The Advantages of an Electric Fireplace

An electric fireplace is an excellent alternative for those who want the appearance of a fireplace, but without the hassle and expense of a wood fire. The heat is released by a heating coil that is in turn paired with fans to push warm, humid air into the room.

Many models are wall-hung and can be installed by a homeowner without needing the assistance of a professional. Others are built into TV stands, bookshelves or entertainment centers.

It is easy to install

If you want to add a cozy atmosphere to your home, an electric fireplace can be a good option. They use electricity to generate heat, which makes them less difficult to install than traditional gas fireplaces. They don’t require venting and are safer than wood-burning fireplaces. They’re also a good choice for homes without traditional fireplaces, for example apartments or mobile homes.

To install an electric fireplace, first locate a suitable spot in your room. You can either measure the opening of your fireplace or consult the installation guide from the manufacturer to determine which size of insert you need. Then, you need to find the correct mounting brackets. Use a spirit level gauge to make sure that they are level with the wall. Once you have the brackets set then plug the fireplace into them and connect the wire. Enjoy your new fireplace.

The heat generated by an electric fireplace is created by electricity that is aided by the heating coil or ceramic plate. The heat is then disbursed through the air by a fan, resulting in supplemental warmth for your space. Some electric fireplaces employ infrared technologies, which direct heat to objects within the room. They are an affordable alternative to central heating and they give the appearance of real flames, but without the mess and smoke.

A recessed electric fireplace can be incorporated into any wall of your house, providing a subtle but noticeable improvement in appearance. It can be integrated into furniture pieces like bookshelves, TV stands and other pieces of furniture. It is important to know that a recessed electric fireplace needs access to an electrical outlet which may not be readily available in certain areas of the home.

Many manufacturers offer a wide range of options that will fit your style and budget. Some include a mantel, which can enhance the look of your living space. You can also select various designs and finishes to complement your decor. Some models are designed to look like brick refractory or natural logs You can pick the look that best suits your home.

It is safe

In contrast to wood and gas fireplaces, which release carbon monoxide fumes when burned, an electric fireplace is completely safe to be left on for the night. It does not produce hazardous fumes or harmful smoke, so you can rest peacefully without worrying about your family’s health. In addition, there is no risk of creosote accumulation or escape fuel, which is common in chimney fires that are typical.

Electric fireplaces are safe when they are properly used and if the user adheres to all instructions and recommendations. You should generally keep the area around the fireplace free of flammable objects like furniture, clothing drapes, bedding and drapes. Also, avoid using extension cords close to your fireplace. They can result in overloading and power fluctuations which could lead to a fire. Disconnecting the fireplace when not being used will also decrease the amount of energy consumed and also help to keep the fireplace from overheating.

The majority of electric fireplaces are designed to replicate the appearance of flames, however, they don’t create live flames. Instead, they use LED lights, video images or mist to create the illusion of flames. Certain models employ water vapor to create the illusion of smoke. They are more realistic than traditional fire places, and require no maintenance.

Unlike real fireplaces electric fireplaces do not heat the mantel or wall ledges that are above them. The unit may get hot and create an ignition risk to flammable items like TVs, wall coverings and rug. The unit can also cause fire danger if placed too close to flammable items like wood or TVs.

Electrical fireplaces are safe to use. However, you must always follow the guidelines of the manufacturer and never exceed the recommended power. It is crucial to choose a model that has an overheat protection mechanism and select an established manufacturer. It is also an excellent idea to buy an additional remote control that will allow you to keep track of the temperature and power usage of your fireplace. Keep your fireplace free of moisture, paints and gasoline.

It is energy efficient

An electric fireplace is more energy efficient than a gas or wood fireplace. It utilizes only a fraction of the heat generated by traditional fireplaces and doesn’t require a chimney or ongoing maintenance. This can save a significant amount of money on your energy bill and chimney cleaning.

There are fireplace surround of options for your home when it comes to electric fireplaces, including models that provide heat to large rooms. Magik Flame’s Trinity model, for example, can efficiently heat up to 1,000 square feet. Other units, like the Dimplex Upton have a lower heating output, and are better for smaller spaces.

Electric fireplaces can be costly to run. The price is based on the size of the unit, its wattage and how often it is used. Use a unit that has an impressive BTU rating, and low voltage draw to achieve the most efficient results. Use a thermostat that is adjustable and can be set to the desired temperature.

Another way to cut down on the power consumption of an electric fireplace is to use it solely as a decorative feature without heating. The heater is shut off for the majority of the time to cut down on the energy consumption. This will also help keep children from accidental burns or pets that may try to reach the flames.

Electric fireplaces aren’t only an excellent way to save money on energy costs, they also look gorgeous. It can be incorporated into a media centre or hung on the wall to bring warmth and comfort to your living space. A lot of designs have louvers and trims to dress up the drywall hole, whereas others can cover an existing brick fireplace or stone fireplace.

Certain electric fireplaces have an insert for a fire pit filled with butane gel, which can be changed after 3-4 hours. These fireplaces can be connected to any outlet that is standard which makes them simple to install. They are also safer than real fires and don’t emit smoke or ash. However, you should have an experienced home inspector conduct an electrical safety test prior to installing any electrical appliance.

It is easy to clean

It is crucial to keep your fireplace clean regularly. This is particularly true in the event that you frequently use your electric fireplace. It will look fresh and will help keep dust from building up. Before you begin cleaning, shut off the fireplace and ensure that it is cool. This will prevent any electrical shocks. Wearing safety glasses or goggles will shield your eyes from any fine particles that could break off during the cleaning process.

The first step to clean an electric fireplace is to dust all the surfaces. This should be done with an easy lint-free cloth. You can also use a vacuum cleaner with a brush attachment to remove any dust from crevices and corners. Prepare a solution of water and dishwashing detergent. You can also mix vinegar with soap, but be sure not to mix soap and vinegar. Mixing soap and vinegar could result in dangerous chemical reactions.

After dusting all surfaces using a soft cloth to wipe them down. Rinse and dry the surfaces thoroughly. Be sure to get in the nooks and crannies especially the heating outlet and heating inlet vents. For stubborn spots and stains, you can use white distillation vinegar. However, it is acidic so can damage the plastic components of your fireplace.

Most modern electric fireplaces have flame effects that are real and realistic. Even skeptical homeowners can be fooled by these electric fireplaces, as they’ll often do an unintentional double-take before realizing that the fire is not a real flame. The technology used to create the flame effects varies from model to model but most incorporate mirrors and LED lights. Some models have water vapor systems that replicate smoke to create a more realistic effect.

Electric fireplaces are also fantastic because they do not need to be opened like wood-burning fireplaces. But that doesn’t make them inaccessible to regular cleaning. To maintain the appearance and functionality of your electric fireplace it is recommended to clean it at least once a year.