Traditional fireplaces are just a lot to handle! From wood chopping to chimney cleaning and expensive maintenance costs, there is no doubt that electric fireplaces are a better alternative. Electric fireplaces are safe, cost-effective, and super easy to maintain. Let’s not forget that they also add spice to your living space with a touch of elegance and sophistication. Not only is it suitable as a home decor accessory, but it can also provide a good spot for family time.
There are tons of benefits and outstanding features of electric fireplaces. But the problem is: how exactly do you decide on which one to buy? If you think that there are just so many things to consider, well, you are at the right place. In this guide, we would walk you through some of the essential benefits of having an electric fireplace and the key factors you should know before buying one.
Why should you buy an electric fireplace?
These fireplaces have a handful of advantages over the regular chimney setup. Here are some of the benefits of having an electric fireplace.
Cost-Effective
Unlike traditional fireplaces, they are more affordable to purchase and also cost less to install. Once connected to a power source, an electric fireplace can start working straight out of the box. It also doesn’t require you to buy wood from time to time.
Easy Setup
You don’t have to drill a hole in your ceiling before installing an electric fireplace. Most of them are simply designed for plug-and-play use. They are straightforward to install and manage.
Low Maintenance
Traditional fireplaces are kind of cool until you have to sweep off dust and dirt all over the floor. Luckily, electric fireplaces provide a serene ambiance without the whole mess. With LED lights built to last for years, you would never have to do more than the occasional dusting of the surface screen. Since the flames are not real, you don’t have to chop wood or clear out the chimney.
Zero Air Pollution
Since there is no actual fire burning, you would enjoy the scenery of a fireplace without stuffy air. It is a perfect option for homes with asthmatic patients or other breathing problems.
Super Safe for Kids and Pets
You don’t have to fix your eyes on your kids all the time, hoping that they don’t go near the fireplace. With electric fireplaces, you can rest knowing that your little ones and pets are not in danger of getting burned knowing that your kids and pets are not in danger of getting burnt.
What Should You Consider Before Buying an Electric Fireplace?
Apart from checking out the top brands and manufacturers, there are also certain factors that you must take note of before purchasing an electric fireplace.
Power & Electricity
This fireplace needs electricity to work. Hence, you must ensure that you place it in a spot where the fireplace can easily plug it into a standard power outlet. The best electric fireplaces come with a power cord and a plug to connect to power. However, some other types of fireplaces come with plug-in kits.
Maintenance
Generally, electric fireplaces are much easier to maintain than traditional fireplaces. However, some require more attention than others. Electric fireplaces that use bulbs are prone to burnouts and a constant need of replacement. To avoid this, you can instead opt for a modern fireplace with LEDs.
Heater System
Electric fireplaces can produce enough heat to keep the home warm and cozy. There are two types of heaters used in various models; the fan-forced heater and the infrared heater. But the infrared heater tends to provide more warmth for wider rooms than the fan-forced heaters. The infrared heaters can heat spaces as wide as 1000sqft, while those with fan heaters can only do about 400sqft.
Flame Display
Although electric fireplaces do not come with real flames, they still have a way of producing the ambiance of having a real fire in the house. Different models are designed with varying flame display styles. Check out the one that seems more realistic and appealing to you before pulling out your checkbook.
What do you need to set up an electric fireplace?
An electric fireplace has several electrical requirements before you can properly install it. First, you need to ensure that you have a power outlet on a dedicated circuit breaker or fuse. This is to ensure that the outlet is not shared with any other device. Whatever you do, avoid connecting your fireplace to an extension cord.
Some electric fireplaces are designed as a built-in model. This means that you would have to hardwire it to a circuit breaker. If you do not possess any form of electrical knowledge, we do recommend that you consult the services of a licensed electrician.
FAQs
Can you go to bed with your fireplace on?
Unlike traditional fireplaces, electric fireplaces present less risk of fire hazard. However, you should ensure that it is appropriately regulated and connected to the right power source.
Are electric fireplace flames realistic?
It depends on the model of fireplace bought. However, if you want to experience a near-reality fire display, you should opt for a holographic technology model. Although it is pretty expensive, it is almost indistinguishable from an actual fire.
How can I fix the flame bulbs of a fireplace?
In case of burnout, you can quickly obtain new bulbs from the model manufacturer to fix your fireplace. It is pretty easy to swap and replace. You’d have your electric fireplace as good as new in no time!
Can electric fireplaces have real flames?
Generally, these fireplaces often have LED displays or light bulbs. However, there are some models called Gel fireplaces. These models function as a hybrid of both traditional and electric fireplaces. Apart from these models, other electric fireplaces simply attempt to simulate the presence of a real flame. If you want a realistic fire display, you can either opt for hybrid models or holographic technology.