4. How much does an electric fire consume compared to a gas one?
Naturally, the rule is the higher the fire is turned up, the more energy it consumes. The price of gas has risen recently, but does an electric fire really consume so much less?
Below we give you two calculation examples where we compare the consumption of an electric fire with that of a gas fire.
Calculation example: electric fire consumption
An electric fire consumes 750W to 1500W at its highest setting. It heats up to 28 degrees C, so it is nice and warm. Let’s assume it is a fire with a capacity of 1500W that is working for 3 hours at full power:
- The consumption per hour is 1500W.
- Electricity price €0.22 per 1000W (average tariff 2021)
Total costs per 3 hours: €0.99.
Calculation example: gas fire consumption
The consumption of a gas fire depends on the heat setting and the capacity of the fire or stove. The most popular DRU gas fires have a capacity of around 7 to 8 kW at their highest setting.
Let’s assume it is a fire with a capacity of 7 to 8 kW that is working for 3 hours at full power.
- Consumption is 1 cubic metre of gas per hour.
- Gas price €0.79 (average tariff 2021)
Total costs per 3 hours:
€2.40.