The Advantages of an Electric Fireplace
An electric fireplace is a great alternative for those who want the appearance of a fireplace but without the cost and hassle of a wood fire. The heat is released by a heating unit that is used in conjunction with fans to blow warm humid air into the room.
Many models are wall-hung and can be installed by the homeowner, without the need of an expert. Some are built into TV stand or bookshelves. Others are built into entertainment centers, bookcases or TV stands.
Easy to install
Electric Fireplaces Electric are a great way to create a cozy atmosphere within your home. These units use electricity to generate heat, making them more convenient to install than traditional gas models. They do not require venting and are a safer alternative than fireplaces with wood burning. They are also a good choice for homes without traditional fireplaces, like apartments or mobile homes.
Installing an electric fireplace requires you first find a suitable location in your room. Then, determine the opening of your existing fireplace or consult the installation guide from the manufacturer to determine the size of the insert you require. Next, find the right size mounting brackets. Make use of a spirit-level gauge to ensure that they're in a straight line on the wall. Once you have the brackets in place, plug the insert into them and connect the wire. Enjoy your new fireplace.
The warmth of an electric fireplace is created through electricity, assisted by a heating coil or a ceramic plate. The heat is then spread into the air via the fan to create additional warmth to your space. Some electric fireplaces use infrared technology, which distributes warmth directly to the objects in the room. They are a cost-effective alternative to central heating and provide the look of real flames but without the smoke or mess.
A electric fireplace that is recessed can be incorporated into any wall of your home giving a subtle but noticeable improvement in appearance. It can be built into furniture like TV stands, bookshelves and other pieces of furniture. It is important to know that an electric fireplace that is recessed requires access to an electrical outlet, which may not be readily available in certain areas of the house.
Many manufacturers offer a variety of options to suit your style and budget. Some even have the mantel, which adds to the visual appeal of your living space. You can also pick different designs and finishes to match your decor. Some models are designed to resemble brick refractory or natural logs You can pick the look that best suits your home.
It is secure
Electric fireplaces are safe to use overnight unlike wood or gas fireplaces that emit carbon monoxide fumes. You can sleep peacefully knowing that your family is protected from harmful fumes and smoke. In addition there is no chance of creosote accumulation or escape fuel, which is common in traditional chimney fire incidents.
The safety of an electric fireplace depends on how it is used and on the user's adherence to the recommended guidelines. It is recommended to keep the area surrounding the fireplace free of any flammable objects such as furniture, clothing, drapes and bedding. Do not use extension cords close to your fireplace. They can cause overloading and power fluctuations that could cause a fire. It is also an excellent idea to unplug the fireplace when it is not in use to reduce the amount of energy used and also prevent overheating.
The majority of electric fireplaces are designed to replicate the appearance of flames, however, they don't create live flames. Instead, they employ LED lights, video images or mist to create the illusion of flames. Certain models employ water vapor to simulate smoke. This makes them more realistic than traditional fireplaces and they require no maintenance or cleaning.
Electric units, unlike real fireplaces don't heat the mantel or wall that is above them. The unit may heat up and cause a fire hazard to flammable items like TVs, wall covers and rug. The unit could also create a fire risk if it's placed too close to flammable items like wood or TVs.
While electric fireplaces are safe to use, it is important to adhere to the instructions of the manufacturer and never exceed the recommended wattage. It is essential to select a reputable brand and buy one that has an overheat protection system. It is also an excellent idea to buy an additional remote control which will help you monitor the power consumption and temperature of your fireplace. You should also protect your fireplace from paints, moisture and gasoline.
It is energy efficient.
An electric fireplace is more efficient than a gas or wood fireplace. It uses a less than a tenth of the heat produced by traditional fireplaces and doesn't require a chimney or maintenance. This could save you a substantial amount of money on your energy bills and also the cost of cleaning your chimney.
Electric fireplaces are available in numerous models, including those that can provide heat to large rooms. Magik Flame's Trinity model, for example can efficiently heat up to 1,000 square feet. Other models, like the Dimplex Upton, have a lower heating output and are better suited to small areas.
The cost of running an electric fireplace varies based on the size, wattage, as well as the length of time it is used each day. Choose a fireplace that has high BTU rating and a low voltage draw for the best results. Choose a thermostat that's adjustable and can be set to the desired temperature.
You can also reduce the energy consumption by using an electric fireplace mostly for decoration, with no heating. The heater is shut off for the majority of the time to reduce the power consumption. This can help avoid accidental burns caused by children or pets who try to get close to the flames.
Aside from cutting down on your home's energy bills An electric fireplace can provide a unique design that is both functional and attractive. It can be mounted on the wall or built into a media center to add a touch of warmth and ambiance to your living space. There are many designs that feature louvers and trim to dress up the drywall hole, while others be used to cover a brick fireplace or stone fireplace.
Some electric fireplaces include an insert for the fire pit that is filled with gel that is made of butane, which can be replaced after 3-4 hours. These fireplaces are easy to set up since they can be connected to any outlet that is standard. They are safer than real fireplaces and don't release any smoke or ash. You should still have an electrical safety check performed by a qualified professional in home inspection prior to installing any electrical appliances.
It is easy to clean
It is essential to clean your electric fireplace often. This is particularly important when you are using it frequently. It will look new and prevent dust build up. Before you begin cleaning the fireplace, make sure it's cool. This will prevent any accidental electrical shocks. Wearing safety glasses or goggles will protect your eyes against any fine particles that might break off during the cleaning process.
Dust all surfaces of the electric fireplace prior to cleaning it. Use a soft, lint-free fabric to dust the fireplace. You can also use an attachment for a vacuum cleaner to remove dust from crevices. Prepare a solution made of water and dishwashing soap. You can also make use of vinegar, but be careful not to mix it with soap. Mixing soap and vinegar can result in dangerous chemical reactions.
After dusting, wipe the surfaces down using a soft cloth, then wash and dry them thoroughly. Be sure to get in the nooks and crevices particularly the heating inlet and outlet vents. For spots and stains that are difficult to remove, you can use white distilled vinegar. However, it's acidic so can damage your fireplace's plastic components.
The majority of modern electric fireplaces have flame effects that are very realistic and lifelike. Even skeptical homeowners are easily fooled by electric fireplaces, as they'll often do a double-take before realizing the fire is not a real flame. The technology used to create the flame effects differs from model to model, but most incorporate LED lights and mirrors. Some models could even feature a water vapor system which simulates smoke, making the effect more realistic.
Another benefit of electric fireplaces is that they don't need to be opened up like traditional wood-burning fireplaces. However, that doesn't mean that they don't require regular cleaning. To keep the appearance and function of your electric fireplace you must clean it at least once a year.