The electric insert: a not-so-fake fireplace
The electric insert is an aesthetic replacement for the electric radiator, without having to install a fireplace. It has virtually all the advantages of an insert without the disadvantages. Equipped with a remote control, the user can easily modulate heat, flame height and color from a distance.
What is an electric insert?
An electric insert may look like a fireplace insert, but it’s actually an electric radiator. The aesthetics give a trompe l’oeil effect, accentuated by real accessories to be fitted in the insert.
This dummy fireplace heats as well as an inertia or fan heater, and works on the same principle. Ambient air enters the device, which heats it before expelling it into the room. The flames are an illusion created by a set of LEDs, while the glow of embers or logs is part of the initial decor or accessories installed later.
Electric inserts can only heat small rooms. You need 1 kW for 10 m², and as they have a maximum output of 2000 W, they can heat a surface area of 20 m². For larger rooms, the electric insert can be used as an auxiliary heater. It is also possible to use only the illusion of a fireplace, without the heating function.
The insert comes in three main forms: floor-standing, built into an existing open fireplace, or wall-mounted. To these models can be added the mobile electric insert.
Why buy a Chemin’arte electric insert?
Chemin’Arte is a French company based in Ardèche. As its name suggests, it combines the aesthetics of fireplaces with art, design and graphics. Chemin’Arte is a team of eight people who are committed to going the extra mile in terms of research, aesthetics and customer needs. While some models are offered as is, others can be customized according to the buyer’s wishes.
But what can an electric insert offer that a radiator or fireplace cannot?
Gentle heat
The remote control lets you choose the ideal temperature for the room. This heat is dispensed by the insert and gently envelops the room and its occupants like a cloud of warm softness.
Chromotherapy
Still using the remote control, you can choose the color of the flames. At first glance, this function may seem like a gadget, but it’s actually quite useful. Fans of chromotherapy will be delighted, as they can use a wide range of colors: yellow, green, red, blue, orange, depending on their needs or desires.
It’s well known that colors have a significant effect on the subconscious, some being doping, energizing, others relaxing, calming. Depending on a person’s mood or state of health, the color of the flames can help them feel better.
The benefits
In addition to gentle heat and a variety of colors, Chemin’Arte electric inserts have other advantages.
Energy savings: At no more than 2000 W per hour to heat a 20 m² room with a traditional ceiling height (230/260 cm), all year round, the electric insert is no more expensive than an inertia heater. Especially if you don’t need to use another heater to regulate room temperature. For a large living room, it would be necessary to have two sources of heating, and two fireplaces would be inappropriate in the same room.
You should also be aware that energy savings will be lower in the North than in the South of France. Mild outside temperatures mean that electric inserts can be operated in the same way as Inverter splits. Above 8°C outdoor temperature, the savings are real; below this index, it’s difficult to make any.
Aesthetics: the electric insert looks like a fireplace, but it doesn’t need a flue to sweep or an ash drawer to empty. It doesn’t release soot or ash into the air. The heat, the sight of flames and the crackle of wood are present or not, as the occupants wish. The electric insert can be installed in any room, whether it’s the bedroom, living room, study or even the kitchen.
Easy to install: depending on the model, it can be installed and plugged into an electrical socket to be ready for use. Whether flush-mounted in an existing fireplace, floor-standing or wall-mounted, it’s quick and easy to get up and running.
Customer care: at every stage, you can ask for advice, guidance or information from our customer service team. The Chemin’Arte team is trained to listen to you at all times. You can even contribute to the design of your insert.
Disadvantages
In colder regions, the electric insert can only be used as an auxiliary heater in the depths of winter. As it’s only an imitation fireplace, it doesn’t provide all the sensations of a real wood fire. The air is not dry and the heat does not rise to the upper floors, as there is no chimney flue. The room must not be too large: 1 kW for 10 m².
How do I install an electric insert?
It’s very easy to install: simply insert it into the cavity, hang it on the wall or place it on the floor, depending on the model you choose. There are no other connections to make apart from plugging it into an electrical socket.
The hardest part is finding the right location, so many choices are available. If you simply place it on the floor, you’ll be able to move it around as you please. Don’t forget to leave a space above the insert if you’re building it in, so that the heat can escape, just as with any radiator or heat-radiating appliance.
Which electric insert to choose?
There are a number of criteria to consider before buying an electric insert.
Design
Design encompasses not only exterior styling, but also the insert’s functions. The fact that you can activate the visual fire without turning on the heating is a plus. You need to check that the insert offers all the functions you want.
It’s not necessary to match styles between the insert and the furniture, but rather between the insert and the type of house or room so that it’s in harmony with its surroundings.
Mobility
A floor-mounted insert can be moved easily. If you’re sure of its location, and that it won’t move again, fix it to the wall.
Some inserts are completely mobile, so they can be used in different rooms. They can be used as auxiliary heaters, close to the sofa or dining table, or as the sole source of heat in small homes in the South.
Greatness
It’s not the size of the insert that determines its power. You can choose a shape and then define the power output to suit your needs, although inserts do not exceed 2000 kW. Width and height are mainly aesthetic.
