Which is cheaper to run, a gas fireplace or an electric fireplace?

Running flame only: electric wins

If what you want most nights is the look of fire, electric is the cheapest thing going. The flame effect is just light — it draws a trickle of power, and a unit like the Dimplex IgniteXL Bold 50 will run flame-only all evening, all summer, in its dedicated no-heat mode. No pilot, no fuel meter turning, nothing to service but dust. For pure ambiance per dollar, electric takes the round easily.

Running for heat: gas wins going away

Turn the heat on and the math flips. The electric heater is roughly 1,500 watts producing about 5,000 BTU, and electric resistance heat is one of the most expensive ways to make warmth in this part of the country. A gas fireplace produces four to eight times the heat, and per unit of warmth delivered, gas — especially natural gas off the Asheville and Hendersonville mains — costs meaningfully less. Propane out in Fairview, Candler, and Brevard runs higher than natural gas, but for serious output it still beats a resistance coil.

The zone-heating wrinkle

The honest wrinkle: either one can lower your total bill if you use it to zone-heat — warming the room you're actually in while the rest of the house rests. A sealed gas unit modulating low all evening is built for exactly that; the Valor H5 turns down to 9,000 BTU and just holds the room there.

So here's the counter answer we give: buying ambiance? Electric runs cheapest. Buying warmth? Gas, and it isn't close. Call (828) 545-0525 and tell us which one you're actually shopping for — that answer usually picks the appliance for you.