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The average cost to install an electric fireplace is $300.
In this guide
Cost breakdownEnhancement and improvement costs
Additional considerations and costs
How much does it cost cost to install an electric fireplace?
Just because your home doesn't have a chimney doesn't mean you can't enjoy a fire. Electric fireplaces are energy efficient and an increasingly popular way to heat a home. For this example, we'll look at the cost of a standard plug-in electric fireplace unit, which averages $300.
Cost breakdown
- The cost of the fireplace largely depends on its type and power. There are three main kinds of electric fireplaces:
- Log inserts: these are electric logs that replace wood logs in an existing fireplace. A typical log insert can heat up to 400 square feet and simply plugs into a standard electric outlet. These logs typically cost $150-$200.
- Plug-in inserts: this option has the look of a fireplace and can fit into an existing mantel 1 or other area of the home. It has enough power to heat 400 square feet and typically plugs into a standard outlet. These fireplaces typically cost $150-$350.
- Built-in 2 inserts: like the name implies, these pieces are built into mantels 1, entertainment centers, or the wall. The more powerful 220-volt options can heat up to 800 square feet, and most fireplaces are hardwired into the home heating and electric systems. These typically cost $250-$600.
- Labor: for fireplaces that simply plug into the wall, no electrician is needed. However, an electrician is recommended when installing a built-in 2 insert. Most electricians charge $65-$85 per hour and can install an electric fireplace in two to four hours, for a total labor cost of $130-$340.
Enhancement and improvement costs
- A built-in 2 heater installed directly into the drywall 3 will likely require you hire a carpenter for around $70 per hour. Most carpenters can finish the project in two to four hours for a total labor cost of $140-$280.
- Some electric heaters come with remote control capability, which typically adds around $75 to your cost to purchase a remote.
- If a standard outlet needs to be installed closer to the fireplace location, it will cost an additional $100.
Additional considerations and costs
- Electric fireplaces can also be used for ambiance and not for heat, most fireplaces come with a heat-free setting.
- Electric fireplaces can lower your overall heating bill because they allow you to lower the thermostat 4 level and heat only specific areas of the home most electric fireplaces cost 7-13 cents per hour to operate, while gas systems cost around 20 cents an hour to run.
- Unlike every other type of fireplace, electric fireplaces can be installed in literally any type of home and don't require maintenance or certification fees.
Remodeling Terms Cheat Sheet
Definitions in laymen's terms, cost considerations, pictures and things you need to know.See full cheat sheet.
1 Mantel: A decorative construction that frames the opening of a fireplace. The term "mantel" can also refer to a shelf above a fireplace
2 Built-in: An item of furniture, such as a bookcase or set of cabinets, that is built directly into the structure of the room. Built-ins are therefore customized to the room and not detachable
3 Drywall: Type of plasterboard, commonly used to build walls and ceilings, composed of gypsum that is layered between sheets of heavy paper
4 Thermostat: A device that senses and regulates temperature by turning heating and cooling devices on and off
How much does it cost cost to install an electric fireplace in my city?
Cost cost to install an electric fireplace varies greatly by region (and even by zip code). To get free estimates from local contractors, please indicate yours.
Labor cost by city and zip code
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Methodology and sources
