Are electric fires cheaper to run than gas fires?

The key fact, electricity usually costs more per kWh than gas

Under Ofgem’s energy price cap (standard variable tariff, typical rates), electricity costs several times more per kWh than gas.

Typical unit rates including VAT under the price cap are listed by Ofgem. For 1 January to 31 March 2026, electricity is around 27.69p per kWh and gas is around 5.93p per kWh. For 1 April to 30 June 2026, electricity is around 24.67p per kWh and gas is around 5.74p per kWh.

That gap is why gas heat is usually cheaper per hour. But the full story depends on how your fire is used, and what you are trying to achieve.

 

Quick running cost maths you can do at home

You do not need a calculator app, just two numbers:

1. The fire’s power (kW)

2. Your unit rate (pence per kWh)

Electric fire cost per hour (pence)
Power in kW x unit rate in pence per kWh

Gas fire cost per hour (pence)
Gas input in kW x unit rate in pence per kWh

One important detail. Electric fires are effectively 100 percent efficient at turning electricity into heat in the room, so the kW rating is a good guide. Some manufacturers state this directly.

Gas fires vary by type and efficiency, so the gas input can be higher than the heat you feel in the room. In plain terms, not every unit of gas becomes usable room heat.

 

Example running costs per hour using 2026 price cap rates

To keep it realistic, these examples use common settings.

Electric fire on heat

Many electric fires are 1kW on low heat and 2kW on high heat.

Using Ofgem’s 1 January to 31 March 2026 electricity unit rate of about 27.69p per kWh:
1kW for 1 hour costs about 27.69p
2kW for 1 hour costs about 55.38p

Using Ofgem’s 1 April to 30 June 2026 electricity unit rate of about 24.67p per kWh:

1kW for 1 hour costs about 24.67p
2kW for 1 hour costs about 49.34p

Electric fire flame effect only

This is where electric fires often win on running cost, because flame effect without heat uses far less power. Some guides show that flame effect only can be pennies over several hours depending on the model.

If you mainly want ambience in the evening and do not need heat, an electric fire often gives you the “real fire feel” look for a small running cost.

Gas fire on heat

Gas fires vary a lot in input rating. Many sit in the 4kW to 6kW range, and some cost guides use examples like 5kW input for a higher efficiency gas fire.

Using Ofgem’s 1 January to 31 March 2026 gas unit rate of about 5.93p per kWh:

5kW for 1 hour costs about 29.65p
6kW for 1 hour costs about 35.58p

Using Ofgem’s 1 April to 30 June 2026 gas unit rate of about 5.74p per kWh:
5kW for 1 hour costs about 28.70p
6kW for 1 hour costs about 34.44p

So at a similar “heat output feel”, gas is often cheaper per hour. But remember, some gas fires deliver more heat than an electric fire, so you are not always comparing like with like.

The most practical comparison, cost per useful warmth in the room

If you have a well-insulated room and you only need a gentle top up of heat for an hour, a 1kW electric setting might do the job. In that case, you could spend around 25p to 28p per hour under the price cap rates used above.

If you have a larger or draughtier room and you need a stronger heat boost, you might run a 2kW electric setting, which can push the hourly cost nearer 50p to 55p.

A gas fire might deliver that stronger heat more comfortably, often at an hourly fuel cost in the 30p to 36p range for 5kW to 6kW input at price cap gas rates.

This is why the “cheapest” option depends on the room, the time of year, and whether you want real heat or mostly visual flame.

Other costs people forget to include

Standing charges

Most homes already pay standing charges for gas and electricity, whether you use a fire or not. Ofgem lists typical standing charges alongside unit rates.
If you have gas connected anyway for cooking or a boiler, the standing charge is already part of your household bills. If you do not have gas at all, adding gas purely for a gas fire is usually not cost-effective.

Servicing and maintenance

Gas appliances typically need periodic servicing for safety and performance, and installation is more involved than most electric fires. Electric fires are usually simpler to maintain, and many homeowners like the plug-in simplicity.

Installation cost differences

Electric fires often have a lower installation cost, especially for media wall style installs where you mainly need the right electrical supply and a safe, neat finish. Gas fires often require a suitable gas connection, ventilation considerations, and professional commissioning.

When homeowners focus only on “cost per hour”, they sometimes miss that the upfront install cost can tilt the overall value over the first few years.

When electric fires tend to be the better choice

Electric fires often make more sense when:

• You want flame effect ambience most evenings, without heat
• You want quick zone heating in one room for short bursts
• You do not have a gas supply, or you do not want gas work in the room
• You want a modern media wall look with lots of design flexibility
• You want predictable heat output with a thermostat and timer

When gas fires tend to be the better choice

Gas fires often make more sense when:

• You want stronger heat for a larger room
• You want lower running costs while using heat regularly
• You already have a gas supply and a suitable flue option
• You want a traditional fireplace look with responsive heat control

A simple way to estimate your own running cost

1. Find the kW rating on the product spec, for heat and for flame effect only if listed

2. Check your unit rate on your latest energy bill, or use the current price cap rates as a guide

3. Multiply kW x hours used per day x unit rate

4. Multiply by 30 for a monthly estimate

A manufacturer example shows how to do this for a 2kW electric fire, using your electricity unit rate.

 

Expert Tips

1. Compare like with like. If a gas fire is heating a big open-plan room and an electric fire is only taking the chill off, the hourly cost comparison is not fair. Compare the comfort you get, not only the number.
2. Use flame effect only more often if you love the look. Electric fires often give you the “on” feeling without paying for heat.
3. Use timers and thermostats. Short, controlled heating often costs less than leaving any fire running for long periods.
4. Check your room heat loss. Older Lancashire properties can be draughty. Better sealing and insulation can reduce the need for higher settings, whichever fire type you choose.
5. Ask for a showroom demonstration on heat and flame settings. Seeing brightness, flame style, and heat behaviour in person makes it easier to pick a fire you will actually use.

If you want a clear recommendation on whether an electric fire or gas fire will cost less for your home, visit the Leyland Fireplace Centre showroom or get in touch for advice. Bring a photo of your current fireplace or the wall where you want the fire, plus your room size and whether you have gas in the property. You will get practical options, realistic running cost expectations, and a quotation that fits what you want the fire to do day to day.