Choosing between a gas and electric fireplace isn’t just about style. It’s about how much you’ll spend upfront, what you’ll pay monthly, and which type actually makes sense for your home. We’ve installed hundreds of fireplaces across Las Vegas. Here’s what homeowners should know.
Upfront Costs: Unit Price and Installation
Gas fireplaces cost more upfront. A basic unit from Heat & Glo can run $1,200-$3,000 before installation. Premium models with larger viewing areas exceed $4,000+. Professional installation adds another $1,500-$3,500 depending on whether you need venting and new gas lines.
Electric fireplaces are cheaper to buy. Entry-level units like Dimplex models cost $300-$800. High-end electric units with realistic flame technology run $1,000-$4,500. Installation is minimal. You plug them in or hardwire them to an outlet. Total installed cost for electric: $300-$4,500 depending on unit quality.
Heat Output and Heating Efficiency
Gas fireplaces generate serious heat. A Valor or Heat & Glo unit produces 20,000-40,000 BTU per hour. That’s enough to heat a 1,500-2,500 square foot home as a primary heat source. In Las Vegas winters, which are mild, a gas fireplace can heat your main living area without running the central heater.
Electric fireplaces generate 750-1,500 watts of heat, which equals 2,500-5,000 BTU per hour. That warms a single room, not an entire home. They’re perfect for zone heating a bedroom or living room. In Las Vegas, where heating season is short, an electric fireplace supplements central heat nicely.
Efficiency matters too. Modern gas fireplaces run at 70-90% efficiency, meaning 70-90% of the gas burned becomes usable heat. Direct-vent fireplace models are more efficient than natural vent. Electric fireplaces convert 100% of electricity to heat. There’s no loss. But since they produce less heat overall, they’re not meant to replace central heating.
Winner for heat: Gas by a wide margin. Winner for heating efficiency: Electric.
Monthly Operating Costs
Gas prices in Las Vegas average $10-$15 per therm. Running a gas fireplace on high for 3-4 hours daily during winter costs about $20-$40 per month. If you run it 6-8 hours daily, add another $20-$40. Annual cost: $240-$480.
Electricity costs around 11-13 cents per kilowatt hour in Southern Nevada. An electric fireplace drawing 1,000-1,500 watts costs $2-$4 per day if run continuously. But most people run them 2-4 hours daily. That’s $1-$4 per day or $30-$120 per month. Annual cost: $360-$1,440.
Las Vegas has cheap natural gas. For heating comfort, gas is less expensive to operate than electric. But if you’re using either as supplemental heat for short periods, electric costs less.
Maintenance and Repair Costs
Gas fireplaces need annual inspections to check the pilot light, thermocouple, and gas valve. A technician visit costs $100-$150 yearly. If something breaks, a thermocouple replacement is $100-$150. A faulty gas valve runs $300-$600. Parts are reasonable if you catch problems early.
Electric fireplaces rarely break. There’s no gas to leak, no pilot to maintain, no venting to clean. If the heating element fails, replacement costs $100-$300. Most failures happen after 7-10 years of heavy use. For light seasonal use, electric fireplaces last 10-15 years.
Winner: Electric. Lower maintenance and fewer potential failures.
Which Type Works Better in Las Vegas?
Las Vegas winters are mild. December through February average 40-60°F with occasional dips below freezing. You’re not heating a home through brutal snow and ice like Minnesota. That changes the equation.
Gas fireplaces make sense if you want ambiance plus real heat, or if you have a large living area you want to heat. Popular brands in Southern Nevada include Napoleon, Heat & Glo, Heatilator, and Valor. They’re durable and reliable in Las Vegas homes. Installation companies here are experienced with both direct-vent and natural-vent venting.
Electric fireplaces make sense if you want a lower-cost option, care mostly about looks, and want minimal maintenance. They don’t require venting, so installation is simpler in existing homes. Dimplex and Simplifire make solid electric fireplaces available in Las Vegas showrooms.
If you’re in Summerlin, Henderson, or Southwest Las Vegas with an open-concept home, a gas fireplace adds warmth and value. If you live in a condo or apartment where venting isn’t possible, electric is your answer.
Gas Fireplace Pros and Cons
Pros:
Real flame that moves like a wood fire. Produces 20,000-40,000 BTU heat. Lower monthly operating cost than electric in Las Vegas. Creates real ambiance and focal point. Adds home value when properly installed.
Cons:
High upfront cost ($2,700-$7,500). Requires venting to the outside, which limits placement options. Needs annual maintenance and inspections. If something breaks, repair costs $200-$600. Safety concerns if not installed correctly.
Electric Fireplace Pros and Cons
Pros:
Low upfront cost ($300-$3,000). Easy installation, often just plug and play. No venting required. Minimal maintenance. Flame effect works without heat for year-round ambiance. 100% electricity converts to heat. Safe to operate.
Cons:
Limited heat output (2,500-5,000 BTU). Only heats a single room, not a whole home. Monthly operating cost higher than gas. Realistic flame models are pricey. Doesn’t add as much home value as a gas fireplace.
The Bottom Line
If you want to heat your home and value the ambiance of a real flame, choose a gas fireplace. If you want low cost and minimal hassle for occasional use or zone heating, choose electric. Gas is the clear winner for heating capacity and long-term value. Electric is the winner for simplicity and budget.
Visit our Las Vegas showroom at 3555 West Quail Ave to see gas and electric fireplaces side by side. We can show you Heat & Glo and other gas fireplace models, plus Simplifire & other electric fireplace options. Touch them, feel the heat, and ask questions. Call (702) 474-4099 to schedule an appointment or stop by during business hours.