Electric fireplaces: everything you need to know
When it comes to heating a home or a room elegantly and efficiently, the electric fireplace is an option that is all too often overlooked. And yet, this way of heating has nothing but advantages: aesthetics, cleanliness, ecology, safety and even savings. Indeed, with the latest technologies used in these appliances, calculated heat diffusion techniques and good insulation, heating with electricity can be less expensive than you might think.
There are many different types of electric fireplaces, each adapted to a specific use. Types, installation, operation, cost and consumption– this article explains everything you need to know about these heating devices.
What is an electric fireplace?
In addition to its primary function, this heating appliance is also a decorative element. These appliances are equipped with systems that create the illusion of a wood fire. Thanks to this system, the fireplace warms the room in which it is installed, while allowing the occupants of the house to enjoy the pleasure of the incandescence of beautiful flames on logs.
No real flame is produced by these fireplaces, as they use electric heaters. To create the look of a wood fire or fireplace, an LED or steam display system perfectly imitates the natural flames that a chimney fire might produce.
It’s an appliance that lets you enjoy the warmth of a fireplace or wood-burning stove, when installation of the latter is impossible due to cost, house configuration or local regulations.
Types of electric fireplaces
There are many different types and models of electric fireplaces, differing in terms of installation, heating and animation.
Depending on the type of installation
An electric fireplace can be installed in a variety of ways. There are, in fact, built-in electric fireplaces that fit into a wall reinforcement. These highly aesthetic and practical fireplaces are installed in spaces specially designed for them and according to their dimensions. This category includes electric fireplace inserts.
There are also free-standing fireplaces, which require no special installation and are simply placed on a stand in a corner of the room. The free-standing electric fireplace falls into this category.
There are also wall-mounted or wall-hung fireplaces that can be hung on a wall using sturdy fastening systems.
Finally, there are more mobile fireplaces that simply sit on the floor, without the need for any other support or fittings.
Depending on the model
Electric heating specialists offer a wide range of models for a variety of uses and needs.
TV cabinet with electric fireplace
An electric fireplace TV stand is cleverly designed to perform the function of a TV stand, while incorporating an electric fireplace that heats the room while giving the appearance of a real wood-burning fireplace.
These furniture units are always elegant and modern in design, and fit perfectly into even the smallest interiors. They offer the possibility of combining two functionalities in a single unit, which represents a significant saving in terms of space.
The outdoor electric fireplace
An outdoor fireplace is a piece of equipment for heating outdoors, on a veranda, terrace or even a large balcony. It combines the aesthetic appeal of a wood fire with the advantages of electric heating. There are numerous models to suit all types of outdoor décor. They also have the advantage of producing no toxic emissions, no smoke or steam, no dust or ash, and are very easy to maintain.
One-sided or three-sided?
The choice can also be made in terms of the number of animated faces on the fireplace or electric mantel. Basic models offer just one animated face, which is enough to create a beautiful atmosphere. But to enhance the 3-D effect of the flames, you can opt for a three-sided fireplace. These have three animated glass sides, so that the flames are visible from all sides of the room. In the end, this 3-sided electric fireplace creates a panoramic view that really makes the illusion, and the warm atmosphere created is all the more enhanced.
The electric log heater
This type of appliance works on the same principle as the electric fireplace, but is portable and can be installed anywhere. It features fake logs and an LED animation that faithfully recreates the image of glowing logs. It can be installed inside a fireplace or anywhere else.
Top of the range
For the most demanding customers, there are top-of-the-range electric fireplaces. These are made from intelligent, high-quality materials that limit consumption, increase efficiency and reduce environmental impact.
The aesthetics of these top-of-the-range appliances are also a step up. Clean lines, refined textures and meticulous finishes characterize these decorative electric heaters. What’s more, the quality and realism of the flame animation are astonishingly realistic.
Additional functions and remote control
Some fireplaces are equipped with remote controls that give you total control from the comfort of your sofa. These remote controls incorporate special functions such as controlling heating intensity, lighting intensity, flame animation and even flame color.
How to install an electric fireplace insert?
Installation is quick and easy. The units are supplied with all the necessary fastenings.
To install the device, you need to choose the right dimensions. The appliance must be slightly smaller than the reinforcement in which it is to be installed. An empty space must be left around, below or above the device, and the dimensions of this space vary according to the model.
Once the reinforcement has been cleaned, simply fix the supplied wall plugs to the wall, following the manufacturer’s instructions. The appliance itself is then mounted on these wall plugs.
During installation, certain precautions must be taken, such as keeping the heater at a minimum distance from certain electrical and electronic appliances.
Consumption
When the device is set to animation only and without the heating function, its consumption is quite negligible, as LEDs are known to be electricity-saving.
In heating mode, consumption varies from one appliance to another, depending on the wattage and surface area to be heated. For example, a 1000 W appliance consumes 1 kWh, which translates into a heating cost of around 16 to 18 cents per hour, depending on the rates charged by the energy supplier.
Where to buy an electric fireplace?
To buy an electric fireplace, it’s best to get in touch with an electric heating specialist or find out more on the Internet. Chemin’arte, for example, has a very useful website that lets you see all types of fireplaces and the specific features of each. This leading specialist in the field offers countless models to suit every need.
