As fireplace designs have evolved over the years, so has their efficiency. But with fuel costs on the rise, the burning question is, gas or electric fires?When comparing the efficiency of your gas or electric fire, it’s also important to consider wood burning stoves too, for a fair overall comparison.To assist our customers with choosing the best fireplace for their home, The Fireplace Warehouse team has researched the true costs of electric or gas fires, as well as wood burning stoves in a bid to dispel any myths, and provide potential customers with the accurate information.

Which Type of Fireplace is Most Efficient?

Defining the ‘most efficient’ type of fireplace isn't always easy as various individuals have different needs and often, the property in which the fireplace is being installed can determine the efficiency of the type of fireplace.Nonetheless, there are contributing key factors which affect the efficiency of each stove type which must be taken into account when considering the most efficient fireplace.

Gas Fireplaces

Gas fires are typically cheaper to run when compared to an electric stove, and are certainly less hassle when it comes to buying and storing logs. Providing approximately up to 6kW, gas fires and stoves can give out about three times as much heat as electric fires.Although figures vary from model to model, gas appliances are typically up to 90% efficient, when comparing the heat output from an appliance in kW with the gas input in kW.

Electric Fireplaces

The initial purchase cost of an electric fireplace is typically low, and can be as cheap as £100. However, one of the biggest drawbacks of electric stoves is that they tend to be much more expensive to run as opposed to gas or wood stoves.Electric fireplaces are by far the most efficient though, as 100% of the electrical energy is converted into heat and no heat is lost to the chimney or flue.

Wood Burning Stoves

Surprisingly to some, unsurprising to others - wood burning stoves are less efficient than an electric or gas fire. 20 % of heat from a log burner is lost through the chimney, sometimes more depending on the model, meaning they are only approximately 60-80% efficient.However, wood burning stoves are much more efficient than an open fire, so if you’re looking for a traditional fireplace that can be fuelled by wood, then log burners are still a relatively efficient option.

Are Gas Fires Being Phased Out?

Gas fires are not due to be phased out anytime soon. Currently, the government's focus is on phasing out gas and oil boilers. By the year 2025, all newly built homes will be banned from having a gas or oil boiler installed as part of the building process.

Choose your Energy Efficient Stove with The Fireplace Warehouse

Our fireplace range features a plethora of options to ensure that a variety of needs can be met.Whether you’re looking for an energy efficient electric, gas or log burner fireplace for your home, we have the perfect option for you.

You can visit one of our showrooms and book a dedicated appointment with a member of our customer service team who will be able to assist you with any questions. To book your visit, call our team on 0844 334 9655 or you can contact us online.