Which is more efficient? Using a gas fireplace or an electric space heater?

John

I have a home built in 2004, masonry fireplace with metal flue and a Home Depot gas log set. My question, is whether it is cheaper to run the fireplace to add a little warmth to the den or to use a ceramic type electric space heater. From what I've read, a fireplace is very inefficient. However, gas is more efficient and cheaper than electricity. You do get a fan, oscillation, etc out of the space heater, but gas is a thermally more efficient than electricity and much cheaper. I also have a solar voltaic system that covers about 50% of my normal electricity usage, so that may also skew the real equation of relative costs.

Answer
It is more efficient to use your electric space heater unless you had a fireplace insert. After reading your question it sounds like you just have a flue and not an insert. If you only have a flue and no insert is present, then most of the heat generated by the fireplace logs is going up and out the flue. Thus, it is more efficient to run the electric space heater. In addition, you have a solar voltaic system to increase the efficiency of your electric heater. However, if you had a fireplace insert and not just a flue, then it would be more efficient to burn gas rather than run the heater.

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I Want To Buy An Electric Fireplace?

All This a

I live in an apartment where I do not control my heat. I live in New York State, so it gets pretty cold here. It is permissable to have a fireplace and I already know the pros and cons of having one. My question is: should I go with electric or use burning gels. Which is more realistic, economical and warmer. Can anyone recommend a particular site, store or brand? I have searhed all the sites I could think of and obviously came up with almost no information. I even tried consumer rated sites. HELP! It is getting cold real fast here!

Answer
I would naturally get electric for myself. I would be afraid of inhaling the fumes from the burning gels and then get an allergic reaction, or a guest might be allergic. I think an electric one would be more safer for the family and friends.

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