Electric Fireplace Wattage for Generator Sizing
About the Electric Fireplace
An electric fireplace insert or standalone unit with a resistive heater and LED flame effect display. The heater element draws 1500 watts on the high setting and around 750 watts on low, while the flame effect display alone draws only about 50 watts. There is no starting surge. Electric fireplaces provide both heat and ambiance during power outages and are straightforward to run on a generator due to their purely resistive load characteristics.
Generator Sizing for a Electric Fireplace
Running a electric fireplace by itself requires a generator with at least 1,875 W of capacity (2 kW), which includes a 25% safety margin. However, you rarely run a single appliance on a generator. When combined with other appliances, the electric fireplace contributes 1,500 W to the continuous running load.
The electric fireplace is a resistive load, meaning it uses a heating element or simple electronic circuit rather than a motor. Resistive loads draw the same wattage from the moment they turn on until they turn off, with no starting surge. This makes them the easiest type of appliance to run on a generator. When calculating your total generator load, the electric fireplace adds a flat 1,500 W to your running total with no impact on peak surge calculations. Resistive loads also produce a power factor of 1.0, meaning they use electricity very efficiently with no wasted reactive power.
To determine the total generator size you need, use our interactive calculator to combine the electric fireplace with your other appliances. The calculator automatically handles the starting surge calculation and applies the 25% safety margin to give you an accurate recommendation. Alternatively, browse the scenarios below to see common generator setups that include the electric fireplace.
Tips for Running a Electric Fireplace on a Generator
Running a electric fireplace on a generator is straightforward since it is a purely resistive load. There are no special starting procedures or surge considerations. Simply ensure your generator's continuous (rated) wattage exceeds 1,500 W plus the wattage of all other appliances running simultaneously.
Since the electric fireplace draws a constant 1,500 W whenever it is operating, you can accurately predict generator fuel consumption. At typical generator fuel efficiencies, running the electric fireplace continuously adds approximately 0.1 gallons of gasoline per hour to your fuel consumption. If the electric fireplace operates intermittently (like a thermostat-controlled heater), the actual fuel impact will be lower.
For sensitive electronic components within the electric fireplace, an inverter generator provides the cleanest power output. However, most resistive appliances work fine on conventional generators as well. If you are running the electric fireplace along with sensitive electronics like computers, the inverter generator protects all connected devices.
Electric Fireplace Wattage Compared to Similar Appliances
The following table compares the electric fireplace to other appliances in the hvac & climate category. Understanding relative power requirements helps you make informed decisions about which appliances to prioritize on your generator and where you might find opportunities to reduce your total load.
| Appliance | Running Watts | Starting Watts |
|---|---|---|
| Electric Fireplace (this appliance) | 1,500 W | — |
| Central Air Conditioner (3-Ton) | 3,500 W | 4,500 W |
| Window AC Unit (5,000 BTU) | 500 W | 600 W |
| Window AC Unit (10,000 BTU) | 1,200 W | 1,500 W |
| Portable Space Heater | 1,500 W | — |
| Furnace Blower Fan | 800 W | 1,300 W |
| Whole House Fan | 500 W | 800 W |
Frequently Asked Questions
How many watts does a electric fireplace use?
A electric fireplace uses approximately 1500 watts of continuous (running) power during normal operation. As a resistive load with no motor, it has no starting surge above its running wattage.
What size generator do I need to run a electric fireplace?
To run a electric fireplace by itself, you need a generator rated for at least 1,875 W (2 kW), which includes a 25% safety margin above the running wattage of 1500W. However, most people run additional appliances alongside the electric fireplace, so your actual generator needs will be higher. Use our calculator to add your other appliances and get a comprehensive recommendation.
Can I run a electric fireplace on an inverter generator?
Yes, a electric fireplace runs perfectly well on an inverter generator. As a resistive load with no motor starting surge, it is one of the easiest appliances to power with any generator type. The clean sine wave output of an inverter generator is a bonus for any electronic components.