An electric fireplace is a wonderful addition to any house. It provides you with the warmth and comfort you need at home, without the hassle of cleaning a traditional fireplace. You can place this in a location where a traditional fireplace is already located or in a home that has never had a fireplace.
With so many installation options and designs, you can have warm, toasty flames with this type of fireplace, whether you decide to do the job on your own or with the help of a professional. Some of the things to know before buying include:
1. What is the heating capacity?
The first thing to find out is the size you will need for the fireplace. Most of these fireplaces will operate at 120 volts and are considered the standard. The average heater will run on 1500 watts and 122.5 amps.
You’ll need to know ahead of time what the heating capacity is. You may accomplish this by dividing the watts by ten. If you have 1500 watts, for example, the electric fireplace will be able to heat a 150-square-foot room. Some electric fireplaces can get hotter, and most units can heat up to 450 square feet. You will need to consider this heating capacity to help you get started as well.
2. How easy is the installation?
You should also know how simple it is to install an electric fireplace. The type you would like to have will make a difference in ease of installation. Here are a few things to think about:
Chimney Conversion – Some electric fireplace inserts will install easily. You can slide it into the hearth and then the accompanying edge can cover the gaps. Just work to fit them and plug it into your outlet.
No Installation – You can look at a freestanding fireplace and then place it wherever you want in the room.
For DIYers – For this one, you will need to work with a wall mount electric fireplace. You will need to do a little math and do a little planning and you are good to go.
For a designer look – If you plan to install a wall, you will want to hire a professional to help you with this. It may be more complicated compared to some of the other options, but it will look great in your home.
3. Health and safety
If your home has pets and children, an electric fireplace is a good option. There is always the possibility of a safety issue when using a traditional fireplace. Even when the fire is out, the embers will still be hot.
When you use electric fireplaces at home, you will have more security. There is nothing burning, so the glass around it will never get hot. And you don’t need to worry about allergies or asthma when you use this too. Since no wood or smoke can get into the house, this can make it safer to use.
4. Prioritize functions
Another thing to consider before starting a new fireplace is how well it will fit into the interior of your home. The good news is that these electric fireplaces will come in different sizes and varieties, so shop around to find the one that suits your needs.
You may also look at the individual features included with the item. You may want to consider how realistic the flames look, what type of control you would like, and if there are any special heat settings that will make the fireplace more pleasant in your home.
There are many great features you can choose from when it comes to an electric fireplace in your home. You need to decide what seems to work best, and then work through the list to find the perfect fireplace for your needs.
5. You won’t need a fireplace
One of the benefits of working with an electric fireplace is that it does not use a flame and does not produce smoke at all. This is good news for those who do not have a fireplace in the home. You may miss out on some of the magical moments with the flame, but you don’t need to put in a new fireplace for it to work.
Since you don’t need to have a fireplace to use the electric fireplace, you can place it anywhere you like. It can even work well in your apartment or other small areas. Many generate some heat, so be careful to keep it away from things you don’t want to get too hot.
6. The location
You will need to take a look around your home and find out the best location in your living space to place the fireplace. One thing to consider when looking for a great fireplace location is the electrical outlet. You will need to place the fireplace where it can be plugged in or it will not work properly.
In addition to making sure there is a fireplace-ready outlet, consider where it makes the most sense in the room. A 28-inch electric fireplace insert in the middle of the room can be a good focal point, a place where everyone can sit back, relax, and enjoy.
