Are Electric Fires Expensive to Run?
This is one of the first questions people ask when they start looking at electric fires.
And it is a very fair question.
A fire might look beautiful in a media wall or living room, but nobody wants to install something that feels expensive or wasteful every time it is switched on.
The good news is that modern electric fires are very flexible. In many cases, you can use the flame effect without turning on the heater, so you can enjoy the cosy look of the fire without always heating the room.
That is the bit a lot of people do not realise at first.
You are not always running the heater. A lot of the time, you are simply using the fire for atmosphere.
Quick answer
Electric fires are not always expensive to run because many models let you use the flame effect without the heater.
On flame-only mode, many Lumo electric fires cost approximately 1c–3c per hour to run, depending on the model and your electricity rate. That makes flame-only mode excellent value for everyday atmosphere.
The heat setting costs more because it is producing warmth, similar to other electric room heaters. So the real running cost depends on how often you use the heater, your electricity rate, the power output of the model, and how warm you want the room.
For most homes, the best way to use an electric fire is:
- Flame effect for everyday atmosphere
- Heat only when you want extra warmth
- Timer settings where available
- Thermostat settings where available
- Correct room sizing so you are not relying on the fire to heat too large a space
Used this way, an electric fire can give you the fireplace feeling without needing to run the heater constantly.
Running costs are estimates only and will vary depending on your electricity tariff, model, settings and usage.
The easiest way to think about an electric fire is that it has two separate jobs.
First, there is the flame effect.
That is the part that gives you the glow, movement, fuel bed lighting and cosy feeling. This is what most people use in the evenings when they want the room to feel warm and inviting, even if the room itself is already comfortable.
Then there is the heater.
That is the part that actually produces warmth.
So you do not need to think of an electric fire like an old-style heater that is either fully on or fully off. With many models, you can enjoy the look of the fire without using the heat at all.
That flexibility is one of the biggest advantages of electric.
Can you use an electric fire without heat?
Yes, many electric fires allow you to use the flame effect without turning on the heater.
This is one of the features customers love most once they start using the fire day to day.
It means you can switch on the fire for atmosphere in spring, autumn or even on a cosy summer evening, without making the room too warm.
It is especially useful for:
- Media walls
- Living rooms
- Bedrooms
- Apartments
- Open-plan spaces
- TV feature walls
- Homes where the fire is mainly for atmosphere
Always check the exact product features before ordering, but flame-only operation is a key feature on many modern electric fires.
How much does flame-only mode cost?
Flame-only mode is usually very economical to run.
As a guide, many Lumo electric fires cost approximately 1c–3c per hour on flame-only mode, depending on the model and your electricity rate.
That means you can enjoy the look of the fire in the evening without automatically running the heater. For most customers, this is where the real everyday value comes in.
You get the glow, the movement and the cosy feeling, but you only use the heater when the room actually needs extra warmth.
What costs more: flame effect or heat?
The heat setting costs more to run than the flame effect.
That is because producing heat takes more energy than creating a visual flame display.
The flame effect is mainly there for ambience. The heater is there when you actually want warmth.
This is why we usually tell customers not to think of the heater as something that needs to be on every time the fire is on.
A better way to use it is:
- Flame effect when you want the room to feel cosy
- Heat when the room is actually cold
- Timer or thermostat when you want more control
That way, you get the benefit of the fire without overusing the heater.
Are electric fires good for everyday use?
Yes, electric fires are very good for everyday use when used sensibly.
Most people do not run the heater constantly. They use the flame effect for everyday atmosphere and only switch on the heat when they want a boost of warmth.
That is where electric fires are very convenient.
You are not lighting fuel, cleaning ash, storing logs or committing to a full fire every time. You can simply switch on the flame effect, enjoy the look, and turn it off when you are finished.
For everyday living, that makes electric very easy to live with.
Are electric fires good for heating a whole house?
No, and they should not really be treated that way.
An electric fire is best used as a room heater or comfort heater, not as the main heating system for an entire home.
It can help take the chill out of a living room, bedroom, snug or open-plan area, but it is not usually designed to replace full central heating.
The best way to think about it is:
- Your main heating system warms the home
- The electric fire adds atmosphere
- The heater gives local warmth when the room needs it
That is the realistic expectation.
Electric fires are brilliant for comfort and mood. They are not usually the right answer if you are trying to heat every room in the house.
What affects electric fire running costs?
Running costs depend on how you use the fire.
The main things that matter are:
- Heater power output
- How long the heater is used
- Your electricity rate
- Whether you use flame-only mode
- Room size
- Insulation
- Draughts
- Thermostat settings
- Timer settings
- How warm you want the room
A well-insulated room will usually hold warmth better, so the heater may not need to work as hard.
A cold, draughty room will need more heat no matter what type of heater you use.
That is why the room itself matters just as much as the fire.
Do timers and thermostats help?
Yes, timers and thermostats can help keep running costs more sensible.
A timer helps stop the heater being left on longer than needed.
A thermostat helps maintain a more comfortable room temperature instead of letting the heater run constantly.
If you are choosing an electric fire for regular use, these features are worth looking for.
They are especially useful in living rooms, bedrooms and media wall setups where the fire may be used most evenings.
Best way to keep running costs sensible
This is the practical advice we would give in the showroom.
Use the flame effect as much as you like for atmosphere, but only use the heater when you actually want warmth.
To keep running costs sensible:
- Use flame-only mode for everyday ambience
- Use the heater for short warmth boosts
- Use timer settings where available
- Use thermostat settings where available
- Close doors where possible to keep warmth in the room
- Choose the right fire size for the space
- Do not treat the fire as whole-house heating
- Keep vents clear and follow the product manual
Used this way, you get the cosy fireplace look without using the heater more than you need to.
Best Lumo fires for everyday atmosphere
The right Lumo fire depends on the room, the wall type and the look you want.
Here is how we would usually explain the ranges in the showroom.
Lumo Aura Series
The Lumo Aura Series is a good choice if you want a simple electric fire feature without building a full media wall.
It is ideal for customers who want a cosy flame effect, easy installation and a clean focal point for the room.
Good for:
- Bedrooms
- Living rooms
- Apartments
- Playrooms
- Simple wall features
- Customers who want easy installation
Lumo Vision Series
The Lumo Vision Series works well if you want a clean, modern electric fire that can be wall-mounted or recessed.
It is a good option when you want a room transformation without overcomplicating the installation.
Good for:
- Modern living rooms
- Feature walls
- Wall-mounted layouts
- Recessed installations
- Everyday flame effect
- Homes without a chimney
Lumo Comfort Series
The Lumo Comfort Series is a practical slimline range for media walls, chimney breast builds and wall-mounted installations.
It is a strong option if you want a clean media wall look but need to keep the wall depth sensible.
Good for:
- Slimline media walls
- TV feature walls
- Chimney breast builds
- Living rooms
- Everyday use
Lumo Cozy Series
The Lumo Cozy Series is a slimline media wall range designed for homes where wall depth matters.
It suits customers who want a built-in media wall look without creating a very deep wall.
Good for:
- Media walls
- Chimney breast builds
- Slimline installations
- Modern living rooms
- Cosy evening atmosphere
Lumo Ultra Series
The Lumo Ultra Series is a full-depth range with a stronger flame picture and deeper fuel bed.
It is best for customers who want the fire to feel like a premium feature in the room, not just something added to the wall.
Good for:
- Premium media walls
- Larger living rooms
- Deeper wall builds
- Full-depth flame effect
- Strong visual impact
Lumo Odyssey Series
The Lumo Odyssey Series is a strong choice for wider, more panoramic media wall designs.
It suits larger rooms and customers who want the fire to become one of the main design features in the space.
Good for:
- Wide media walls
- Large living rooms
- Premium interiors
- Statement fireplace designs
- Panoramic flame effect
Lumo Loft Series
The Lumo Loft Series is a good option if you want an inset fireplace look without using gas, solid fuel or an open fire.
It works well in fireplace openings, snugs and living rooms where you want the look of a traditional fire with the simplicity of electric.
Good for:
- Fireplace openings
- Hearth upgrades
- Snugs
- Living rooms
- Replacing an old fireplace
- Homes where a media wall is not the plan
Is an electric fire worth it?
Yes, if you want atmosphere, flexibility and a cleaner fireplace option.
Electric fires are especially worth considering if you want:
- A fire without a chimney or flue
- A media wall feature
- Flame effect without heat
- Simple everyday control
- Lower maintenance than gas or solid fuel
- A clean modern fireplace look
The key is to understand what the fire is for.
It is brilliant for atmosphere, comfort and visual warmth. It is not usually intended to heat the whole house on its own.
Final advice
Electric fires do not have to be expensive to run if you use them properly.
The flame effect can usually be enjoyed without heat, and on many Lumo electric fires this costs approximately 1c–3c per hour depending on the model and your electricity rate. That makes it a very affordable way to add atmosphere to the room.
The heater should be used when you want extra warmth, not every time the fire is switched on.
That is the main thing to remember.
Use the flame for the feeling. Use the heater for comfort.
If you are unsure which Lumo fire suits your room, send us your room size, wall width and preferred style. We can help you choose the most suitable option before you order.
FAQs
Are electric fires expensive to run?
Electric fires do not have to be expensive to run when used sensibly. The flame-only setting usually uses much less electricity than the heater, and many Lumo electric fires cost approximately 1c–3c per hour on flame-only mode, depending on the model and your electricity rate.
Can I use an electric fire without heat?
Yes, many electric fires allow you to use the flame effect without heat. This is ideal when you want atmosphere without warming the room.
Does the flame effect use much electricity?
No, the flame effect usually uses much less electricity than the heater. As a guide, many Lumo electric fires cost approximately 1c–3c per hour on flame-only mode, depending on the model and your electricity rate.
Can an electric fire heat a living room?
Yes, an electric fire can help warm a living room. It is best used as a room heater or comfort heater rather than as the main heating system for the whole home.
Should I leave the heater on all evening?
It is usually better to use the heater only when you need extra warmth and use the flame-only setting for atmosphere. Timer and thermostat settings can help control usage.
Are electric fires good for media walls?
Yes. Electric fires are very popular for media walls because they do not need a chimney, flue or gas supply and can create a strong visual feature.
Which Lumo fire is best for everyday use?
The best option depends on your room and installation style. Aura and Vision are good for simple room upgrades, while Cozy, Comfort, Ultra and Odyssey are better suited to media wall designs.
Do Lumo fires have flame-only settings?
Many Lumo electric fires include flame effect options that can be used without always needing heat. Always check the specific product features before ordering.
Are electric fires cheaper to run than gas fires?
It depends on your energy rates, the appliance, and how you use it. Electric fires can be very economical for atmosphere when using flame-only mode, but the heater setting should be used as local room comfort rather than whole-house heating.
What is the cheapest way to use an electric fire?
The cheapest way is usually to use the flame-only setting for atmosphere and only turn on the heater when you need extra warmth. Timers, thermostats and good room insulation can also help keep usage sensible.
