How Much Does Electric Fireplace Installation Cost in 2025?

This article was updated using automation technology and thoroughly reviewed for accuracy by HomeAdvisor Editor Ryan Noonan.

An electric fireplace adds cozy warmth to your home without the hassle of a traditional fireplace. Installing an electric fireplace costs $1,000, on average. It can cost as little as $100 and up to $10,000, with most homeowners spending an average of between $200 and $2,200. Factors such as size, heat output, style, and labor costs can affect the overall cost. Hiring a professional fireplace installer is highly recommended to ensure a safe and proper setup. 

What Is an Electric Fireplace?

Electric fireplaces are devices that generate heat, similar to a traditional fireplace, but without an actual flame. They don't require wood or gas and provide warmth without the need for exhaust pipes or a chimney.

Electric fireplaces work by radiating heat through a strong LED, which creates the illusion of a real fire. These units plug right into a wall or are hardwired to an available electrical panel. They also don't require much maintenance.

Electric Fireplace Installation Cost Factors

Several factors contribute to the price of your electric fireplace installation. Here are the factors that impact the cost of installing an electric fireplace.

Heating Power

The size of an electric fireplace influences its heating capabilities (measured in BTUs) and its price. Larger units, designed to heat larger spaces, will cost more than smaller models intended for smaller rooms. Here's a breakdown of costs based on heating power.

Fireplace Type

The type of electric fireplace you choose also impacts the installation cost, as some types cost more to purchase and others cost more to place. Here's how that breaks down according to various fireplace types and designs.

Freestanding

Freestanding electric fireplaces cost between $200 and $500, including installation, depending on their size, shape, and design. They are easy to install with plug-and-play functionality, allowing you to simply plug them into a standard wall outlet. If you choose to hardwire the unit, installation costs may increase.

Inserts

Electric fireplace inserts range from $400 to $2,000, including the unit and professional installation if needed. Inserts are designed to be installed directly into an existing fireplace, giving new life to non-functional or outdated fireplaces. While many models plug into a standard wall outlet, more advanced designs may require hardwired installation.

Wall-Mounted

Wall-mounted electric fireplaces range from $300 to $2,000, including installation. These units require a dedicated mount, similar to a wall-mounted TV, so it's advisable to hire a local handyperson for proper installation. Wall-mounted fireplaces offer a range of aesthetic options, including curved and flat fronts.

Prefab vs. Custom

Prefabricated units cost less than $1,000, while custom-built electric fireplaces start at $2,000 and can exceed $10,000, depending on design complexity.

Prefab units come in various styles to suit different aesthetics and can be recessed into a wall or mounted on it. The most budget-friendly installation involves plugging the unit into a wall outlet and placing it on a table or against the wall.

Custom fireplaces are ideal for those seeking unique designs or specific accommodations. Customization can range from adding a distinctive mantel to complex projects, such as constructing a stone wall with a double-sided fireplace. Consult with your professional fireplace installer to discuss custom options. Many custom fireplaces require hardwired installation, so it's important to hire a reputable local electrician for this aspect of the project.

Labor

Labor costs depend on the professional required for the installation. If an electrician is needed to hardwire the unit, expect to pay $200. Electricians charge between $50 and $100 per hour, and the installation may take two to four hours. Additional costs may apply if modifications to your electrical system are necessary.

Hiring a handyperson to install a prefabricated unit, mount a fireplace on the wall, install an insert, or set up a simple custom unit costs $40 to $140 per hour.

Conversions and Replacements

For fireplace conversions, note that capping a gas line costs an average of $130.

Cost to Run

Operating an electric fireplace will affect your monthly energy bill, depending on your usage and local electricity rates. To manage costs, consider using the electric fireplace during specific times and ensure it is turned off when not in use.

DIY vs. Hiring an Electrician

Installing an electric fireplace can be a DIY-friendly project for experienced home renovators, provided certain conditions are met. If you are installing a simple plug-and-play fireplace design, such as a freestanding model that plugs into a standard wall outlet and does not require structural modifications, you may choose to handle the installation yourself.

For more complex designs, such as units replacing a pre-existing gas or wood-burning fireplace or those requiring structural changes, it's recommended to hire a professional fireplace installer.

How HomeAdvisor Gets Its Cost Data

No place is more important than your home, which is why HomeAdvisor connects homeowners with local pros to transform their houses into homes they love. To help homeowners prepare for their next project, HomeAdvisor provides readers with accurate cost data and follows strict editorial guidelines. After a project is complete, we survey real customers about the costs to develop the pricing data you see, so you can make the best decisions for you and your home. We pair this data with research from reputable sources, including the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, academic journals, market studies, and interviews with industry experts—all to ensure our prices reflect real-world projects.