Modern electric fires are much quieter than they used to be, but most still make some noise. With only the flame effect on, a good fire is close to silent. The loudest part is almost always the heater. If your fire sits under the TV, it's worth knowing how the heater works before you buy.
This guide explains where electric fire noise comes from, how fan heaters and PTC heaters compare, and what to check if you want a quiet fire. If you already own a fire that's making a noise, see our electric fire troubleshooting guide.
Where does electric fire noise come from?
- The heater: most electric fires heat the room with a fan heater. A fan blows air over a hot element and out through a vent, so you hear a steady whirr whenever the heat is on.
- The flame effect: some fires use a small motor to move the flame effect, which can give a low hum. A quiet, steady hum is normal.
- The crackle sound: many fires have a crackling log sound effect. It can usually be turned off from the remote.
- Ticking: light ticking as the fire warms up or cools down is the metal expanding and contracting.
- Rattles and buzzing: these usually come from the installation, for example glass that isn't fully seated or trim touching the fire.
Fan heaters vs PTC heaters
Fan heaters
A fan heater uses a fan to push air across a heating element. It works well, but you hear the fan whenever the heat is on. Fans can also get louder over time as dust builds up on the blades and motor. On most media wall fires the heater gives 1.5 to 2kW.
PTC heaters
PTC stands for positive temperature coefficient. A PTC element is a ceramic heater whose resistance rises as it gets hot, so it naturally limits its own temperature. It gives steady, even heat without glowing red-hot.
Our deep panoramic fires heat the room with a near-silent 3kW PTC heater. The fan only runs to cool the fire, not to heat the room. That's why you may hear it run on with cool air for about 30 seconds after you switch the heat off. That's normal, and it's there to protect the fire.
How the main brands heat the room
Here's how popular media wall fires compare, based on each maker's own website, brochures and manuals (checked October 2026):
- Econovex deep panoramic: 3kW PTC heater, fan only for cooling. See all brands side by side.
- Evonic Halo: fan heater, up to 1.5kW. Econovex vs Evonic.
- Vision Fires Solus: fan heater, up to 2kW. Econovex vs Vision Fires.
- Solution Fires LUX: "ultra quiet fan heater", up to 2kW. Econovex vs Solution Fires.
- DRU Virtuo: heating element with a fan, up to 2kW. Econovex vs DRU.
- Gazco eReflex and British Fires New Forest: the heater type isn't stated. Econovex vs Gazco, Econovex vs British Fires.
How to choose a quiet electric fire
- Ask what kind of heater it has. Check whether the fan is used to heat the room or only to cool the fire.
- Check you can run the flames without the heat. On mild evenings you'll want the look without the warmth, and with no sound at all from the heater.
- Look for a sound button. The crackle effect should switch off from the remote.
- Have it fitted properly. A secure, level fit with the right ventilation gaps stops rattles and lets the fire run cool. Our supply & fit service covers the whole UK.
- Listen before you buy. If you can, hear the fire running with the heat on. Our fires are on display in showrooms across the UK, including ours in Bradford.
Keeping any electric fire quiet
- Switch off and unplug, then vacuum or dust the vents every few months, so dust doesn't build up.
- Make sure the glass is fully seated in its channels and nothing is touching the fire.
- Grinding, squealing or a burning smell isn't normal. Switch off, unplug and contact the supplier.
Questions we're often asked
Are electric fires noisy?
Not with only the flame effect on: most modern fires are close to silent. With the heat on, most fires make a fan noise. Fires that heat with a PTC element instead, like our deep panoramic fires, are much quieter.
Do all electric fires make a noise?
Almost all make some sound, from a gentle motor hum, the crackle effect or the heater. The difference is how loud it is with the heat on, and whether it gets louder over the years.
Why does my electric fire blow cool air after I turn the heat off?
Many fires keep a fan running for a short time to cool down safely. On our deep panoramic fires it runs for about 30 seconds.
Can I watch TV with the heater on?
Yes. A near-silent PTC heater is a good choice if the fire sits under your TV, because you won't have a fan whirring under the screen while you watch.
Hear it for yourself
Visit our showroom at 260 Thornton Road, Bradford (Monday to Saturday, 9:30am to 5pm) to hear our fires with the heat on, or get a supply & fit quote anywhere in the UK.
