72 Inch Electric Fireplaces

No — the size of an electric fireplace affects the visual display, not the power draw. Most 72-inch models pull about 1,500 watts with the heater on, which is the same as a standard space heater regardless of width. Running the flame-only mode uses almost nothing — just a few cents per day.

You'll need at least 6 feet of uninterrupted wall space for a 72-inch electric fireplace. If you're going with a recessed model, the wall framing also needs to be built to the manufacturer's specific depth requirements. Most living rooms fall in the 50–72-inch range, which is wide enough to anchor a wall without overwhelming the space.

You can expect to pay roughly $20–$30 per month running a 72-inch electric fireplace with the heater on for 4–5 hours a day, depending on your local electricity rate. Running it in flame-only mode costs almost nothing — just pennies per day. It operates at either 750W or 1,500W, giving you control over energy usage.

Yes, but proper spacing is important for safety. Most manufacturers recommend mounting the fireplace at least 12 inches below the bottom of a wall-mounted flat-screen TV to protect it from heat. Some models are specifically designed with a front-facing heat vent so the unit can be flush-mounted without directing heat upward toward the TV.

A 72-inch electric fireplace provides supplemental heat for approximately 400–500 square feet, regardless of the unit's physical size. It is not designed to be a primary heat source for large open-plan areas, but works well for taking the chill off a living room, bedroom, or family room. You can also run the flame effect year-round with the heater turned completely off.