How Does the Cost of Running a Wood Fireplace Compare to Electric or Gas Heaters?

In most cases, a wood fireplace is more affordable to run than electric or gas heaters, especially over an entire winter season.

Yes, it depends on where you live, how often you heat, and how efficient your fireplace is, but the short version is this: if you have access to reasonably priced firewood, a high-efficiency wood-burning fireplace will cost you less to run per hour than heating the same space with electricity or bottled gas.

Let’s unpack it.

The Real Cost of Electric Heating

Electric panel heaters and fan heaters are often seen as convenient. Just plug in and go. But that convenience adds up fast. A single 2 kW electric heater running for 5 hours a day can push your electricity bill up by over R500–R700 per month – and that’s for heating one room.

Now add more heaters, and you multiply the cost. Load-shedding also makes electric heating unreliable unless you have backup power – which most people don’t want to waste on heating alone.

Electricity is the most expensive form of heating in South Africa, particularly for medium to large open-plan homes. It’s best suited to small rooms, occasional use, or backup warmth.

Gas Heaters: Quick Heat, Ongoing Costs

Gas delivers fast, clean heat, no doubt. But bottled LPG is expensive. A standard 9 kg gas cylinder runs a small heater for around 15–18 hours on medium. In winter, many households go through two or three cylinders per month.

That’s roughly R600–R1,000 per month for one heater. And you’re still only heating one area of your home.

Gas is a good short-term option for smaller spaces, but for larger areas or daily use, the cost starts to climb. It’s also dependent on consistent bottle refills – something that can get frustrating during winter demand spikes or supplier shortages.

The Case for Wood Fireplaces

A properly installed wood fireplace – especially a cast iron or high-efficiency model – offers long-term heating at a lower cost per kilowatt-hour.

Firewood prices vary by region, but in most cases, you can heat a full open-plan living area for less than the cost of running two electric panel heaters or one full-time gas heater.

If you buy in bulk, season your own wood, or have access to offcuts or biomass, the savings increase even further.

Plus, unlike gas and electric systems, your fireplace doesn’t stop working during load-shedding or power outages. That kind of independence matters – especially in winter.

What About the Upfront Cost?

Yes, a quality fireplace and flue installation will cost more upfront than buying a plug-in heater. But that’s a once-off investment. With proper maintenance, your fireplace can last decades.

The real cost comparison isn’t over one month, it’s over 5 or 10 years. And in that frame, a wood fireplace typically pays for itself.

Wood vs. Gas vs. Electric: Cost Snapshot

Here’s a simplified comparison for heating an open-plan area of ±90 m² for 5 hours a day in winter:

• Electric heaters: ±R15–R20 per day
• Gas heater (9 kg bottle every 4–5 days): ±R20–R25 per day
• Wood fireplace (with seasoned wood): ±R10–R15 per day

Prices vary by region and source, but this gives a realistic view based on current 2025 fuel rates.

The Cheapest Option Is the One That Works Long-Term

Wood fireplaces aren’t just about ambiance. They’re about control – over cost, over comfort, over energy security.

If you’re looking for a reliable, cost-effective way to heat your home through winter (and still enjoy that deep, radiant warmth), it’s hard to beat what a well-sized wood-burning unit offers.

Need help calculating cost for your space? Speak to the Calore team and we’ll help you compare options based on your home layout, lifestyle, and regional wood availability.