Test: How Much Do You Know About Fireplace?
The Advantages of an Electric Fireplace
Electric fireplaces are a great choice for those who want the look of a fireplace without the hassle or cost of a wood-burning fireplace. The heat is generated by a heating unit that is in turn paired with fans to push warm humid air into the room.
Many models can be wall-mounted by home owners without the need for an expert. Some are built into TV stands, bookshelves or entertainment centers.
Easy to install
If you're looking to create a cozy atmosphere to your home, an electric fireplace can be a great option. They use electricity to generate heat, making them more convenient to install than traditional gas fireplaces. They don't require venting and are a safer option to fireplaces that burn wood. freestanding electric fireplace are also a good choice for homes without traditional fireplaces, for example mobile homes or apartments.
Installing an electric fireplace requires that you first find an appropriate location within your room. You can either measure the opening of your fireplace or consult the installation manual from the manufacturer to determine which size of insert you need. Then, you must find the right mounting brackets. Utilizing a spirit-level gauge, ensure that they're straight on the wall. Once the brackets are set and the fireplace is installed, plug the insert into the brackets and connect the wire. Enjoy your new fireplace.
Electricity is used to warm an electric fireplace, either with a heating plate or coil. The heat is then disbursed into the air via the fan, which results in supplemental warmth for your room. Certain electric fireplaces utilize infrared technology that directs heat to the objects in the room. They are a cost-effective alternative to central heating, and offer the appearance of real flames, without the smoke or mess.
A electric fireplace that is recessed can be mounted into any wall of your home, providing a subtle but noticeable aesthetic improvement. It can also be integrated into TV stands, bookshelves and other furniture. It is important to remember that a recessed electric fireplace needs access to an electrical outlet which may not be available in some rooms of the house.
Many manufacturers offer a variety of options to fit your preferences and budget. Some even include the mantel, which adds to the visual appeal of your living space. You can choose from a variety of styles and finishes that can fit in with your decor. Some models are designed to look like brick refractory, or natural logs. You can choose the style that suits your home best.
It is safe
Contrary to wood and gas fireplaces, which release carbon monoxide fumes when burned in an electric fireplace, it is completely safe to leave on overnight. It does not produce hazardous gases or harmful smoke, which means you can sleep without worrying about your family's health. In addition there is no danger of creosote build-up or escaping fuel, which are a common occurrence in chimney fires that are typical.
The safety of an electric fireplace will depend on how it is used as well as the user's compliance with the recommendations and guidelines. In general, it is best to keep the area around the fireplace free of items that could ignite, such as furniture, clothing, drapes, and bedding. You should also avoid using extension cords close to your fireplace. This can lead to power fluctuations and overload which can lead to the fireplace becoming. Disconnecting the fireplace when not in use can also help reduce energy consumption and help keep the fireplace from overheating.
Electric fireplaces are not intended to produce real flames, but to replicate the look. Instead, they use LED lights, video images or mist to create the illusion of flames. Some models even offer water vapor to simulate the appearance of smoke. This makes them more realistic than traditional fireplaces and they do not require maintenance or cleaning.
As opposed to real fireplaces, electric units do not heat the wall or mantel ledges above them. The unit can heat up and cause the risk of fire to flammable objects such as TVs, wall coverings, and rug. The unit could also create fire hazards if placed too close to flammable materials like TVs or wood.
Although electrical fireplaces are very safe to use, it is important to adhere to the instructions of the manufacturer and never exceed the recommended wattage. It is important to buy a model that has an overheat-protection mechanism and choose an established manufacturer. It is also recommended to purchase an extra remote control to check the temperature of your fireplace and its power consumption. Keep your fireplace dry from moisture, paints and gasoline.
It is energy efficient.
Electric fireplaces are less energy-intensive than wood or gas fireplaces. It uses a less than a tenth of the heat produced by traditional fireplaces, and does not require a chimney or maintenance. This can save you a significant amount of money on your energy bills and chimney cleaning.
Electric fireplaces are available in a variety of models, including those that can provide heat to large spaces. Magik Flame's Trinity model, for instance can efficiently heat up to 1,000 square feet. Other units, like the Dimplex Upton have a lower heating capacity and are more designed for small spaces.
The cost of operating an electric fireplace is contingent on the size, wattage, as well as the length of time it is used every day. Use a unit with a high BTU rating and low voltage draw for the best results. For maximum efficiency, use an adjustable thermostat and adjust the temperature to meet your needs.
You can also lower the energy consumption by using an electric fireplace solely for decoration, with no heating. Most times the heater will be switched off, reducing the energy consumption by a significant percentage. This can also help to keep children from accidental burns or pets that attempt to touch the flames.
Electric fireplaces aren't only a great way to save on energy, they also look stunning. It can be integrated into a media center or placed on the wall to add warmth and ambience to your living area. There are many designs that feature louvers and trims to dress up the hole in the wall, while others cover an existing brick or stone fireplace.
Certain electric fireplaces have an insert for a fire pit filled with butane gel, which can be replaced after 3-4 hours. These fireplaces can be plugged in to any standard outlet which makes them simple to install. They are also safer than real fires and do not emit smells or ash. However, it is recommended that a certified home inspector conduct an electrical safety inspection before installing any electrical appliance.
It is easy to clean
If you have an electric fireplace, it is important to clean it often. This is especially true when you frequently use your electric fireplace. This will help keep it looking brand new and stop dust accumulation. Before you begin cleaning, shut off the fireplace and ensure that it's cool. This will help prevent electrical shocks. It is also an excellent idea to wear safety glasses or goggles to protect your eyes from any fine particles that could break off during the cleaning process.
Dust all surfaces of the electric fireplace before cleaning it. This should be done with an easy lint-free cloth. You can also use an attachment for vacuum cleaners to clean dust from crevices. Prepare a solution made of water and dishwashing soap. You can mix soap and vinegar however, be careful not to mix the two. If you mix vinegar with soap it could trigger dangerous chemical reactions.
After you've finished dusting, wipe the surfaces clean using a soft cloth, then wash and dry them thoroughly. Make sure you get into every crevice and nook particularly the heating inlet vents as well as outlet vents. You can also use white distilled vinegar for staining and spots that are difficult to remove, but remember that it's acidic and may harm the plastic components of your fireplace.
Modern electric fireplaces come with flame effects that look real and authentic. Even skeptics are easily fooled by electric fireplaces as they'll often do a double-take before realizing the fire isn't a real flame. The technology used to create flame effects can differ from model-to-model however, they all utilize reflectors and LED lights. Some models might even include a water vapor system that simulates smoke and makes the effect more realistic.
Electric fireplaces are also great because they do not need to be opened as wood-burning fireplaces. However, this doesn't mean they don't require regular cleaning. To keep the appearance and function of your electric fireplace, you should clean it at least once a year.