In your favorite pajamas, curled up with a nice book and your favorite hot toddy, imagine spending the night by the flickering flames of a pleasant fireplace, without having to haul wood around or build a bonfire. That’s doable with a fireplace that’s powered by electricity This type of heater mimics conventional wood, charcoal, or gas fireplaces by using electrical components to produce the same look and warmth.
Their operation is easy and safe – once installed, you just plug them in and turn them on. As an added bonus, you may customize them by adding shelves, inserts, and trunks. Most importantly, they don’t need to be properly ventilated or installed, so you may enjoy them everywhere from the kitchen to the bathroom. Glenn Sebring, president, and CEO of Chicago-based Sebring Design-Build says electric fireplaces are increasing in popularity because of their mix of convenience and modern amenities. “A room may be heated in a matter of minutes with the flick of a switch. However, they’re popular not just because they’re easy to use, but also because they create a cozy atmosphere.”
Using an electric fireplace
Electric fireplaces come in three main types: freestanding models with a mantel and heater; customized versions that can be mounted or integrated into a wall or furniture; and inserts that can be placed within an old home and have bright LED logs and other flame effects. Metal coils are used to generate heat in electric fireplaces. The Blower motor blows hot air into the space as coils heat up. The infrared technology of some electric fireplaces can also be used to heat a space. A refractor creates lifelike flames by reflecting the light from an LED bulb. There are even electric fireplaces that generate a crackling fire sound.
To achieve the same level of comfort as a central heat system, electric fireplaces are not the best option. You can use them to heat an immediate environment, however. A 400-square-foot (37-square-meter) space may be properly heated with an electric fireplace that can be plugged in wherever heat is needed. Is there an added bonus? In contrast to traditional fireplaces, which lose roughly 50% of their heat down the chimney or flue, an electric fireplace’s heat is completely retained within the unit.
Many benefits come from using an electric fireplace
No need to replace firewood or pay for fuel, so you can start saving money right now. In order to power its heating coils, a standard electric fireplace takes roughly 1,500 watts of electricity.
Have a flame-only setting on your electric fireplace? Per-hour operating costs might range from 0.003 to 0.03. A typical electric fireplace owner will spend between $ 50 and $100 per year on operating costs, depending on whether the fireplace is used solely to produce flames or to heat the entire room. You don’t even need to clean or inspect the chimney.
Installing an electric fireplace is simple as long as you have access to a power outlet nearby. Standard 120 volt electrical outlets are compatible with them, and some larger ones can also work with 240 volts.
Because electric fireplaces don’t have real flames, there’s less mess,” explains Glenn Wiseman, sales manager for Top Hat Home Comfort Services in Canada. Flames appear to be genuine, however, they’re actually just light components of the machine. On/off switch provides quick heat, with a flame-like effect, without the mess or effort of cleaning.
Safer – Electric fireplaces emit zero pollutants and produce no harmful by-products, making them a safer alternative. Fireplaces fueled by wood emit carcinogens and harmful fumes (such as carbon dioxide and monoxide) into the air. Those gases, when inhaled, can be harmful to both you and your pets. So safe are they that they can even be used in restrooms. When installing one in your bathroom, ensure sure it is rated for usage in bathrooms or other areas that are prone to humidity.
Creating your own electric fireplace
A number of forms and features are available for electric fireplaces, allowing them to be used in a variety of settings. For example, in flats, condominiums, tiny houses, and RVs. They may also be placed in a variety of furniture like bookcases and entertainment centers.
When compared to a typical wood-burning or gas fireplace, an electric fireplace has a more contemporary aesthetic, adds Wiseman. However, if you want to bring your home into the modern-day, an electric fireplace is the way to go.
A variety of accessories are available to further customize the effect, such as different log delivery (such as charred driftwood to simulate the look of genuine wood) and natural river stones, as well as white stones that seem hot beneath artificial flames. The flames may also be colored using LED light kits. Orange, red, pink, and blue are some of the most popular hues.
