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Criteria |
Electric Fireplace |
Gas Fireplace |
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Price |
Start under $1000. Usual range is $1400 to $3000. |
Start at $2000. Usual range is $2500 to $5000. |
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Cost to Operate |
About 0.3 to 3 cents per hour, without heat. About 16 cents
per hour with heat on 100% of the time. |
About 20 cents to 40 cents per hour, depending on BTUs. |
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Installation |
No venting required. Can go on any wall. |
Venting required. Must go on outside wall. |
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Standard electrical outlet required. |
Gas line must be brought to site. |
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Portability |
Easily moved. |
Not easily moved. |
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Heat |
Controlled by thermostat. |
Controlled by thermostat. |
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Flame can stay on when heater is off. |
Flame and heater go on and off together. |
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Ideal for rooms up to 400 square feet. |
Ideal for rooms larger than 400 square feet. |
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Efficiency |
100% efficient. |
70% to 80% efficient. |
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No heat lost through venting. |
20% to 30% heat lost through venting. |
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Maintenance |
Light bulbs to be replaced every 2 to 3 years, or longer. |
Safety inspections suggested yearly. |
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Safety |
No flame to burn. Glass and metal will not get hot enough |
Glass face at 200 degrees Celsius may burn on contact. |
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to burn on contact. No Carbon Monoxide generated. |
Carbon Monoxide may be generated. |
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Usage Period |
Year-round. |
Limited to colder months. |
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Electric vs. Gas
