When temperatures drop, those of us with fireplaces start checking the firewood supply and inspecting the chimney in anticipation of enjoying a crackling blaze. However, if you live in a home without a masonry fireplace, or in a small apartment or condo, a wood-burning fireplace usually isn’t an option. Don’t give up, you can still enjoy the flickering light of a fire and feel the comfort of extra heat with the convenience of an electric fireplace.
Electric fireplaces come in a wide variety of styles and functionality and, since the purchase of one is not a small investment, you may have some questions that need answering before you venture forth. This article will answer some of the questions our customers have asked over the years, and also provide some basic information about electric fireplaces. Please feel free to use the following links to navigate to those questions you are most interested in.
- How do electric fireplaces work?
- Do electric fireplaces really heat a room?
- Are electric fireplaces energy-efficient?
- Do electric fireplace flames look real?
- Do electric fireplaces get hot?
- Can you put an electric fireplace on carpeting?
- Is it okay to leave an electric fireplace on overnight?
- Is it okay to put a TV above or on an electric fireplace?
- How do you install an electric fireplace?
- How do you install a wall-mounted fireplace?
- What are electric fireplace logs?
How do electric fireplaces work?
Electric fireplaces are basically space heaters that use a heating element and blower to create and distribute heat into your space. Much more attractive than your run-of-the-mill space heater, they come in a variety of styles, finishes, and functions which can make it the centerpiece of a room while providing supplemental heat. Here are a few of the elements & functions of electric fireplaces.
- Extra heat: Most provide up to 5,120 BTUs of additional heat for rooms up to about 400 sq. ft.
- Adjustable Flames: Almost all have an adjustable flame function, which allows you to have lower or higher light, even glowing embers. Some include changeable light color options as well, such as amber, orange, blue, and purple lights. A “flame only” mode is another nice option that enables you to enjoy the look of the flames without using the heater.
- Installation Options: You can find many different installation options for an electric fireplace, including freestanding, corner, wall-mounted, or media/TV stands. There are even electric logs for use in an existing fireplace.
- Flame Bed Variety: A lot of electric fireplaces give you the choice of logs, glass, acrylic ice, and other materials for the flame bed.
Do Electric Fireplaces Really Heat a Room?
Most electric fireplaces use a 5,000 BTU, 1500 watt ceramic heater as the source of heat for the fireplace, with a fan blower to expel the heat into the room through the vent at the top or bottom. These fireplaces and stoves are not designed to be your primary source of heat, but very effectively provide supplemental heat for spaces up to about 450 sq. ft. A few do heat larger spaces from about 650 to 1,000 sq. ft.
Are electric fireplaces energy-efficient?
Of course, the answer to this depends on what your power company charges you per kilowatt-hour and how many hours you use your fireplace. Generally speaking, they are efficient and very affordable to use.
Since the vast majority of electric fireplaces run at a maximum of 1500 watts, the exact answer can be calculated using the following formula. If you find a fireplace that has a different wattage, just substitute that number in the formula.
1500 (watts) x 24 (hours) ÷ 1,000 x $$ (cost per kilowatt-hour based on your power co.)
This will give you the cost per day for 24 hours of usage. Divide this by 24 to determine the cost per hour. Then apply that to the number of hours you run your fireplace. That’s your cost per day. For example, at a charge of .20 per kilowatt-hour, the cost to run the fireplace is 30 cents per hour. If you use your electric fireplace for 4-5 hours in the evenings, it costs you about 1.50 per day.
Do electric fireplace flames look real?
Dimplex brand is known for its Realogs® technology that makes flames look quite realistic. Southern Enterprises has three logset styles to choose from. Standard, enhanced, or color changing light for additional interest.
For a look at the top fireplace brands, check out our article comparing three of the major manufacturers. There are also videos for the major electric fireplace brands that demonstrate what their flames look like and can help determine which seems best to you.
Do electric fireplaces get hot?
The firebox, which is the heating source for the fireplace, does heat up as it is used; however, most fireplaces have a cool-to-the-touch feature, making them safe to touch. The surrounding mantel or media console does not get hot and is safe for kids and pets to be around.
Can you put an electric fireplace on carpeting?
Since the structure of the fireplace, whether it’s a mantel or media console, doesn’t heat up during use, electric fireplaces are safe to place on carpeted floors and will not harm hardwood or tile flooring.
Is it okay to leave an electric fireplace on overnight?
Since electric fireplaces are basically space heaters, it is all right to leave them on overnight if the space where it is located needs supplemental heat. It would not be advisable to leave them on when you leave the home or building where it is located.
Is it okay to put a TV above or on an electric fireplace?
Yes, in fact, some electric fireplaces are designed to hold flat-screen TVs and generally designate a maximum size that they will support. Wall-mounted TVs can be safely installed above any electric fireplace mantel or media console.
How Do You Install an Electric Fireplace?
Some electric fireplaces come assembled and only need to be plugged into an outlet prior to use. Others need to be assembled and come with easy-to-follow instructions that include the placement of the firebox in the mantel or media console framework.
Other models are designed to be installed in a wall and can be hardwired for a sleek appearance, like these fireplaces from Amantii.
Note: You should never use an extension cord with an electric fireplace or any space heater.
How Do You Install a Wall-Mounted Fireplace?
Wall-mounted fireplaces require two persons to install due to their size. Full instructions are included with each fireplace, but they require a hole in the wall large enough to accommodate the fireplace frame. If it doesn’t previously exist, you will need to create one. This may require a contractor if studs are impacted.
Wall-mounted electric fireplaces are usually hard-wired, though some have plugs that will require an outlet. Hard-wired models will need to meet local electrical codes with a dedicated branch circuit to avoid tripping of fuses. This doesn’t necessarily mean that an electrician is required, but if you don’t feel comfortable wiring it, that may be the wisest choice.
What are electric fireplace logs?
A great option for re-purposing an existing fireplace is a set of electric logs or an insert that can be placed inside. Models are available in various lengths so that you can find the size that best fits your fireplace. Be sure to check clearance requirements when measuring. While some electric log sets can be hardwired, other models plug in, so you may want to install an outlet inside the fireplace for this type.
Still Have Questions?
If you’ve looked at several options, but still have questions or need assistance in making a decision, please feel free to contact our customer service at 1-800-934-9194. They will be happy to help. Please connect with us on Facebook, Pinterest, and Instagram and share pics of your electric fireplace or stove!
