Are you looking forward to upgrading your living room and having a stylish fireplace that stands out? Or do you want a fireplace with low maintenance? We’ve got you covered because we have complete guidelines for electric fireplaces, its types, how to choose and what are the best possible options in your budget, why is there a need for an upgrade, and all the questions you have been asking yourself in this bone freezing temperature.

What is an Electric Fireplace?

Electric fireplaces are heating systems that run on electricity. They do not require a fueling system like wood or pallets like traditional fireplaces.  For electric fireplace operation, all you need is a standard power supply and you’re all done. Electric fireplaces are easy to install and ensure maximum comfort as they have a remote controller and a thermostat which allows you to maintain the temperature accordingly.

How does an Electric Fireplace work?

Electric fireplaces use the same electricity as other appliances do. They use the standard 120, 240 V power supply. They usually come with a plug and remote control. Once you plug in the electric fireplace, it draws all the cool air from the atmosphere, converts it into warm air and then release it back as heat. Make sure you plug in the electric fireplace in a direct power supply instead of an extension or lead. Some electric fireplaces are hardwired, you will have to get them fixed with your house electrics or you can use an extra plug kit to instal it easily.

How much heat do electric fireplaces produce normally?

Normally an electric fireplace can produce enough heat to warm up an are of 1000 sq. Ft. however, there are different modules which may allow heat production that is optimum for 4000-5000 sq. Ft.

Generally, the heat produced by electrical fireplaces is measured in BTU, British thermal unit. Typical electric fireplaces produce more than 4000 BTU on average.

Why is there a need of an electric fireplace?

Traditional fireplaces have served mankind for ages and have been a warm companion through snow, wind and hailstorms. But recent advancements require an upgrade which ensure efficiency, convenience and contemporary design. Homeowners prefer choosing electric fireplaces because they are versatile, modern and energy efficient. In terms of efficiency, they only need a power supply and heat the room faster than the old fireplaces that required a fuelling system and left nothing behind but ash.

For households with children and pets, there is a huge risk of accidents due to open fireplace. Moreover, electric fireplaces call for low maintenance and ensure high safety. They are a value addition in terms of décor and modernity.

What are Traditional Fireplaces?

Traditional fireplaces are the old-school fireplaces that require a fuelling system, a vent or chimney and labour. Traditional fireplaces are

• Wood-Burning Fireplaces-These fireplaces as the name suggests use wood for warming up the room and thus produce smoke which requires a ventilation or chimney.
• Gas Burning Fireplaces-These fireplaces need a gas pipeline because they run on natural gas or propane. As there is smoke production, gas burning fireplaces also require a ventilation.
• Pallet Burning Fireplaces-Pallet burning fireplaces require both compressed biomass and electricity. Pallet Burning Fireplaces are efficient as compared to wood and gas burning fireplaces, but pallet burning fireplaces demand high maintenance in terms of ventilation.

Electric Fireplaces VS Traditional Fireplaces

Electric fireplaces have proved to be a perfect pick for home and offices as they are convenient to use and portable, which means you can simply move them. Moreover, electric fireplaces are energy efficient, which means, they provide more heat as they require no fuel and there is no wastage. Traditional fireplaces require a fuelling material i.e., wood or pallets or a gas pipeline. The end results are ash and unnecessary smoke and there is no heat adjustment additionally.

Environmentally Friendly

Electric fireplaces ensure a healthy air-quality because there is no smoke production due to burning. All you need is to set up your equipment and plug it to the nearby power supply.

Clean Realism

Apart from giving your room a contemporary look, electric Fireplaces can be mounted inside the wall, which makes it even better than the traditional fireplaces that take up the floor space. Some Electric fireplaces come with an LCD  for those who want to enjoy the mesmerizing sight of flickering flames along with a warm hug.

Types Of Electric Fireplaces

Electric Fireplaces are energy efficient and require zero fuel consumption. There are various options to choose between. There are variety of electric fireplaces each designed to fit the need and situation of the buyers.

Wall Mounted Electric Fireplace

As the name suggests this fireplace gets mounted in the wall just like an LCD. This is one of the most popular fireplaces for modern homes and interior. The fireplace gets fixated in the wall and heats the room quickly leaving behind no smoke or residue.

Exclusively designed to upgrade your lifestyle experience. These  heaters have both options, log sets and crystal display for a real feel. Th dream of operating a heater while laying in your bed has come true because most of them are operated with a remote control and panel.

The flame changes around 9 colours making it aesthetically pleasing.

Wall mounted fireplaces are a good addition to apartments, campervans, offices and homes as they require no floor space. It dissipates heat equally around the room and does not dry up the throat and skin.

Other bonus of using an electric fireplace is that it does not make you inhale unnecessary smoke just like in the case of open fireplaces. For households with toddlers and pets, wall mounted LCDs are the ultimate pick as it is safe to use. Furthermore, they are portable and can be moved around the house whenever there is a need of it.

Some electric fireplaces come with a realistic wood log effect which makes it pleasing to the eyes.

Electric fireplaces can shut down automatically if the heat exceeds the limit. The child protection switch makes it a safe option for homeowners with kids and pets.

Built-In Electric Fireplace

Built in Electric Fireplaces are a good fit for a chic upgrade to your room or a new addition to your mansion as they consume less space. They get fixed inside the existing wall, partially or fully. If you don’t have an already exisiting insert or don’t want any construction hassle you can still get it fixed on the wall.

It gives a 3D Fireplace look because of its dimensions. It adds great value to ambiance and style and temperature too.

Built-In fireplaces are robust and can heat up rooms and halls quickly and efficiently. Built-in electric fireplaces are convenient to use and are low maintaining as they require no ash removal after usage.

Built in electric fire places are the most suitable pick for those who already have recessed walls or a fireplace. Built-in Fireplace inserts work well with stationery heating systems as they are not portable and it is quite impossible to recess every wall around the house.

Built-in fireplaces also come in an affordable price and add the glam you have been missing because they can be used as a décor as well. With 3D adjustable flame effects , you can light up your room with and without heat which makes it a pleasing sight all round the year and a cosy experience in winters.

Electric fireplaces are promising as they are operated by a touch panel and remote control as well.

If you are interested in Log sets, have a look at our pick of Top 5 best Electric Log Heaters.

Electric Fireplace Mantels

There is another type of electric fireplace which gives an old classic look on the outside but its chic and upgraded on the inside. With a modern and traditional combination, these electric fireplace mantels add delicacy to your home. If your interior is somewhat classy or is at the edge of modernity, this is a must addition in your living room.

One of the best features of these electric mantels is their portability. They usually have a weight of around 33-35 pounds, which makes dragging and lifting easy. Also, they come with a heat protection, which makes them a friendly addition to homes with pets and toddlers. The front is protected with an LCD so there’s a zero chance of burning your hand accidently.

The electric fireplace mantels have shades of ivory and beige for those with a lighter interior setup. Ivory Electric Fireplace Mantle goes well with interiors that have lighter shades or for places that need to look wide despite of being narrow because lighter shades add more space to the interior.

Electric Fireplace Inserts

Electric fireplace inserts are ideal for those who want to keep their old traditional fireplace. You just insert your electric fireplace into the traditional fireplace and plug it into the power supply. You don’t need a recessed wall, no separate floor space and ventilation. All you want to do is place the insert inside the existing masonry fireplace and turn it on.

These remote-control log heater operate on heat protection ensuring zero energy loses. The heat dissipates around the room faster and there is a protective switch which helps it in not exceeding the limit. Good news! you don’t have to clean up the residue or get worried about the ventilation.

With the technological advancements, these upgrades have become a must. The whole idea of getting an upgrade is to have a comfortable lifestyle. Laying your hands on electric fireplaces improves the indoor air quality and gives a chic look to your home.

Other reasons to shift towards electric fireplaces is the easy installation and assembly. Products that are easy to install stand out than the complex ones. Not just the installation, but a flame with comforting glow is worth mentioning.

The colour changing soft glow is comforting to the eyes and soul. Just turn it on with one click and you are all set to enjoy the pleasing experience of coziness.

Stove Electric Fireplace

These electric fireplaces are outdoor rated model. Stove electric fireplaces give a vintage vibe and can be moved anywhere in the house and even outdoors. Stove electric Fireplaces are powered by a cable and temperature is adjusted with a knob. Heat protection switch automatically shuts down the heater when it exceeds the limit.

Features of Electric Fireplaces

1. They run fully on electricity, which means they only run if they are given an adequate amount of power supply.
2. The flames that are shown on display are not real but they do have a heating effect because of the inbuilt heater.
3. Some electric fireplaces use infrared heating system while other use fan forced heater to heat the atmosphere around.
4. Electric fireplaces are never hot to touch but the closer you move towards them, the hotter it gets.
5. Electric fireplaces with infrared heating systems tend to heat a larger area effortlessly than fan heaters
6. If you tend to choose a relatively expensive electric fireplace, there is a chance that you might get more realistic flames and design.
7. Electric fireplaces leave no residue or by-products which makes them a good option for offices and home.
8. Electric fireplaces do not need a ventilation or fuelling system.
9. Electric fireplaces are typically made up of metal and plastic and require minimal cleaning and maintenance.
10. Worth mentioning features include a remote controller, child protection switch which ensures the heat does not exceed its limit and thermostat.
11. Most electric fireplaces come with a with and without heating feature.
12. Electric fireplaces cannot operate outdoors, but, if you consider a stove electric fireplace.

How to choose the most suitable electric fireplace?

Here are some of the points you need to keep in mind before choosing the most suitable electric fireplace. First of all, you need to measure the wall or insert where you need to place this upgrade. These fireplaces run on electricity and thus require a direct power supply. So, choosing the electric fireplace heater depends on two factors primarily- the size of wall or insert and a dedicated power supply. While plugging the electric fireplace make sure to plug it into the direct supply and not any extension or a lead.

Electric Fireplaces are relatively an on-budget décor plus heating system. This is a budget friendly addition but adds lots of value to your home and office. A warm companion for long cold winter night and for the fuzzy mornings. Lighten up your evenings as you take a sip of hot chocolate and marshmallows by simply pressing a button on the remote controller.

Key-points before buying an electric fireplace

Few main key-points should be kept in consideration before finalizing the electric fireplace. Before buying consider the following things and you will never regret your decision.

Electric fireplace with mantel adds value to style and comfort. Furthermore, there are shelves around the mantel which gives it a classier look.

Power supply

Typically, electric fireplaces come with a cord and a plug. The installation is easy and straight out of the box, you immediately plug the electric fireplace into the standard power supply and it’s ready to use.

However, some models may come up with a permanent setup and will require you to hard-wire them into the home electrics-in this case you can either look for a standard plug kit that comes with the equipment or simply buy a standard kit.

Heating System

 The heating system plays the main part here as it is the main purpose of buying an electric fireplace. Electric fireplaces either operate on infrared heating or fan powered heaters. Infrared heaters tend to heat the room faster when compared to fan powered heaters because infrared heaters are more efficient.

Dimensions

Dimensions are important because you need to find the most suitable fit for your living room or office. Size specification and measuring has to be kept in special consideration when looking for an insert. Don’t choose an insert that is bigger than your fireplace because it won’t fit, simply don’t opt for options that are smaller than your fireplace because it will destroy the vibe.

Let’s say your existing fireplace is 35” try opting an 30” electric fireplace with adjustable heat and display flames.

Thermostat

Thermostat lets you adjust the temperature according to your desire. You can adjust the temperatures either by a remote control or with a panel. Electric fireplaces have an automatic heat control system which allows them to maintain the ambient temperature and keep it constant.

Display

Electric Fireplaces with LCD display show flickering flames which gives it the real warm feel. The display is mainly based on either LED or light bulb since the flames aren’t real. Choose the display quality that is aesthetically pleasing.

Heat Protection

Heat protection adjusts the temperature according to the situation and turns the fireplace off if the heat limit is touched. With this feature, you do not have to worry about dry skin and dehydration.

Which electric fireplace is the best to purchase?

To consider an electric fireplace to be the best, it has to be the best fit for the situation. Moreover, it has to be on the budget and must serve the purpose of heating and decoration.

• If you already have a fireplace and you need a simple upgrade, a fireplace insert will be the best option. Before adding the desired product to your cart, make sure you have measured the insert and choose what seems pleasing to your eyes and soul.
• For those who don’t have an existing fireplace but have a recessed wall and they want to have a warm experience, try getting a built-in electric fireplace. It goes inside your wall and leaves room for other furniture as well.
• To have the freedom to move your fireplace all around the home and take it with you on long routes, a wall mount electric fireplace is the best option for value addition and a portable experience.
• When your interior is all classy and vintage and adding an LCD fireplace won’t go much with the style, try the electric fireplace with mantle, it gives the real traditional fireplace look but it is electricity operated.

Benefits of buying an Electric Fireplace

There are a variety of benefits we avail after buying or shifting to electric fireplaces, but to mention a few.

1. Air Quality– Since there is no burning of wood or pallets, the air quality index is measured to be cleaner than one with traditional fireplaces.
2. Low Maintenance– The best part of electric fireplaces is the low maintenance; all you need is a power supply.
3.  Easy Installation– You unpack your fireplace, plug the cord into a standard electricity supply and it is all set to arm you up.
4. Creates no mess­– as there is no burning, there is no ash residue so it is the tidiest option in the history of fireplaces.
5. Safe for kids and pets- The flames are not real and there is no opening so it’s a safe pick around kids and pets
6. No ventilation required- There are no by-products of electric fireplaces which means you don’t need a ventilation.
7. Energy Efficient- Electric fireplaces are energy efficient and 99% of the energy is converted into heat, ensuring zero loses.
8. Affordable-Electric fireplaces are a relatively affordable option. Spending a few bucks not only add value to your ambience but also adds warmth and comfort.

Electric Fireplace installation guide

Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you install your electric fireplace:

1. Choose a location: Decide where you want to install your electric fireplace. It should be near an electrical outlet and away from flammable materials.
2. Measure and prepare the space: Measure the space where you want to install the electric fireplace to ensure that it will fit. Clear the area of any furniture or decor.
3. Assemble the electric fireplace: Follow the manufacturer’s instructions to assemble the electric fireplace. This may involve attaching the legs or mounting bracket to the fireplace unit.
4. Install the bracket: If your electric fireplace comes with a mounting bracket, use the included hardware to secure the bracket to the wall. Make sure it is level.
5. Install the electric fireplace: Carefully lift the electric fireplace unit and place it onto the bracket. Use the included hardware to secure the unit to the bracket.
6. Connect the power: Connect the electric fireplace to the nearest electrical outlet using the included power cord.
7. Test the electric fireplace: Turn on the electric fireplace and test all of its features to ensure that it is working properly.
8. Decorate: Once your electric fireplace is installed, you can decorate the surrounding area with candles, plants or other decor to create a cozy atmosphere.

Some safety precautions:

1. Do not plug or unplug the electric fireplace while your hands are wet.
2. Always use the appropriate power cord and plug.
3. Never insert anything into the electric fireplace while it is in operation.
4. Keep flammable materials away from the electric fireplace.
5. Keep children and pets away from the electric fireplace while it is in operation.

It is important to follow the manufacturer’s instructions and safety precautions when installing an electric fireplace. If you’re unsure about any aspect of the installation process, it’s best to consult a professional.

FAQ’S

Can you Install a wall mounted Electric Fireplace under a TV?

This is a valid question and it needs to be addressed. When looking for options that best suits your situation make sure you look for dimensions and what might come in way of your electric fireplace because you don’t want to block it with something basic.

Always choose an electric fireplace with front heat or bottom heat while mounting it under the TV or other electronic devices.

Installing a wall mounted electric fireplace right under the tv might not be a direct harm, however it is advised to fix it when there is at least 12” inches gap between both the equipment.

Can Electric Fireplaces work outdoors too?

Electric fireplaces have five to six types and each type has variations. Every module has a new feature to brag about. Not every electric fireplace can work outdoors, however, there are some specific models that work outdoors.

The stove electric fireplaces are outdoor rated models because they are portable and posses features that can function outdoors as well. Moreover, you can use these electric fireplaces in your bathroom additionally.

Can Electric Fireplaces work with Solar Panels?

Solar panels are self-sustaining and can power all kinds of electrical devices that lies within their voltage range. The answer is yes, you can charge electric fireplaces with solar panels because electric fireplaces require standard voltage and it is completely possible to power electric fireplace with a solar panel.

Do Electric Fireplace need cleaning?

Electric fireplaces do need cleaning but it is less often and less tiring than the traditional fireplaces because there is no ash/ wastage residue. The exposed parts of electric fireplaces require cleaning once. Remove all the dust with the help of vacuum cleaner. Wipe the glass with glass cleaner and a soft fabric. To clean the firebox, use dampened soft cloth.

You can use a soft dry cloth if you clean it frequently.

Conclusion

Simply put, electric fireplaces are 99% energy efficient as they have zero energy loses. Electric fireplaces run on electricity and offer simple installation. Electric fireplaces are promising as they provide maximum comfort with remote control option and adjustable heating. Wall mounted electric fireplaces and built-in fireplaces are kid and pet friendly as there will be no accidental contact. Shifting to low maintenance electric fireplaces that require no burning of woods or pallets leave you with a cleaner air and no ash wastage. The flames that are displayed on the LCD are not real but electric fireplaces provide around 4000-5000 plus BTU on average which makes it a faster and convenient option.