Are electric fireplaces safe to leave on overnight? Up-to-date guide and advice for 2023

Electric fireplaces are the perfect way to provide supplemental heat for your home. And during those cold winter months, you might be tempted to leave it on overnight to keep the chill out of the air, ready to wake up to a toasty home in the morning.

But are electric fireplaces safe to leave on overnight?

The answer is: not really. While electric fireplaces are generally safe to leave on for extended periods of time, there are a few things you should keep in mind to ensure your safety.

First, always make sure that the electric fireplace is placed on a level surface. If it’s not level, it could tip over and start a fire.

Second, be sure to keep anything flammable at least three feet away from the electric fireplace. This includes curtains, furniture, and rugs.

Third, never use extension cords with electric fireplaces. Extension cords can overheat and cause fires. If you need to use an extension cord, plug it into a wall outlet that’s not being used by the fireplace.

And finally, don’t leave it turned on unattended.

Electric fireplace fire prevention safety features

These days, most electric fireplaces come with a tonne of safety features to ensure a fire cannot be started.

Some of these safety features include:

There are certain brands that have developed even more stringent safety features. For instance, the ClassicFlame 3D Infrared Quartz Electric Fireplace has patented safety technology in the plug itself and in the unit.

The plug includes a sensor that measures the temperature of the plug itself to prevent electrical fire, circuit, or product damage, while the unit includes a sensor that alerts you when the heater is obstructed by an object and will automatically shut off to prevent a fire.

Are electric fireplaces safe to leave on overnight?

Electric fireplaces are extremely safe appliances in comparison to most other heat sources and while nothing would likely happen if you did leave it on overnight, the safe answer here is no.

Unless you plan to be near the electric fireplace and awake, you just don’t know what kind of accident might happen.

On top of this, some electric fireplaces feature a lot more safety precautions than others, and we can’t guarantee what one you have.

If you would like clarification on your specific type of fireplace, please refer to your user manual or contact the manufacturer directly and they will be able to give you a definite answer.

Can you sleep with an electric fireplace on?

While you might be tempted to leave your electric fireplace on overnight to keep the chill out of your room, it really isn’t advised.

As we mentioned before, electric fireplaces are safe when used correctly but there is always the potential for something to go wrong.

We know it’s cozy and tempting, but for your safety, it’s best to turn off the fireplace before going to bed.

What does the EPA say?

The EPA has not released any specific regulations regarding the overnight use of electric fireplaces.

However, they do recommend that you take some general safety precautions when using any type of fireplace or space heater.

These include:

Can you leave an electric fireplace plugged in?

Yes, you can leave an electric fireplace plugged in as long as it is turned off. Though we do recommend that you unplug the fireplace when it’s not in use to prevent any potential accidents.

Are electric fireplaces safe to leave on overnight – Conclusion

In conclusion, most electric fireplaces are safe to leave on overnight but we wouldn’t advise you to do so.

Accidents are called accidents for a reason, and although an electric fireplace is extremely safe, something could go wrong while you sleep.

If you are still adamant you want to sleep with your electric fireplace on, make sure you follow these basic safety guidelines:

• Make sure the fireplace is clear of any flammable objects, never use extension cords, and inspect the fireplace for cracks or damage before each use.
• Most importantly, always follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully. If you have any questions or concerns about your specific electric fireplace, please contact the manufacturer directly.

Interested in reading more? Why not check out our guides on how to make an electric fireplace look real or can you place an electric fireplace on carpet?