas Fire work by filtering air from your room to be used in the combustion process, essentially burning real flames!
The fire’s gas vents hide behind the Crystal Diamond’s coal or pebble fuel effect. Gas fires like this model allow you to get the look and feel of a traditional wood-burning fireplace without the maintenance and for a fraction of the price: only £250!
Price: £250
Benefits of Electric Fires
While we’ve been busy telling you the advantages of gas fires, we haven’t forgotten about electric fires. Electric fires have countless benefits: whether you choose gas or electric depends on your individual heat requirements, budgetary considerations and aesthetic preferences.
Easy Installation
Electric fires like the Be Modern Avella are extremely easy to install: all you need to do is find the perfect spot in your home (which, in this case, would be a hole in the wall that could accommodate its 30-inch recess opening size and make sure it’s close to a plug socket.
You don’t need the help of an electrician or new wiring: simply plug in and feel the benefits of this warming 2kWh electric fire.
Price: £418
Little to no maintenance
Gas fireplaces require regular cleaning: the natural gases that generate heat may leave behind residue that, if not removed, can reduce the fire’s performance. An annual gas service is required for all gas fires which must be done by gas safe registered installer
Electric fires, however, require only a simple dusting. Generally, they have the lowest maintenance of any type of fire and should be cleaned whenever dust accumulates.
Using a soft, dry cloth, wipe away smudge marks from your fire’s exterior. If you have access to the inside of your fireplace, repeat the cleaning process and remove any dust from your decorative logs or coals.
Realistic LED Flames
Electric fireplaces, like the visually striking British Fires New Forest 1600 Electric Fire, are equipped with the most up-to-date LED technology. Watch as deep, red embers and a realistic flickering effect emit from the glass of your new fire.
The British Fires New Forest electric fireplace gives you all the aesthetic value of a real fireplace at half the cost. Sat on a bed of realistic logs, you can activate your LED flames using the paired remote control.
Price: POA
Browse Fires2U’s Gas and Electric Fires!
Now that you know the benefits of gas and electric fires, which will you choose? Take your budget and energy supplier into account before settling on a model. Once you’re ready, visit Fires2U to start your search. We offer a wide range of contemporary and traditional fireplaces that will put the perfect finishing touch on your home.
