The Best Electric Fireplaces for Energy-Efficiency

Electric fireplaces give all the ambiance and supplemental heat without the toxic emissions associated with a high-maintenance wood-burning stove.

Published Aug. 29 2024, 10:18 a.m. ET

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Curling up by an open fire is a cozy way to spend a chilly evening. But the cold, hard truth is that wood-burning fireplaces contribute carbon monoxide, volatile organic compounds, and particulate pollution into the air you breathe. An electric fireplace, on the other hand, produces none of those toxic emissions. Fireplaces are regulated by LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design), and the best electric fireplaces on the market have features that align with the sustainability goals outlined by the globally recognized LEED certification system.

There are a handful of fireplace brands out there that have committed to sustainability, and many of their electric fireplaces contribute to LEED points for energy efficiency and indoor air quality. Once you know you're investing in a healthy product, you only need to decide what kind of electric fireplace you want. The main categories are wall-mounted, recessed (or built-in), freestanding, mantel, and fireplace insert. We found the best in each category.

The Amantii Wall Mount Linear 34 Electric Fireplace is an easy-to-install electric fireplace that will contribute to the sustainable home environment you're looking to create.

Its realistic flame effects are an energy-efficient LED, and its 4,800-BTU heater effortlessly warms up to 500 square feet while saving on heating and electricity costs. And, of course, this electric fireplace operates without producing emissions, eliminating the need for venting or chimneys.

Make this Amantii fireplace a focal point of the room and rest easily, knowing it aligns with sustainable building practices and supports LEED certification goals.

The Napoleon Alluravision Deep Built-in /Wall Mounted Electric Fireplace is a stylish, energy-efficient fireplace designed to be installed in one of two ways: wall-mounted or inserted into a wall or existing fireplace opening for a seamless, built-in look.

It features LED technology for realistic flame effects that consume less electricity than traditional lighting, so it's energy-efficient. The fireplace provides supplemental heat for rooms up to 800 square feet and comes in five widths from 42 inches to 100 inches wide.

With adjustable flame settings and a sleek glass front, it offers both ambiance and functionality, making it ideal for modern homes.

The Duraflame Infrared Quartz Electric Fireplace Stove is a freestanding electric fireplace designed to provide supplemental zone heating for rooms up to 1,000 square feet — all of that while being a freestanding electric fireplace, a portable, plug-and-play heating solution.

It features an infrared quartz heating element that helps maintain natural humidity, creating comfortable, moist heat without drying out the air or creating any airborne pollution. The unit also includes a 3D flame effect with adjustable brightness settings, giving a realistic fire-like ambiance with or without heat.

The fireplace has an overheat protection feature for added safety and comes with a remote control. Its classic stove design comes in six finish options.

The SimpliFire 35" Electric Fireplace Insert is designed to easily retrofit existing masonry or wood-burning fireplaces. Instead of wood, it uses energy-efficient LED technology to create realistic flame effects with adjustable brightness and color settings. It's all coziness, no fire.

The unit offers supplemental heat for rooms up to 400 square feet and includes a flame-only mode for year-round enjoyment without heat. The simple design makes installation quick and hassle-free, and it even comes with a remote control. Choose small or large.

The Touchstone Sideline Elite Smart 50-Inch Electric Fireplace with Surround Mantel is a smart, wall-mounted electric fireplace designed to add warmth and style to a room. It sets the mood with realistic flame effects courtesy of energy-efficient LED technology — you can adjust the colors, intensity, and brightness.

The fireplace also has adjustable heat settings for supplemental heating up to 400 square feet; it can be customized via a remote or smartphone app. The included surround mantel makes this one an all-in-one focal point. This fireplace is ideal for those seeking a modern, versatile, and efficient heating solution.