Recent advances in technology have resulted in amazingly realistic flame simulation - in fact, it’s difficult to distinguish many electric fires from their gas or wood cousins. There can also be an environmental advantage to electric hearth products since no smoke or local pollution is created. Electric Cost and Use Electric Fireplaces use a very small amount of current to create their visual effects - usually about as much as 1-2 light bulbs. The cost of such a unit will be only pennies a day. Some units have optional electric heaters. The cost of operation for these electric heaters is the same as any other electric resistance heat, which is usually higher than that of gas or wood. If the heaters are used sparingly you should not see much of a jump in your electric bill.
These logs can easily convert a wood fireplace to electric. Simply set the logs in the opening and plug the cord in. Electric logs come in different styles, some mimicking the look of wood and others the style of glowing coals. As with the fireplaces, heaters are often standard or optional. Electric logs cost from $150 - $600 with the more expensive units often including electric heaters and a more realistic fire.