Are Electric Fireplaces Safe?

When you ask, “Are electric fireplaces safe?” chances are you have children, pets, or furniture in mind and are wondering if there is any danger in plugging in one of these appliances. You might have seen the movies or images of flames that look almost real and thought, “OK, that looks a little too real… is an electric fireplace safe in my living room?”

Here’s the good news: modern electric fireplaces don’t use real flames or burn fuel, which removes many of the hazards that come with wood fireplaces or gas fireplaces. So now the real question becomes, “How safe are electric fireplaces for everyday use in your home?”​

Key Takeaways

• Electric fireplaces are generally safe because they don’t use real flames, gas, or produce smoke and carbon monoxide.
• Built-in features like overheat protection, timers, and cool-to-touch surfaces add an extra layer of electric fireplace safety.
• You can sometimes leave an electric fireplace on overnight, but it’s smarter to use timers and basic precautions and avoid running it unattended for long stretches.
• Choosing a quality, safety-certified electric fireplace from a trusted reseller like Embers Living helps you keep your home cozy and safe.

How safe are electric fireplaces?

Electric fireplaces mimic the appearance of flames with LEDs and optical illusions, not real burning logs or gas. This means there are no sparks, no flames, no ash, and no carbon monoxide floating around your home.

Electric fireplaces don't produce smoke or fumes because they don't burn wood or gas, and they don't need a chimney or venting to operate safely. In many cases, an electric fireplace is safer than a traditional fireplace and safer than many space heaters, particularly for families with kids or pets underfoot. If you’ve ever worried about a log rolling out of a wood fire, that worry pretty much disappears here.​

Safety Features

Most new electric fireplaces have a number of safety features already built in and operating in the background. Overheat protection will automatically turn the unit off if it becomes too hot, timer functions can turn it off automatically after a set amount of time, and cool-to-the-touch glass or surfaces are available on many models. 

Some also have adjustable thermostats, remote controls, and flame-only modes so you can enjoy the flame without the heat when you don’t need it. All of these features can help with electric fireplace safety, especially if you’re the type to lounge on the couch and risk dozing off in the middle of a movie. 

Can electric fireplaces be left on overnight?

Electric fireplaces don’t have open flames or hot embers, so the fire risk is much lower than traditional fireplaces, but that doesn’t mean you should run them 24/7 without any thought.​

Most will agree that it should be safe to leave an electric fireplace on overnight, provided that the unit has various safety features such as overheat protection and timers, is in good working order, and is operated properly. However, many experts will still advise you to turn off any heater while sleeping or away from home, or at least install a timer to automatically turn the unit off after a few hours to be conservative and energy-saving on the side.

Precautions for leaving electric fireplaces on overnight

If you occasionally let your electric fireplace run while you fall asleep, a few simple habits make a big difference. Think of these as “common sense plus a little extra.”​

Here are some practical precautions drawn from electric fireplace safety tips:​

• Use the built-in timer so the unit shuts off automatically after a set period.
• Keep combustible items such as blankets and furniture far from the heater vents.
• To prevent overloading the circuit, plug the fireplace straight into a wall outlet rather than using a power strip or extension cord.
• Check the cord regularly for any damage and replace the unit or cord if you see fraying or overheating issues.

If you’ve ever come back to find a space heater blasting into a pile of clothes, you know exactly why these little precautions matter.​

Benefits of electric fireplaces

Safety is a big reason people choose electric fireplaces, but they also come with some nice everyday perks.​

A few benefits you’ll probably notice right away:​

• No smoke, soot, or ash to make your home dirtier or more difficult to breathe in, particularly if you have allergies or asthma.
• Easy plug-in installation with many models, allowing you to use them in rooms without a chimney or gas line.
• Flame-only modes and controllable heat settings allow you to enjoy the flame year-round without overheating the room.

Dreaming of a fireplace in your bedroom or basement, but you never had one to begin with? With an electric fireplace, you can get that cozy ambiance without all the hassle of construction or gas lines.

How to choose a safe electric fireplace

In the long run, are electric fireplaces safe enough to feel secure around the house? Yes, if you pick a good quality model and use it properly. A few things to keep in mind as you’re shopping can go a long way to ensure your comfort and peace of mind.

Here are a few things to look for:

• Look for a label showing a safety certification like UL or CSA.
• Keep an eye out for features like automatic shut-off, overheat protection, and, ideally, coolness.
• Look for simple, clear directions and a recognizable brand name with good reviews.

Here's a simple litmus test you can use to make this decision. Ask yourself, "Would I be comfortable with this being a heater that's left in the same room as children, pets, or that one chair that everyone just dumps their laundry on top of?" You're probably safe if the response is "yes."

Frequently asked questions

Let’s hit a few questions that come up all the time and help you feel more confident about electric fireplace safety.​

Can I leave my electric fireplace unattended?

Yes, you can leave electric fireplaces on as long as they have the safety features. Most models have a timer and overheat protection. These fireplaces can be left on like most modern appliances. However, most fireplace safety resources advise you to turn your electric fireplace off if you will be away for an extended period or leaving the house for some additional safety.​

What is the overnight power consumption of an electric fireplace?

Most electric fireplaces use roughly 750 to 1,500 watts while running, depending on the heat setting. Running it all night will add to your power bill, but using lower heat settings or flame-only mode can help keep costs down.​

Are electric fireplaces safer than space heaters?

Yes, for many reasons, electric fireplaces are deemed safer than small space heaters as they have no exposed heating elements and typically offer better safety features (cool-to-touch glass, auto shut-off, etc.). Additionally, electric fireplaces are far less likely to be overturned, particularly in places with heavy traffic.

Does the electric fireplace have a heating feature that is always turned on?

Most units let you control the heat function separately, so the heater isn’t permanently on. You can usually switch between flame-only, low heat, and high heat modes depending on how warm you want the room.​

Does the electric fireplace need to be turned off?

Yes, just like any other heating appliance, an electric fireplace should be turned off when not in use. Unplugging it while away on long trips or for extended periods of time is an easy extra step you can take to feel even safer.

Where to buy: Find a safe electric fireplace with Embers Living

If you’re still thinking, “Are electric fireplaces safe for my family and my space?” That's one of the questions Embers Living's customer support team answers every day to our customers. As an electric fireplace reseller, Embers Living only offers products from trusted brands. Our standards for our Embers Living collections are stringent, too, including placing a premium on models that have a proven track record for safety features and documentation, so you don’t have to wonder or worry what you’re bringing into your space.

This means you get honest advice on all the details like room size, location, and your lifestyle preferences that count (kids, pets, or just a favorite chair you don’t want to roast). That way, you’re not just selecting an electric fireplace that looks good on screen; you’re choosing an electric fireplace that’s safe enough to plug in, turn on, and actually relax around.

Have more questions about electric fireplace safety? Feel free to ask us online or call us directly at (303) 800-5659, or email us at sales@embersliving.com to speak with one of our knowledgeable customer service staff.