Replace an electric fire

Replace an electric fire in Truro

County: Cornwall

Replacing an electric fire is a common home improvement task for UK homeowners who want to update an old or inefficient unit, change the style of their room, or install a fire that provides better heating or safety features. Electric fires are popular as an alternative to gas or solid fuel fires because they don’t require chimneys, vents, or flues, making them relatively straightforward to install and maintain. You might need to replace an electric fire if your existing one is broken, outdated, no longer safe, or simply doesn’t suit your décor. An electrician is the trade professional best suited to safely remove the old fire and install the new one, ensuring all electrical connections comply with UK safety standards.

Open full page →

⭐ Introduction

You might need to replace an electric fire if your existing one is broken, outdated, no longer safe, or simply doesn’t suit your décor. An electrician is the trade professional best suited to safely remove the old fire and install the new one, ensuring all electrical connections comply with UK safety standards.

🔧 What the job involves

Replacing an electric fire involves several key steps:

Removing the old fire: This includes safely disconnecting it from mains power and taking out any fixtures or mounting brackets.
Inspecting the installation area: Your electrician will check the wall or fireplace recess for sound wiring, suitable supports, and any damage.
Preparing the power supply: Electric fires typically require a dedicated circuit or connection to a switched live spur. The electrician will ensure the electrical supply is correctly configured and safe.
Installing the new fire: The new unit is fixed in place, wired up according to manufacturer instructions, and tested.
Safety checks: The electrician will check the installation conforms to Part P of the Building Regulations, which covers electrical safety in dwellings. This involves ensuring the circuit is protected and the fire operates correctly.
Providing certification: You should receive an electrical installation certificate or a minor works certificate confirming the job was completed safely and correctly.

📝 Step-by-step from booking to completion

Initial enquiry: Contact a qualified electrician or electrical contractor to discuss your needs and arrange an appointment.
Site survey and quote: The electrician visits your home to inspect the existing fire and electrical setup, discuss options, and provide a fixed price quote.
Booking the job: Once you accept the quote, a date is set for the work to be carried out.
On the day: The electrician arrives, isolates your electric fire’s power supply, removes the old fire, prepares the space, and installs the new unit.
Testing and certification: The electrician tests the electrical connections and fire operation, then issues the appropriate paperwork confirming compliance with UK regulations.
Wrap-up: They clear away packaging and old equipment, and explain any user instructions or warranty information.

💷 Main costs to expect

Labour: Typical electrician labour rates and time for a straightforward replacement.
New electric fire: Price depends on size, heat output, and design.
Materials/parts: Electrical accessories such as switches, wiring, mounting brackets.
Disposal fees: Removal and responsible disposal of the old fire.
Certification: Compliance paperwork from the electrician.

Example:

Labour: £80–£150
Fire unit: £150–£400
Materials: £20–£40
Disposal: £20–£30
Certification: Included (some electricians charge extra)

📊 What affects the price

Accessibility of the fire location (recessed, built-in, freestanding).
Complexity of the electrical supply or additional wiring work needed.
Whether the fire requires a dedicated circuit or upgrade to the consumer unit (fuse box).
Any remedial works such as repairing or replastering wall surfaces.
Regional cost variations across the UK.
Urgency or timing of the job.

⏱ How long does it take?

Straightforward replacement: 1 to 2 hours. This involves swapping one electric fire for another in the same position, with power already appropriately set up.
More complex installations: 3 to 5 hours or more. If additional wiring, consumer unit changes, or wall repairs are required.

🏠 Can you DIY it?

While technically feasible for experienced DIYers familiar with electrical work, replacing an electric fire is generally best left to a Gas Safe or Part P qualified electrician — especially since the job involves mains electricity and must meet UK safety regulations.

Incorrect wiring can lead to electric shocks, fire risks, or invalid insurance claims. If your fire needs to be connected to a new or upgraded electrical supply, or if certification is required for insurance or building control purposes, hiring a professional is the safest option.

💰 Typical UK price range

A reasonable estimate for replacing an electric fire, including labour, materials, and certification, is between £250 and £600 (including VAT). The price will vary based on the factors mentioned earlier but this range covers common scenarios for a domestic property.

✅ Handy tips before you start

Choose your new fire early: Consider size, style, heating output, and fuel effect (flame appearance).
Check your power supply: Confirm if your current wiring can support the new fire or if any upgrades are needed.
Clear the area: Remove furniture and decorations around the fire space before the electrician arrives.
Keep certification safe: Store your electrical compliance certificates and receipts for future reference or resale.
Arrange maintenance: Some electric fires need occasional cleaning or servicing—check the manufacturer’s recommendations.
Understand user instructions: Familiarise yourself with the control functions and safety features of the new fire.

By preparing properly and choosing a reputable electrician, replacing your electric fire can be a straightforward, efficient way to improve your home’s heating and ambience safely and legally.

Checkatrade Which? Trusted Traders TrustATrader MyBuilder Rated People

Other electricians projects in Truro

Appliance Repair
Appliance Repair by a vetted local pro.
Bathroom TV Installation
Bathroom TV Installation by a vetted local pro.
Ceiling Fan Installation
Ceiling Fan Installation by a vetted local pro.
Chandelier Installation
Chandelier Installation by a vetted local pro.
Change a hard wired appliance point to a normal power socket
Change a hard wired appliance point to a normal power socket by a vetted local pro.
Connect a cooker or other appliance to an existing hard-wired power outlet
Connect a cooker or other appliance to an existing hard-wired power outlet by a vetted local pro.
Cooker Hood Repair
Cooker Hood Repair by a vetted local pro.
Diagnose and fix an electrical fault
Diagnose and fix an electrical fault by a vetted local pro.
Dimmer Switches Installation
Dimmer Switches Installation by a vetted local pro.
Disconnect a hard-wired cooker or other appliance
Disconnect a hard-wired cooker or other appliance by a vetted local pro.
Do one hour’s electrical work
Do one hour’s electrical work by a vetted local pro.
Drive Over Lights
Drive Over Lights by a vetted local pro.
EICR: Electrical Inspection Condition Report
EICR: Electrical Inspection Condition Report by a vetted local pro.
EPC Certificate
EPC Certificate by a vetted local pro.
Electric Blind
Electric Blind by a vetted local pro.
Electric Car Charger Installation
Electric Car Charger Installation by a vetted local pro.
Electric Fire Installation
Electric Fire Installation by a vetted local pro.
Electric Shower
Electric Shower by a vetted local pro.
Electrical Safety Check
Electrical Safety Check by a vetted local pro.
Electrical Wall Box
Electrical Wall Box by a vetted local pro.
Electrician Hourly Rate
Electrician Hourly Rate by a vetted local pro.
Emergency Electrician
Emergency Electrician by a vetted local pro.
Ethernet and Phone Lines
Ethernet and Phone Lines by a vetted local pro.
Extend wiring for new light where there hasn’t been one before
Extend wiring for new light where there hasn’t been one before by a vetted local pro.
Fire Suppression System
Fire Suppression System by a vetted local pro.
Fit switched fused spur for boiler or other appliance
Fit switched fused spur for boiler or other appliance by a vetted local pro.
Fix a light or light switch which isn’t working properly
Fix a light or light switch which isn’t working properly by a vetted local pro.
Fix a socket which isn’t working
Fix a socket which isn’t working by a vetted local pro.
Fix a tripping fusebox
Fix a tripping fusebox by a vetted local pro.
Fix an electric heater
Fix an electric heater by a vetted local pro.
Fix an extractor fan
Fix an extractor fan by a vetted local pro.
Fix an intercom which isn’t working correctly
Fix an intercom which isn’t working correctly by a vetted local pro.
Fix or replace bathroom pull switch
Fix or replace bathroom pull switch by a vetted local pro.
Hive Installation
Hive Installation by a vetted local pro.
Home Cinema
Home Cinema by a vetted local pro.
Home Generator Installation
Home Generator Installation by a vetted local pro.
Home Lift
Home Lift by a vetted local pro.
Indoor Lights Decor
Indoor Lights Decor by a vetted local pro.
Install Hot Tub power
Running a Hot Tub by a vetted local pro.
Install Recessed Lighting
Installing Recessed Lighting by a vetted local pro.
Install Smart Garage Door Opener
Smart Garage Door Opener by a vetted local pro.
Install Smart Lighting
Smart Lighting by a vetted local pro.
Install Under-Cabinet Lighting
Installing Under-Cabinet Lighting by a vetted local pro.
Install a Smart Meter
Smart Meter by a vetted local pro.
Install a light (to existing wiring)
Install a light (to existing wiring) by a vetted local pro.
Install a nest thermostat
Install a nest thermostat by a vetted local pro.
Install a new power outlet for a cooker or other hard-wired appliance and connect the appliance
Install a new power outlet for a cooker or other hard-wired appliance and connect the appliance by a vetted local pro.
Install an additional aerial socket
Install an additional aerial socket by a vetted local pro.
Install an additional light switch
Install an additional light switch by a vetted local pro.
Install an additional power socket
Install an additional power socket by a vetted local pro.
Install earth bonding
Install earth bonding by a vetted local pro.
Install new power outlet for a cooker or other hard-wired appliance and connect the appliance
Install new power outlet for a cooker or other hard-wired appliance and connect the appliance by a vetted local pro.
Install new smoke or heat detector
Install new smoke or heat detector by a vetted local pro.
Install or replace a Fusebox
Install or replace a Fusebox by a vetted local pro.
Lawn Mower Repair
Lawn Mower Repair by a vetted local pro.
Loss of power
Loss of power by a vetted local pro.
Motion Sensor Lights Installation
Motion Sensor Lights Installation by a vetted local pro.
Move a light
Move a light by a vetted local pro.
Move a light switch
Move a light switch by a vetted local pro.
Move a power socket
Move a power socket by a vetted local pro.
Move a smoke or heat detector
Move a smoke or heat detector by a vetted local pro.
Move an Electric Meter
Moving an Electric Meter by a vetted local pro.
Move an aerial socket
Move an aerial socket by a vetted local pro.
Move an electric heater
Move an electric heater by a vetted local pro.
Move an intercom handset
Move an intercom handset by a vetted local pro.
New Electric Fuse Box
New Electric Fuse Box by a vetted local pro.
New Plug Sockets
New Plug Sockets by a vetted local pro.
Outdoor Cinema
Outdoor Cinema by a vetted local pro.
Outdoor Lights
Outdoor Lights by a vetted local pro.
Outdoor Socket Installation
Outdoor Socket Installation by a vetted local pro.
Oven Installation
Oven Installation by a vetted local pro.
Oven Repair
Oven Repair by a vetted local pro.
PIV Installation
PIV Installation by a vetted local pro.
Parking Sensor Installation
Parking Sensor Installation by a vetted local pro.
Portable Appliance Testing
Portable Appliance Testing by a vetted local pro.
Projector Installation
Projector Installation by a vetted local pro.
Repair or fix a fire alarm or fire alarm system
Repair or fix a fire alarm or fire alarm system by a vetted local pro.
Replace Circuit Breakers
Replacing Circuit Breakers by a vetted local pro.
Replace a fire alarm/smoke detector
Replace a fire alarm/smoke detector by a vetted local pro.
Replace a light switch
Replace a light switch by a vetted local pro.
Replace a power socket
Replace a power socket by a vetted local pro.
Replace an aerial socket
Replace an aerial socket by a vetted local pro.
Replace an electric heater
Replace an electric heater by a vetted local pro.
Replace an extractor fan
Replace an extractor fan by a vetted local pro.
Replace an intercom handset
Replace an intercom handset by a vetted local pro.
Rewire a House
Rewire a House by a vetted local pro.
Roof Heating Cable Installation
Roof Heating Cable Installation by a vetted local pro.
Smart Home Installation
Smart Home Installation by a vetted local pro.
Smart Plugs
Smart Plugs by a vetted local pro.
Smart Speakers
Smart Speakers by a vetted local pro.
Smoke Alarm Installation
Smoke Alarm Installation by a vetted local pro.
Solar Battery
Solar Battery by a vetted local pro.
Solar Panel Installation
Solar Panel Installation by a vetted local pro.
Solar Panel Maintenance
Solar Panel Maintenance by a vetted local pro.
Stairlift Installation
Stairlift Installation by a vetted local pro.
Storage Heaters
Storage Heaters by a vetted local pro.
TV Aerial Installation
TV Aerial Installation by a vetted local pro.
TV Screen Repair
TV Screen Repair by a vetted local pro.
Wind Turbine Installation
Wind Turbine Installation by a vetted local pro.
Wireless Light Switch
Wireless Light Switch by a vetted local pro.

Are you a Tradesperson or business owner?

Grow your business with Fixington — tools and services for electricians, plumbers and heating engineers.

1) Fixington app

Estimate, schedule and invoice on the go with our iPhone app and web tools.

More info Buy

2) Fixdd job management

Manage jobs from quote to invoice, take card payments, and keep customers updated.

Visit fixdd.com

3) Get listed on Fixington

Appear where customers are searching. Showcase reviews and get discovered locally.

See all services for tradespeople