The Electric Fireplace
Are we confused about the fireplace that is electric yet?
When I used to think about electric fireplaces I used to think of the old fireplace with the lit-up rod that heated up the space you were in.
But no people…
We are going one step further!
No longer the old boring glowing rod.
The electric fire we are talking about is a simulated roaring fireplace.
That crackling sound of the wood, the ambient flow from the flickering fire, and of course the nice warmth that it can provide us on those chilly days and nights wherever we live.
Yes, it does get cold in the semi-tropics as well…
Now, if you’re not fortunate enough to have a fireplace in your home, and you always wished you had one.
You may be interested to know that purchasing an electric fireplace to get those similar effects you crave without the extra hassle of installing a conventional fireplace.
Not that we all don’t love the real fireplace…
Me included.
How Does An Electric Fireplace Work
An electric fireplace works by drawing in the cool air, heating it internally by using a heating coil, as the coils get hot, it gently forces the warmed air back out into the room by the way of a fan.
Some people are often worried that because the fireplace can produce quite a bit of heat (that we want) it could be a fire hazard or safety issue.
Well…
This just isn’t the case.
In fact, they’re quite safe because it is only the heating coil that heats up.
And the rest of the unit stays relatively cool to the touch.
But to be on the safe side you should still want to keep it away from upholstery and drapery and don’t drape clothes over it and just walk away.
The flames of these devices are becoming more and more realistic.
This is because of the Dimplex company that patented a technology called the Optiflame.
Which is basically the use of light bulbs…
That’s right!
They refract the light so that it creates a “dancing flame” effect.
How clever…
You can also have the comfort of the flames in electric fireplaces without heat so that they can be enjoyed throughout the year.
I like the idea a great deal as the hypnotic dance of the flames is such a great comfort even if the weather does not justify the heat.
But the flame, what can I say, it’s hard to do without even when drinking a nice cup of cocoa on a night that does not need the room heated.
You just stare at the flames – just like a fish tank.
We have all been there.
Haven’t we?
How Much Space Can An Electric Fireplace Heat Up?
I just knew you were going to ask me this question.
After all, you might have a mansion or a mini house.
These questions need to be answered.
In most cases, the average electric fireplace will use around about 1500 watts of electrical power per second.
With this electrical power about 5,000 BTUs (that’s the heat) can be produced.
On average this heat will heat up about 400-500 square feet of living space. Some companies may claim more, but this is the average.
However, there are some electric heaters that can heat up larger spaces, sometimes even up to 1000 square feet.
Because these units are designed to be used as a supplemental heat source, now don’t go setting up a real fireplace in the middle of your lounge and striking the match on the logs to be that extra supplemental heat, will you?
Not only is it a fire hazard – think of all the smoke you would cause.
Do Electric Fireplaces Use a Lot Of Electricity?
Well, we all need to know this one, don’t we…
There are some people that hesitate to get an electric fireplace because they think that they are going to be really expensive to run and make their electricity bill go sky high.
You will be glad to hear that Electric fireplaces use only around 1,500 watts of electricity.
These operational costs can range between 0.003 to 3 cents per hour when you use them strictly for decorative purposes that is…
The flames are activated but no heat is produced.
See we all like to look at the flames without the heat…
Here Are Some Arguable Reasons For Buying An Electric Fireplace
- Energy Efficient
- No Smoke
- Low Maintenance
- Low Cost
- FirePlace Safety
- Easy Installation
- Environmentally Friendly
Which Is The Best Electric Fireplace Heater
Now I could go on boringly about which is the best electric Fireplace for you.
But to tell the truth, I would be here all day working through all the clap-trap, boring you to tears.
If you don’t fall to asleep first.
It’s like having the electric fireplace reviews, without the long-winded fireplace reviews.
You might get so bored you turn off my site god forbid!
So where do we go from here, I am going to give you a rundown on what you should be looking for and then you can use this information to decide for yourself.
After all…
Your situation might be different from someone else’s.
We are all individuals are we not?
Fireplace Style
These Electric Flame effect heaters come in a range of all sizes and forms, sleek modern metal boxes (if you’re into that sort of thing (sorry, not a modernistic person here.
There are also old-style stove-like models (and they look great!).
Right down to the full-size fireplaces complete with those ceramic fake logs to a timber or even stone frame and mantelpiece.
There is also portable smaller size oven and fireplaces that you can move from one room to the other.
I have one and just love the ambience it gives me and it does project heat enough if you place it right in front of you.
Not too close, but it does still give off a fair wack of heat.
And of course, it gives the option of two heating choices and you can turn off the heat and watch the flames flicker away.
The Thermostat
Yes, some models do have a thermostat, switching the heating elements on and off to maintain the best room temperature you desire.
Who wants to get over hot if you can set a thermostat right?
The Fireplace Fan
Most electric fireplace models have a fan built-in, in order to distribute the warm air around the room, the heater should also be able to heat the room without the fan on.
If you don’t want to hear the fan for a quieter operation.
The Fireplace Controls
Arr….
Modern heaters….
These heaters usually offer a fairly simple range of controls, after all..
We don’t want to get too complicated, it’s a heater, not a computer.
And there are too many gadgets out there these days that are just too complicated to get your head around even if wanted to be bothered with them.
Having two heat settings ‘High and Low’, and the ability to operate the flame effect without the heating on should be standard in most electric fireplaces.
Some even have a remote control if you’re feeling lazy.
I mean that you are so comfortable that you just don’t want to get up and change it. Yes, that’s what I mean…
The Flame Dimmer
Now for that extra level of wanted ambience in your life, some electric fireplace models will also allow you to change the level of the flame itself to suit your individual mood at the time.
Fireplace Safety
You should be looking for all those usual safety features that any electric heater should have these days.
The portable models should have a tilt switch on it, that shuts the heater off just in case it is knocked over by accident.
And it should also have a safety mechanism that shuts the heater off if it overheats.
None of the outer surfaces should get too hot to the touch either.
These safety mechanisms are put there for reasons, say if you decide to drape some clothes over the heather.
You don’t want to come in and see smoke billowing up from your clothes or heavens sake… burn marks off your clothes.
Save that for the iron…
Fireplace Cord Length
Yes! The cord length is something that needs to be thought of.
It’s a good idea to make sure the electrical cord of the heater will reach your PowerPoint wherever it is, it could be in a difficult place or just one PowerPoint in one room, annoyingly.
Because you do know that you do use of an extension lead is not recommended for electric heaters apparently.
So there you are something else to remember when buying your heater.
The Cost of An Electric Fireplace
Now the cost of an electric fire heater can range from around $150 to $500. You can also pay around $2000 or more for a fully realistic fireplace model that will rock your socks off.
Would you pay a little more?
Fireplace Replacement Bulbs
Most of the flame-effect heaters these days do use a standard clear candle-type light bulb to create that flame-like effect and they should also be fairly simple to replace…
Now don’t quote me on that…
If the bulb goes out on the heater, the fireplace should continue to operate quite normally like a normal convection heater.
I am sure you can get the bulbs with not much trouble, just teasing