One question that homeowners often ask when deciding whether or not to invest in an electric fireplace is, do electric fireplaces give off heat?

Ambiance is only one of the reasons why we love having fireplaces in our homes - heat is the other, particularly during the colder months.

So, will an electric fireplace be able to heat your home? Here is what you need to know.

Do Electric Fireplaces Give Off Heat?

Yes, electric fireplaces can heat a room.

This is done with the help of a heating element, which is generally located at the top of the fireplace and not within the unit. Once the heating element is turned on, fans are activated, pushing hot air out into the room.

Unlike other fan heaters though, you can adjust the heat settings of your electric fireplace to suit your needs. This setting can be adjusted on the fireplace or by using its accompanying remote control or app.

How Much Heat Can an Electric Fireplace Produce?

This is one area where electric fireplaces differ from traditional fireplaces. A large percentage of the heat produced by a traditional fireplace is lost through the chimney - this is not the case with an electric fireplace. All the heat that’s produced is released into the room. 

However, how much heat an electric fireplace can produce depends on voltage. The average unit has an output of 5,000 BTUs (British Thermal Units), which is enough to heat a 400 square foot room. Some electric fireplaces have much higher outputs, with some units averaging 10,000 BTUs. 

You can view our top-rated electric fireplaces here to see how the outputs differ.

Is an Electric Fireplace Really Worth It?

Not only do electric fireplaces produce heat, but they are 100% efficient too - you aren’t losing any heat through a chimney. Unfortunately, you may need to settle for a maximum output of around 5,000 BTUs because of the standard electrical sockets in your home. 

Then there’s the convenience of an electric fireplace. The realistic flame effects will have you thinking you are staring into real flames. However, you won’t need to deal with the soot and fumes that a traditional or gas fireplace produces. 

If you are ready to look at electric fireplace options, here is what you should keep in mind.