Last updated: September 24, 2026
What affects the price
Choosing an electric fireplace involves several variables that shift the final number. Basic units that simply plug into a standard outlet are usually the most budget-friendly. As you move toward models with advanced features like infrared heating, multi-color flame customization, or realistic sound effects, the investment increases. Installation complexity is another major factor; a simple wall-mount unit costs less to set up than a custom recessed fireplace that requires framing or electrical wiring adjustments. High-end materials and larger glass viewing areas also push costs upward. We help you navigate these trade-offs to find the right fit for your home. Your exact pricing confirmed free on the call.
About this service
This service involves replacing an old gas or wood fireplace with an electric unit that retains the original structure. You need this to reduce maintenance while keeping your room's original architecture. Factors affecting the price include the extent of the demolition and the new trim work needed.
Many people do not realize you can use an electric fireplace all summer. Most models allow you to turn off the heating element entirely while keeping the flame effects running. This creates a pleasant, relaxing aesthetic for your living room or basement without adding any unwanted heat to your home during the warmer months of the year.
Frequently asked in Chicago
What is the downside of an electric fireplace?
The primary 'downside' is the lack of a real wood-burning smell and sound. While modern electric fireplaces have very realistic flame effects, they won't perfectly replicate the sensory experience of a traditional fire. For many Chicagoans, this is a small trade-off for convenience.
Do electric fireplaces use lots of electricity?
The flame effect uses minimal power, comparable to a standard light bulb. The heater uses more, similar to a portable space heater. For supplemental heat in a Chicago apartment or home, they are generally quite energy-efficient and cost-effective for the comfort they provide.
Are electric fireplaces a good idea?
Yes, they are an excellent idea for Chicago residents seeking ambiance and supplemental heat. They are easy to install, require no venting, and are more energy-efficient than many traditional options. They offer a practical and aesthetic upgrade to any living space.
What's the most realistic looking electric fireplace?
The most realistic electric fireplaces use advanced LED technology for dynamic flame effects, realistic log sets, and often offer customizable flame colors and speeds. Seek out models that prioritize visual depth and natural flame movement for the best effect.
Is an electric fireplace insert a good idea?
An electric fireplace insert is a great idea if you have an existing, non-functional fireplace opening. It allows you to easily convert that space into a source of ambiance and supplemental heat without a major renovation. It's a popular and efficient way to update a hearth.
Can I plug an electric fireplace into a regular outlet?
Yes, most electric fireplaces are designed to plug into a standard 120-volt household outlet. This makes installation incredibly simple and convenient for Chicago homes, eliminating the need for special wiring or complex setups. It’s a plug-and-play solution.
Also serving nearby: Naperville · Aurora · Joliet · Elgin · Waukegan
More on this: ESFI — electrical safety.
Service area details
Serving all of Chicago — population 2,664,452; about 11,699 residents per square mile across 227.7 sq mi. ZIP codes covered include 60601, 60602, 60603, 60604, 60605, 60606, 60607, 60608.
Neighborhoods served in Chicago: Lincoln Park, Wicker Park, Lakeview, Gold Coast, River North, Bucktown — and every surrounding area.
Areas we serve
Browse by state, then city.
Alabama (2)
Alaska (1)
Arizona (8)
All of Arizona · Chandler · Gilbert · Mesa · Peoria · Phoenix · Scottsdale · Tempe · Tucson
Arkansas (1)
California (31)
All of California · Anaheim · Bakersfield · Chula Vista · Elk Grove · Fontana · Fremont · Fresno · Garden Grove · Glendale · Huntington Beach · Irvine · Lancaster · Long Beach · Los Angeles · Modesto · Moreno Valley · Oakland · Oceanside · Ontario · Oxnard · Palmdale · Riverside · Sacramento · San Bernardino · San Diego · San Francisco · San Jose · Santa Ana · Santa Clarita · Santa Rosa · Stockton
Colorado (3)
District of Columbia (1)
Florida (9)
All of Florida · Cape Coral · Fort Lauderdale · Hialeah · Jacksonville · Orlando · Pembroke Pines · Port St. Lucie · Tallahassee · Tampa
Georgia (3)
All of Georgia · Atlanta · Augusta-Richmond County · Columbus
Hawaii (1)
Idaho (1)
Illinois (2)
Indiana (2)
Iowa (1)
Kansas (1)
Kentucky (2)
All of Kentucky · Lexington-Fayette · Louisville/Jefferson County
Louisiana (3)
Maryland (1)
Massachusetts (2)
Michigan (2)
Minnesota (2)
Missouri (2)
Nevada (4)
All of Nevada · Henderson · Las Vegas · North Las Vegas · Reno
New Jersey (1)
New Mexico (1)
New York (4)
All of New York · Buffalo · New York · Rochester · Yonkers
North Carolina (4)
All of North Carolina · Cary · Charlotte · Fayetteville · Winston-Salem
Ohio (4)
All of Ohio · Akron · Cincinnati · Cleveland · Columbus
Oklahoma (2)
Oregon (3)
All of Oregon · Eugene · Portland · Salem
Pennsylvania (1)
Rhode Island (1)
South Dakota (1)
Tennessee (5)
All of Tennessee · Chattanooga · Knoxville · Memphis · Murfreesboro · Nashville-Davidson metropolitan government (balance)
Texas (16)
All of Texas · Amarillo · Arlington · Austin · Brownsville · Corpus Christi · Dallas · El Paso · Fort Worth · Frisco · Garland · Grand Prairie · Houston · Lubbock · McKinney · Plano · San Antonio
Utah (1)
Virginia (4)
All of Virginia · Newport News · Norfolk · Richmond · Virginia Beach
