How to Choose the Best Electric Fireplace
Deciding to invest in an electric fireplace should be an easy decision. It’s a great way to heat your home in an efficient, cost-effective manner that is easy on the environment. One of the main problems that many buyers experience, however, is choosing the electric fireplace unit for their home. There are just so many electric fireplaces on the market; where do you begin? As electric fireplaces increase in popularity all across the world, you want to make sure you jump on this environmentally friendly trend as well and follow these tips to ensure you choose the best electric fireplace for your home.
But First, Why Would You Want an Electric Fireplace?
Electric fireplaces are catching fire (figuratively, of course) throughout the world? Why is this? In short, it’s mainly due to the fact that electric fireplaces are extremely efficient as well as safe. They are perfect for large homes and tiny apartments alike. Essentially, how an electric fireplace works is that it outputs heat just like a real fireplace, however, it stays cool to the touch so you’re not putting yourself, your family and your home in any danger. Additionally, some of the benefits of electric fireplaces include:
- Easy installation. No building a chimney, no heavy lifting. All you need to do is set up your electric fireplace inside your home and enjoy
- Easy to use. No more adding wood. It’s completely operated by the machine once it’s plugged in. You don’t even have to get up as well - just use the remote control that is often provided with electric fireplaces
- Ornate and add some atmosphere to your home. Many electric fireplaces replicate real flames and look incredibly real, creating a life-like, relaxing environment inside your home.
Take Into Consideration How and Where You Want to Incorporate Your Electric Fireplace
There are several different ways of installing your electric fireplace inside your home so you get the perfect fit and look you’d like for your home. Some units require a little installation, meanwhile, you can always go for a simple electric fireplace that is built right into the media cabinet of your TV stand.
To break it down, there are five main options and ways you can install an electric fireplace which are: 1. Wall Mounted 2. Recessed or Built-in 4. Inserts 5. TV Stands. Your electric fireplace can be built right into your home inside the wall as if it were a true fireplace. This is a great option if you are looking to create a home from scratch and are newly building, or even if you just want to update your home. Additionally, you can always go for a wall mount that doesn't require any major construction, but hangs right on your wall, providing you with the perfect amount of heat in a convenient location. It’s as simple as plugging it into the outlet.
Picture: Modern Flames Ambiance CLX2 144" Built-in/Wall Mounted Electric Fireplace (AL144CLX2)
Or, one of the most popular options: wall mounted electric fireplaces, they are modern and realistic, super-easy to install, can be moved anywhere you’d like, and require zero maintenance. Highly recommended for those living in apartments and extremely popular in hotel lobbies, bars, and restaurants.
There are some great options available online so you can find the perfect design to place inside your living room or bedroom. Keep the way you’d like your electric fireplace to be installed in mind when choosing your electric fireplace.
Bringing the Heat with Your Electric Fireplace
Next, one of the most important things to keep in mind when choosing your electric fireplace heating unit: the heat itself! You want to take control of all of the heating options and choose something that is best for your home and your heating needs. Keep in mind that electric fireplaces do not produce the same amount of heat as wood or gas; they produce enough heat to warm up 400-500 sq ft and are great for zone heating, not as a main heat source. However, the heat they do put off is perfect for a room or studio apartment.
Picture: Amantii 29" Built-in Zero Clearance Electric Fireplace (ZECL‐26‐2923-BG)
What it comes down to is the flexibility in your heating, and whether or not you’d like to have it connected to your thermostat. There are several lower-end electric heaters available on the market that simply provide one or two heat settings, however, there are also other electric fireplaces units that exist that allow you to completely and fully adjust the level of heat so that it is just right for you.
Additionally, something that is important is being able to connect your electric fireplace with your thermostat system. That way, you can adjust your electric heater from your thermostat panel mounted on the wall, making things much easier and in-sync.
The way the heater vents is also important: do you want it to come out of the front? Out the top? Or down below on the bottom? Take into consideration any flammable carpet fibers you may have (in which case, a vent that shoots out the bottom is probably not your best option), or if you are planning on placing it below some curtains or a TV (where a top ventilation system would not be ideal). The vent system is important so, make sure it works for you and your home and is safe when choosing your electric fireplace.
Do Your Homework Before Deciding
With so many options available on the market, you really want to make sure you are getting the best electric fireplace for your home. You want something completely customized to your liking, that checks as many boxes off as possible. Make sure that it heats your home properly and safely, is designed well and can be installed easily in your home.
Further Reading:
- What are Electric Fireplace Inserts?
- 4 Best Electric Fireplace Heaters to Warm Your Home
- 5 Best Electric Fireplace Inserts According to Reviews
- Are Electric Fireplaces Worth the Money?
- 20 Modern Fireplaces That You Can Install Yourself
- How to Build an Awesome Fireplace in Just One Weekend
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