What is an Electric Fireplace?
The Basics
Electric fireplaces redefine simplicity in home heating. With no real fire, smoke, or gas byproducts, these appliances are designed for ease of use. The setup is straightforward, requiring minor assembly (some options come pre-assembled) – just plug your electric fireplace into a wall outlet, similar to any other household appliance. Activating the fireplace is as simple as pressing a button, initiating the realistic flame effect and electric heat.
While each model may operate slightly differently, the general process remains the same: electric fireplaces draw in cool air, heat it, and then gently circulate the warmed air back into the room. Depending on your chosen model, these fireplaces can effectively warm spaces up to 400 square feet or even larger. Notably, none of the generated heat is lost through a chimney, making electric fireplaces highly energy-efficient.
Efficiency
For optimal energy and cost efficiency, strategically use the fireplace to heat the specific room your household occupies, allowing you to lower the overall heating for the rest of your home.
Some electric fireplaces, such as the ClassicFlame 33II042FGL, feature thermostats, offering you control over the heating dynamics of your space. This added functionality ensures not only warmth, but also the flexibility to adjust the temperature to your preferences, enhancing the overall comfort of your home.
Beyond the inherent energy efficiency of electric fireplace heaters, the use of an electric fireplace contributes to overall home efficiency through zone heating. This strategy involves using a heat source to warm specific square footage instead of the entire house. By employing supplemental heat sources like electric fireplaces and heaters in well-frequented rooms, users can curtail heating costs significantly, by lowering the thermostat for the central heating system. This dual approach allows homeowners to enjoy warmth precisely where needed while optimizing energy consumption for a more cost-effective and comfortable living environment.
Increasingly, both homeowners and renters are opting for electric fireplaces due to their environmentally friendly features. Beyond their eco-conscious appeal, electric fireplaces boast several additional advantages in comparison to other fireplace types.
Functioning as electric heaters, these fireplaces artfully replicate the aesthetic of traditional wood, coal, or natural gas fireplaces. Conveniently, they can be plugged into a standard wall outlet and operate with or without heat. If you desire the cozy ambiance of a fire without the need for additional warmth, you can simply engage the flame setting.
For personalized assistance in selecting the ideal fireplace, consider reaching out to our fireplace experts here at ADDCO and we can guide you through the decision-making process.
Electric Fireplace Advantages Over Gas and Wood Counterparts
- Convenience Without Hassle:
You're spared the need to chop and stack wood or connect a gas line – a simple electrical outlet is all that's required to power an electric fireplace.
- Environmentally Friendly:
Electric fireplaces eschew the emission of gasses, such as carbon monoxide, contributing to a more environmentally conscious choice and ensuring safer indoor air quality.
- Effortless Installation:
The absence of vents, chimneys, or flues means electric fireplaces are remarkably easy to install compared to their counterparts.
- Remote Control Convenience:
With the mere flip of a switch or a button press on a remote control, your electric fireplace effortlessly turns on and off, eliminating the need for laborious wood chopping and transportation.
- Safety First:
The glass surfaces of electric fireplaces remain cool to the touch, ensuring safety around pets and children.
- Minimal Maintenance:
Bid farewell to chimney sweeps and the need for routine maintenance, cleanings, and inspections – electric fireplaces require little upkeep to ensure ongoing safety.
- Energy Efficiency:
Electric fireplaces efficiently heat spaces, converting all energy into light and warmth without heat loss through vents or chimneys.
- Cost-Effective Solution:
The affordability of electric fireplaces, coupled with their straightforward installation, positions them as a cost-effective alternative to other fireplace types.
Electric fireplaces offer a hassle-free heating solution, without the need for vents, chimneys, or flues. Unlike traditional fireplaces that emit smoke and combustion-related toxins, electric fireplaces operate without burning fuel, eliminating harmful emissions.
Electrical Requirements
Most electric fireplaces come equipped with 120V, 3-prong plugs designed for a standard 120-volt outlet. A 15 Amp circuit is required and a dedicated circuit is recommended, but not
required in all cases. Per Dimplex, a leading manufacturer of electric fireplaces, “a dedicated circuit will be required if, after installation, the circuit breaker trips or the fuse blows on a regular basis when the heater is operating. Additional appliances on the same circuit may exceed the current rating of the circuit breaker.” Typical 120-volt electric fireplaces offer a power range from 750 to 1500 watts, with low and high heat settings. They efficiently provide supplemental warmth for spaces of up to 400 square feet for standard heaters, or up to 1000 square feet with the cutting-edge technology of an infrared heater.
For maximum heat output, ADDCO carries a variety of electric fireplaces with the option to be hard-wired 240V. These units generate a higher wattage than standard electric fireplace heaters, resulting in higher heat production. This higher heat output makes electric fireplaces an optimal choice for heating settings such as living rooms, offices, and basements.
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We hope this has been helpful in your journey towards selecting the best electric fireplace for your needs. Call or text 503-488-9735 for additional support or send an email to customerservice@electricfireplaces.com.