What Does It Cost to Run an Electric Fire, Gas Fire or Log Burner From 1 October?
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With the colder months approaching, many homeowners are starting to think about switching their heating back on. This year, that decision comes alongside another change to household energy prices, with the new Ofgem energy price cap taking effect from 1 October 2026.
The new cap means the typical household paying by Direct Debit will see annual energy costs rise from £1,663 to £1,723. But what does that actually mean when you want to warm your living room? We have taken a closer look at the approximate cost of running an electric fire, gas fire and wood burning stove this winter.
What Is Changing From 1 October 2026?
From 1 October, the average electricity unit rate under the energy price cap will be 26.32p per kWh, while gas will cost an average of 7.97p per kWh. These figures apply to a typical household on a standard variable tariff paying by Direct Debit, and your actual rate can vary depending on your tariff, payment method and location.
For homeowners considering a new fire or stove, these figures provide a useful starting point. However, simply comparing the price of electricity, gas and logs doesn't tell the whole story, as the type and efficiency of the appliance also makes a significant difference.
How Much Does an Electric Fire Cost to Run?
Electric fires are particularly easy to calculate because virtually all of the electricity they consume is converted into heat within the room. Using the new average electricity rate of 26.32p per kWh, a 2kW electric fire operating continuously at full heat would cost approximately 53p per hour.
However, that doesn't necessarily mean your electric fire will continuously use 2kW. Many modern electric fires include thermostatic controls and different heat settings, while the flame effect can usually be enjoyed independently of the heater at a much lower running cost.
How Much Does a Gas Fire Cost to Run?
Gas remains considerably cheaper per kWh than electricity under the new price cap, with an average unit rate of 7.97p per kWh from October. However, calculating the cost of running a gas fire isn't quite as simple because different appliances have different gas inputs and efficiency ratings.
As an example, a gas fire consuming 4kW of gas would cost approximately 32p per hour if it operated continuously at that level. A 6kW appliance would use around 48p worth of gas per hour, although the amount of usable heat delivered to the room will depend on the efficiency of the individual fire.
How Much Does a Wood Burning Stove Cost to Run?
This is where making a direct comparison becomes more difficult. Unlike electricity and mains gas, there isn't a national unit price for logs, and the amount you pay can vary considerably depending on the type of wood, where you buy it and whether you purchase individual bags or larger quantities.
A modern Ecodesign wood burning stove can be extremely efficient when burning good quality, dry wood. Buying Ready to Burn logs in larger quantities will generally provide better value than purchasing small bags as and when you need them, so your buying habits can have a significant impact on the overall running cost.
Electric Fire vs Gas Fire vs Log Burner
If you're choosing purely on the cost of the energy being consumed, gas currently has a considerably lower unit price than electricity. A wood burning stove is more difficult to compare directly because the cost of fuel isn't regulated in the same way and varies between suppliers.
Running costs shouldn't be the only consideration when choosing a new fire. How frequently you plan to use it, the size of the room, your existing fireplace or chimney and the type of atmosphere you want to create are all equally important.
What About Multi Fuel Stoves?
A multi fuel stove gives you additional flexibility because it can burn both wood and suitable approved smokeless fuels. This can be particularly useful for homeowners who want more choice over the fuel they use throughout the winter.
As with a wood burning stove, running costs depend heavily on the price you pay for fuel and how efficiently the stove is operated. A modern, correctly sized stove will generally make much better use of its fuel than an older or inefficient appliance.
Can a Fire or Stove Help Reduce Central Heating Use?
One of the biggest advantages of a fire or stove is the ability to heat the room you're actually using. If everyone is relaxing in the living room during the evening, it may not always make sense to heat every room in the house to the same temperature.
This is often referred to as zonal heating. A fire or stove can provide additional warmth in your main living space, potentially allowing you to use your central heating differently rather than relying on it as the only source of heat.
Which Is the Cheapest Fire to Run?
There isn't one answer that will apply to every household. Gas has the lowest regulated unit price of the three mains-energy options discussed here, while an electric fire is highly efficient at converting the electricity it uses into heat at the point of use.
Wood burning and multi fuel stoves are different again because fuel costs vary considerably. The best option therefore depends on your property, how often you intend to use the appliance and what you want from it.
Choosing the Right Fire or Stove for Your Home
At Mansfield Fireplace & Stove Centre, we don't believe choosing a new fire should simply come down to which appliance costs the least per hour. Running costs are important, but so are comfort, appearance, efficiency and finding something you'll enjoy having in your home for many years.
We supply a wide selection of electric fires, gas fires, wood burning stoves and multi fuel stoves from leading manufacturers. Our experienced team can talk you through the different options, helping you find the right combination of performance, style and running costs for your home.
Visit Our Showrooms for Inspiration
At Mansfield Fireplace & Stove Centre, we serve homeowners across Nottinghamshire, Derbyshire, South Yorkshire and the Peak District. Helping them find the perfect wood burning stove for their homes.
Our experienced team can talk you through the latest Ecodesign models. Explain the differences between manufacturers. Then help you choose a stove that suits both your property and your lifestyle. Whether you are renovating a country cottage or updating a modern family home. We have a wide range of styles to explore.
Get Ready for Winter
With the new energy price cap taking effect from 1 October, now is a good time to start thinking about how you plan to heat your home this winter. If you're considering replacing an older fire or investing in a new stove, planning before the colder weather arrives also gives you more time to explore the different options available.
Visit Mansfield Fireplace & Stove Centre to see our extensive collection of fires, fireplaces and stoves for yourself. Our team will be happy to explain the different technologies, heat outputs and efficiency ratings so you can make an informed decision for your home.
Our team are here to help you find the perfect solution.
Just look through our reviews:
Jun 20, 2026
My wife and I were very impressed with the service and knowledge of Matt at Mansfield fireplaces at ponsford. We ordered a media wall with fire Matt ‘explained and answered all our questions. And advised us which design would be the best for our lounge and needs. Absolutely would 100% recommend.
Jun 19, 2026
Visited Mansfield Fireplaces @ Pondsfords Sheffield and glad we did. We met and talked with Matt about what we wanted (Media Wall )took his advice on several points and came away feeling glad we visited. Long and short of it we’ve now placed an order for our Media Wall. Also spoke to his colleague Nikki about something we didn’t understand and it was sorted. Can’t fault the team a Mansfield Fireplaces @ Pondsfords Sheffield thanks for your help and advice. *****.
Jun 3, 2026
We recently had a media wall installed by Mansfield Fireplaces & Stoves and couldn’t be happier with the whole experience. From start to finish, the team were professional, friendly, and incredibly easy to work with. The installers were always punctual, kept everything clean and tidy throughout, it was clear they really cared about the quality of their work and took pride in getting every detail just right. What impressed us most was how they continuously checked in to ensure we were happy with the progress, which gave us real confidence that we’d chosen the right company. The finished result exceeded our expectations and has completely transformed the space — we absolutely love it. We would highly recommend Mansfield Fireplaces & Stoves to anyone considering a media wall installation. Definitely the right decision for us! Take a look at the pics to see the quality of their work ...
May 31, 2026
We chose Mansfield fireplace and stove centre because we needed a fairly quick turnaround due to carpets being already booked in and they certainly delivered, the installation was caried about by Ross and Jake(father and son team) and they didn’t disappoint nothing was too much trouble. Electrics by Eddie were installed just as requested and finally plastering by Ryan who spent all day none stop on his own which gave our new media wall a perfect finish. Overall the team from Mansfield fireplace and stove centre are very professional and we wouldn’t hesitate to recommend to anyone wanting that perfect look in there home!
Apr 21, 2026
Amazing just wow !! We visited Mansfield Fireplaces looking for a media wall. We decided on The Mayfair and from the very beginning, the experience was excellent. The staff were welcoming, knowledgeable, and genuinely helpful in guiding us through the options without any pressure. We were informed that our fitter, Gaz, would come out to measure up, and from that point on, nothing was too much trouble. He took the time to walk us through every detail of the design, including handles, drawers, shelving, and socket placement, ensuring everything was tailored exactly to our preferences. The installation took place over three days, with Gaz leading a team of three, including Kyle the electrician. Throughout the process, they were professional, courteous, and respectful of our home, always cleaning up thoroughly at the end of each day. Once the installation was complete, Ben the painter came in and truly transformed the media wall, bringing everything together beautifully. We were away on holiday for a few days, and when we returned, Gaz came back to add the mirrored backing to the shelves — the perfect finishing touch that gave the whole piece a real “wow factor.” We couldn’t be happier with the end result and are incredibly grateful to the entire team — Gaz, Kyle, and Ben — for their hard work and attention to detail. If you’re considering a media wall, we would highly recommend Mansfield Fireplaces without hesitation.
Mar 17, 2026
If you’re looking for a truly impressive fireplace showroom in Sheffield, this is one that really stands out. Located inside the well-known Ponsford complex, the space feels modern, welcoming, and thoughtfully designed, with a strong focus on showcasing stunning media walls and fireplaces in realistic home-style settings. What immediately catches your eye is the quality of the media wall displays—sleek, contemporary designs with beautifully integrated electric fires that genuinely create a “wow factor.” The showroom also features a strong selection of wood-burning stoves, including high-quality models from respected brands, giving you a great mix of traditional charm and modern efficiency all in one place. The layout makes it easy to visualise how everything would look in your own home, and the knowledgeable staff are always on hand to guide you through options like fuel types, finishes, and installation. It feels less like a shop and more like an inspiration hub for transforming your living space. Overall, this showroom delivers both style and substance—perfect for anyone considering a bespoke media wall, fireplace or high-quality stove, with expert advice to match.
Feb 20, 2026
Absolutely delighted with the work carried out on our fireplace. We had the back of the fire recess re-bricked, and the finish looks fantastic — it’s completely transformed the look of the stove and feels much more solid and professionally done. Josh and Austin were brilliant from start to finish: polite, friendly, and clearly knew exactly what they were doing. They worked solidly all day without any fuss, kept everything tidy as they went, and made sure the area was properly cleaned up before leaving. The attention to detail really shows in the final result, and you can tell they take pride in their workmanship. Would happily recommend them to anyone needing fireplace or stove work — a superb job all round.
Feb 16, 2026
Had our lovely Contura fitted a few days after the snow in Jan by Oli and Martin lovely lads , did a beautiful job the plasterer Marvyn came the day after and again superb job 👏 couldn't even tell he'd been in the Room it was so Clean!!! A bit more communication from the showroom to the fitters would help! Other than that it's a clean 5 Stars from us , I would Highly recommend Mansfield Fireplaces & Stove ...if you think you can get quality and the work done cheaper...then good luck...worth every penny , its not just a log Burner its a beautiful Feature 😍😍😍
Feb 11, 2026
Absolutely brilliant experience! Just had an inset woodburner installed. The works involved the fireplace Installation team, a follow on electrician to move electrical sockets and finally the plasterer. Superb effort by all trades, delighted with the finished work. Cannot say enough but the guys (including Mark in the initial enquiry stage) a totally professional outfit and wound highly recommend to anyone!
Jan 19, 2026
We recently had a fire fitted by Mansfield Fireplaces, and it’s great! The process was very easy, we visited the showroom, chose the fire we’d like, and the team were great in answering any questions. The team arrived on time, tidied up after themselves and left the house ready for us to enjoy. The fire has transformed our dining room and we are so pleased we found Mansfield Fireplaces! Such a great decision we made. Would recommend!