All About Electric Fireplaces

The electric fireplace mimics the flame effect of wood burning. The glowing ember bed is produced by a light bulb placed inside the log. They can be installed almost anywhere because they do not require a chimney or ventilation system and they do not produce a real flame, so they do not require any clearance from combustible materials such as furniture and curtains.

The electric fireplace requires only one plug and one wall to start providing instant heat and atmosphere. If you don't have the typical space needed for wood burning or gas fireplaces, they are a good choice for those who want a convenient and romantic flame. Their overall price is often cheaper than traditional fireplaces, making them a popular choice for those who are aware of the rising cost of home heating.

How do electric fireplaces work?

 The electric fireplace is made up of two key components. They have a heater portion that includes a fan and heating element, as well as a lamp flame effect portion. Most have separate switches that allow you to operate them in three different modes. If you want to enjoy the beauty and flame in the absence of heat, then there is only a flame, no heat choice. When you want to enjoy the warmth and visual effects of an electric fireplace on those quiet, cold nights, there is also a flame effect with a heating option. Electric fireplaces can also be operated with only the heating option without a flame effect. If you want to enjoy the beauty and flame in the absence of heat, then there is only a flame, no heat choice. When you want to enjoy the warmth and visual effects of an electric fireplace on those quiet, cold nights, there is also a flame effect with a heating option. Electric fireplaces can also be operated with only the heating option without a flame effect.

Electric Fireplace Installation

Installing an electric fireplace is as simple as placing the fireplace where you want it and plugging it into an existing power outlet. However, you should plug the electric fireplace into a socket for a dedicated circuit breaker or fuse. Inserting an electric fireplace into a power outlet that shares a circuit breaker or fuse with multiple other outlets and luminaires can overload the circuit and trip the circuit breaker, which can create a safety hazard.

Before plugging an Electric Fireplace into an outlet in your home, you should make sure that it is not on the same circuit as any other significant appliances or lights. If a new outlet and wiring from a dedicated circuit breaker or fuse in the electrical panel is required, you may need to consult a licensed electrician. If the Electric Fireplace is a hardwired variety, a new circuit breaker and wiring will be required. Never plug in your Electric Fireplace to an extension cord and always follow the manufacturer's operating instructions.

Electric Fireplace Maintenance

One of the most attractive features of electric fireplaces is that they require very little maintenance. From time to time you will have to replace the bulbs within the log set when they burn out and it may need to be dusted or vacuumed periodically as it collects dust.

Electric Fireplace Heating Capacity

The typical BTU range of an Electric Fireplace will range from 4000 to 5000 BTUs per hour or 1175 to 1440 W. This is why they are effective zone heaters but are not recommended for applications where the primary purpose of the appliance is to heat the entire home. The electric light effects in Electric Fireplaces consist of a single or multiple light bulbs or light emitting LEDs that consume less than 100 watts depending on the fireplace model and design. Electric Fireplaces that are hardwired are likely to have higher heating capacities.

Electric Fireplace Styles

Electric fireplaces come in a variety of styles and designs to ensure a warmth and ambience for the home. They use the light bulbs placed in the logs to create a romantic glow and use a blower to spread hot air throughout the room. Most Electric Fireplace models come with a conventional 120 volt electrical plug-in however, some are available for permanent installation in an electrically hardwired version. 

Some electric fireplaces incorporate home entertainment into their style, allowing you to enjoy your favorite movies under the comfort of the fireplace. The electric fireplace is also styled with a mantelpiece or full artificial stone surround to simulate a traditional masonry fireplace.

The electric fireplace can also be used as a free-standing unit, which is designed to resemble a wood burning stove. The free-standing electric fireplace provides a 3D glow flame that reflects the warm atmosphere behind the glass door. The free-standing electric fireplace resembles the look of a real cast iron wood stove, but is made of composite and medium density fiberboard in order to present a lightweight fireplace design.

Electric fireplaces can also be used as inserts in existing wood burning fireplaces. These inserts can be placed directly into an existing traditional masonry fireplace and operated using a hand-held remote control. The electric fireplace insert provides a life-like hearth experience with a believable flame presentation, realistic wood and a glowing ember bed.

If you are willing to sacrifice a little realism for simplicity and convenience, the electric fireplace is a perfect fireplace to make your home full of warmth and atmosphere. In terms of maintenance, electric fireplaces require little attention and they are completely safe, ie they do not require any clearance from combustible materials. Electric fireplaces allow you to choose the level of flame you want from the electronic log provided by the fireplace, and they are cool to touch, which is good for families with children.

Electric fireplaces are fairly inexpensive to use, if you only use the flame option, about 3 cents per hour, and about 8 cents per hour when using the heat and flame options. These numbers vary by model, but in general, electric fireplaces are a low-cost, maintenance-free home heating option that adds a sense of beauty and warmth to your home.