Electric Fireplaces

Convenience: Electric fireplaces provide the comfort, ambience, and warmth of a traditional wood or gas-fueled fireplace, but ventless, and without the need for gas lines. Electric fireplaces are easy to use and do not require any special installation. They can be plugged in and turned on with the flip of a switch.

Safety: Electric fireplaces do not produce any real flames, so there is no risk of fire. This makes them a safer choice for homes with children or pets.

Cost: Electric fireplaces are typically less expensive to install and operate than gas or wood-burning fireplaces. They do not require any special fuel or costly maintenance.

Environmental benefits: Electric fireplaces do not produce any emissions, so they are a more environmentally-friendly choice than gas or wood-burning fireplaces.

Versatility: Electric fireplaces can be installed in any room of a home, and they come in a variety of styles and sizes to suit any decor.

Heating: Many electric fireplaces come with a built-in heater, making them a convenient way to add supplemental heat to a room.

They don’t actually make flames. Electric fireplaces use LED lights and a reflective panel to create the appearance of flames. The LED lights are typically orange, yellow, and red and are positioned behind a reflective panel, which helps to spread the light and create the illusion of a real fire. Some electric fireplaces also have a fan that blows air over the LED lights to create a flickering effect, further enhancing the illusion of a real fire.

The firebox, which is the heating source for the fireplace, does heat up as it is used, however most fireplaces have a cool-to-the-touch feature making them safe to touch. The surrounding mantel or media console does not get hot and is safe for kids and pets to be around.

Electric fireplaces are generally less expensive to operate than gas or wood-burning fireplaces. The cost of operating an electric fireplace will depend on the size of the unit and the cost of electricity in your area, on average it costs approximately $.03 per hour to operate the flames and $.08 per hour to operate the flames and heater together.

Yes, Electric fireplaces are 100% efficient, and cost significantly less than gas fireplaces to operate.

No, electric fireplaces cannot be converted to gas because electric fireplaces are not made to withstand actual flames; instead they are a combination of a heater and a fire-like display case to create the illusion of flames. In addition, electric fireplaces are not vented; however gas fireplaces must be vented.

Yes, electric fireplaces can be built into a wall. This is called a "wall-mounted electric fireplace" or a "recessed electric fireplace." Wall-mounted electric fireplaces are designed to be mounted on a wall, just like a flat-screen television. They can be installed at any height and do not require a chimney or vent. Recessed electric fireplaces are designed to be installed in a wall, with just the front of the fireplace visible. They are often used to give the appearance of a traditional fireplace without the need for a chimney or vent.

No, Electric fireplaces do not create any emissions and therefore do not need to be vented through a chimney, direct vent, or other source like gas and wood fireplaces do.

Since the structure of the fireplace, whether it’s a mantel or media console, doesn’t heat up during use, electric fireplaces are safe to place on carpeted floors and will not harm hardwood or tile flooring.

Since electric fireplaces are basically space heaters, it is all right to leave them on overnight if the space where it is located needs the supplemental heat. It would not be advisable to leave them on when you leave the home or building where it is located.

You can place a TV over your electric fireplace as long as the heat is blown out from the bottom, not the top.

Some electric fireplaces come assembled and only need to be plugged into an outlet prior to using. Others need to be assembled and come with easy to follow instructions that include the placement of the firebox in the mantel or media console framework.
Other models are designed to be installed in a wall and can be hardwired for a sleek appearance.

Wall-mounted fireplaces require two persons to install due to their size. Full instructions are included with each fireplace, but they require a hole in the wall large enough to accommodate the fireplace frame. If it doesn’t previously exist, you will need to create one. This may require a contractor if studs are impacted.
Wall-mounted electric fireplaces are usually hard-wired though some have plugs which will require an outlet. Hard-wired models will need to meet local electrical codes with a dedicated branch circuit to avoid tripping of fuses. This doesn’t necessarily mean that an electrician is required, but if you don’t feel comfortable wiring it, that may be the wisest choice.