The electric fireplace installation cost is actually what draws people to choose electric over gas or wood-burning. Most electric fireplaces plug into a standard outlet and sit inside a wall opening or mount directly to the surface. “Installation” is literally unboxing and plugging in for many buyers.
But not every setup is that simple. Built-in models, hardwired units, and projects that need a dedicated circuit or custom framing may have higher installation costs.
As the #1 choice for a modern fireplace online our team can help you weigh your options and set your expectations on the cost to install an electric fireplace. You’ll also gain access to the lowest electric fireplace prices online backed by free shipping and hassle-free financing.
So, how much does it cost to install an electric fireplace?
Key Takeaways on the Full Electric Fireplace Cost
- Unit cost: $800-$6,000+ depending on size, brand, and features.
- Installation cost: $0 for plug-in models, $350-$1,000+ for built-in or hardwired setups.
- Electrician: Only needed for hardwiring, dedicated circuits, or custom framing (not standard plug-in models).
- Running cost: About $0.10-$0.20 per hour on heat mode, pennies per hour for flame-only.
- Compared to gas: Total electric fireplace installation cost runs 50-75% cheaper than a gas unit once you factor in gas lines, venting, and technician fees.
Get a personalized quote on the cost of electric fireplace installation at The Great Fire Company!
Benefits of Electric Fireplaces
No venting, gas line, or chimney - an electric fireplace strips out most of the infrastructure that makes gas and wood-burning installations expensive. You end up with a realistic flame effect and even have optional heat at the flip of a switch. The unit goes almost anywhere, too:
- Living rooms
- Bedrooms
- Basements
- Bathrooms
Modern LED flame technology from Modern Flames, Dimplex, and Napoleon has dramatically narrowed the realism gap with gas. Read our gas vs electric fireplace breakdown for a full side-by-side, or see our electric fireplace vs space heater comparison for heating specifics.
In the meantime, how much does it cost to install an electric fireplace?
How Much Does it Cost to Install an Electric Fireplace?
The total splits into two parts: the unit itself and the work to get it running in your wall. Let’s start with the actual electric fireplace price, as you can avoid the installation costs through DIY in many cases.
Cost of the Electric Fireplace Itself
Electric fireplace prices range widely depending on type, size, and flame technology.
For instance, entry-level wall-mount and insert models start around $800-$1,200. Mid-range units from Dimplex, Modern Flames, Napoleon, and Amantii run $1,500-$3,500 and cover most standard sizes with premium flame effects.
But there are also high-end models that push $4,000-$6,000+. These include large-format linear units, multi-sided electric fireplace designs, and see-through electric fireplace configurations.
The price of an electric fireplace climbs with width. For example, a 72-inch unit costs way more than a 36-inch from the same brand. The sophistication of the flame effect matters, too, as some units have much more technology built into them than others.
Cost of Electric Fireplace Installation
This is where electric pulls ahead of every other fuel type because it’s so simple and cheap to install. A plug-in wall-mount electric fireplace that hangs on brackets and connects to a standard 120V outlet costs nothing to install beyond your own time.
That covers a large portion of the models we carry. The cost of electric fireplace installation only starts climbing when the project involves:
- Hardwiring: Some built-in models need a direct electrical connection instead of a plug. An electrician typically charges $150-$300 for this.
- Dedicated circuit: Larger units or rooms without a nearby outlet may need a new 20-amp circuit run from your breaker panel. That’s another $200-$500 depending on distance.
- Custom framing: Recessing a unit into a wall means building a framed opening to the manufacturer's depth and width specs. DIY-friendly if you're handy, or $200-$500 for a carpenter.
So, how much does it cost to install an electric fireplace? Total cost of electric fireplace installation for a built-in, hardwired unit with custom framing: $350-$1,000. For a plug-in wall mount: $0.
Factors Influencing the Electric Fireplace Installation Cost
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer on the electric fireplace price because there are just too many moving pieces. That’s why we encourage you to connect with our experts for a personalized quote. Otherwise, here's what to plan for.
Fireplace Size
Bigger units obviously cost more to buy, but they can also cost more to install in some cases.
A compact 36-inch model fits standard wall cavities and plugs into any outlet. In contrast, a 72-inch linear unit may need a wider framed opening, a dedicated circuit, and more planning around furniture layout and sightlines.
Electric fireplace prices scale roughly with width - expect to pay 2-3x more for a 72-inch than a 36-inch from the same brand. We carry every size under the sun here at The Great Fire Company:
36” electric fireplace | 42” electric fireplace | 50” electric fireplace | 60” electric fireplace | 72” electric fireplace
Brand and Model
Premium brands can charge higher electric fireplace prices because of their namesake - but you get what you pay for. More convincing flames, better build quality, and longer warranties.
Dimplex's patented LED flame technology is among the most realistic on the market. Napoleon and Amantii compete on size range and multi-sided configurations. Modern Flames makes the most realistic electric models on the market in the new V2 Orion line.
Budget models cost less upfront but you’re missing out on the flame depth and heat output that really transform an indoor space. Don’t cut corners here!
Wall-Mounted, Freestanding, or Insert
Like we said above, installation type changes your electric fireplace installation cost more than almost any other variable:
- Wall-mounted: Hangs on brackets like a TV. Plug in and done.
- Freestanding (mantel package): Sits on the floor, plugs in. No installation at all. Just position it.
- Built-in/recessed: Requires a framed wall opening to the manufacturer's depth and width specs. This is where framing and potential electrical work push costs to $350-$1,000+.
- Insert: Fits inside an existing fireplace opening. Usually plug-in with minimal modification.
We can help you choose the right fireplace if you’re trying to avoid installation costs altogether. Just ask!
Electrician Labor Costs
Most electricians charge $75-$150 per hour, and electric fireplace work usually takes 1-3 hours. A simple hardwire connection sits on the low end. Running a new circuit from the panel takes longer, especially if the panel is far from the install location. Older wiring may need upgrades, and that’s a separate cost to plan for.
Ongoing Costs to Account For
The ongoing price of an electric fireplace is a fraction of gas or wood. Most units draw 1,500 watts on heat mode. That translates to around $0.10-$0.20 per hour depending on your local electricity rate. Flame-only mode uses far less - usually less than 100 watts.
But either way, there's no annual gas inspection, chimney sweep, or pilot light burning fuel around the clock. That savings compounds into real money over a 10-year span.
Is an Electric Fireplace Worth it For Your Home?
The math is straightforward for most homeowners. The total electric fireplace installation cost - unit plus labor - runs 50-75% less than a comparable gas fireplace setup, which needs a gas line, venting, and a licensed technician before the unit even turns on.
Electric gives you the visual impact and supplemental heat without the infrastructure. The flame effect won't match real gas for purists, but modern LED technology has come a really long way - enough that most people can't tell from across the room.
Electric is the strongest value in the fireplace market if budget and placement flexibility matter to you. And, you’ll gain access to the lowest electric fireplace prices online here at The Great Fire Company.
Get the Lowest Electric Fireplace Prices at The Great Fire Company!
We carry electric fireplaces from all the industry’s most trusted brands like Dimplex, Napoleon, Modern Flames, Amantii, and more, at the lowest prices online with free shipping on every order.
Whether you need a plug-and-play wall mount or a show-stopping built-in linear unit, our specialists are available 7 days a week to help you find the right model and walk you through how much does it cost to install an electric fireplace for your specific setup.
Browse our full collection and let us help you get started.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you need an electrician to install an electric fireplace?
Not for most models. Plug-in wall mounts and freestanding units connect to a standard 120V outlet with no professional help needed. You'll want a licensed electrician if the model requires hardwiring, if you need a dedicated 20-amp circuit, or if your existing wiring can't handle the load safely. Check the manufacturer's specs for your model before deciding. We can answer any questions you may have if you’re not sure what you’re getting yourself into.
How much is labor to install an electric fireplace?
Zero for plug-in models. Expect $350-$1,000 total between a carpenter and electrician for built-in units that need framing and electrical work. A standalone hardwire connection without framing runs $150-$300. The cost of electric fireplace installation stays low compared to gas because there's no gas line, venting, or specialized technician work involved.
Will an electric fireplace increase your home value?
A well-placed electric fireplace makes a room feel more finished and catches buyers' eyes during showings, but it won't add value dollar-for-dollar the way a built-in gas unit might. The real return is daily enjoyment and the low electric fireplace installation cost relative to any other fireplace type.
How much electricity do electric fireplaces use?
Most units draw about 1,500 watts on heat mode. That comes out to around $0.10-$0.20 per hour. Flame-only mode uses a fraction of that (under 100 watts). Electric fireplace prices for ongoing energy are way lower than gas pilot lights and fuel consumption over the same period.
Do electric fireplaces give off enough heat to warm a home?
They heat a room, not a whole house. Most electric fireplaces output around 5,000 BTUs. That’s enough to comfortably warm a 400-500 square foot space as supplemental heat. They won't replace your central heating system, but they'll take the edge off a cold living room or bedroom while delivering the ambiance of a real fireplace without any of the venting or fuel infrastructure.