Electric fireplace heaters are a convenient and stylish method of adding warmth to a space. These models use ceramic plates to warm the air, which then circulates throughout the room.
In contrast to forced-air systems, these units remain cool to the touch and don't blast dust and allergens into your home. These units also come with features such as overheat protection, CSA Group certification and a cooling system that is cool to the touch.
Power
Electric fireplace heaters, as the name suggests, use electricity to produce flames and heat. They plug into a power outlet and are easy to use. Electric fires are also mobile and can be moved from room to room unlike traditional wood or gas fireplaces that require a professional installation and venting.
Many of these devices draw a maximum of 1500 watts. This is around 5100 BTU's in an hour. This is enough to cool a small office or room. Some of the most advanced models connect to 240 volts using an individual line. These models typically have a stronger heater that can deliver up to 5000 BTU's in an hour. This is enough to warm a medium or large space, but you'll require the lower setting for the flame and set the thermostat a bit higher.
On average an electric fireplace will cost 8-9 cents per hour to run the flames and up to $100 per year to run both the flames and heater. This is a lot lower than a natural wood or gas fireplace which could cost between 30 and 160 cents per hour to operate with a heater turned on at its highest setting.
Besides the cost savings in electric fireplaces, they don't emit harmful fumes or soot as gas or wood fires that can be a relief for those with asthma and other breathing conditions. They also do away with the need for chimneys and ducting to be installed and save upfront and ongoing maintenance costs.
A lot of electric fires have the option of operating without or with warmth, which makes them suitable for use year-round. This can be beneficial for entertaining or as a supplemental source of warmth during an event is taking place outside. You can also use the flames by themselves to create a cozy ambience in your home or office during warmer temperatures. You can set up an electric fire in an individual wall or a piece furniture, like a mantel. This can make the unit look more seamless to your decor and could be a more appealing alternative to a plain looking outlet.Heat output
Electric fireplace heaters can heat a space with minimal energy. This lets them be used all year round without the need for regular maintenance like sweeping, cleaning or vacuuming, and they cost significantly less than traditional fireplaces, even when they are in operation all day. The cost of venting and fuel is not included in the cost, so they are an option that is more affordable for homeowners.
The amount of heat generated by an electric fireplace is contingent on the type of heating system used and the voltage that is applied to it. MagikFlame for instance will usually list the BTU potential of their electric fireplaces in the product description or the specifics to make sure that customers are aware of the amount of heat it can produce.
As a rule, a standard 5,000 Btu electric fireplace is able to heat a room of around 400 sq ft in size. However larger rooms and homes with higher ceilings may require a more powerful unit that generates more heat to effectively warm the room.
Electric fireplaces typically use two different methods to generate heat that is convection and radiant heat. The former involves blowing hot air into the room through top vents, which then is heated up by the objects and people that are in the path of the air. The latter uses infrared radiation to heat the furniture's surfaces and the people inside the room, which then radiates warmth to the surrounding areas.The most common way that an electric fireplace creates flame effects is by making use of LED lights and mirrors to create a lifelike effect. The more advanced units typically use water vapor systems that produces an authentic smoke effect which looks so realistic, guests are likely to be astonished when they first look at it.
Regardless of the type of heat electric fireplaces generate it will come with a variety of features that allow you to personalize your experience. These include adjustable temperature settings, fireplacesandstoves the possibility to activate the timer, remote control functionality and many more. By choosing the features that are most suitable for your requirements, you can make your electric fireplace more comfortable to use and benefit from its advantages more fully.
Safety
Like any other electric device, an electric fireplace heater is not without its risks. These risks are much lower than those of gas or wood fireplaces. Electric fireplaces do not produce sparks or carbon monoxide, and are generally safe to use around children. They also tend to have lower temperatures of heating and are generally more efficient than traditional fireplaces, meaning they require less space. This makes them a great choice for smaller rooms and homes with pets and children.
Electric fireplaces are a great option to recreate the look of a real fire without the risks. They don't have actual flames, but rather a special screen that emits fake flames that emit only a tiny amount of heat behind them. The result is a safe and easy to use fireplace that can be placed on any wall in the house. A lot of fireplaces come with glass that is protected and stays cool to the touch and can keep burns away from contact with the unit.
Electric fireplaces aren't any different. Their safety is dependent on how they're maintained and used. Ensure that the fireplace is correctly mounted to the wall and away from areas of high traffic to avoid it being knocked over. Additionally, make sure the fireplace is not in direct contact with combustible materials and that it doesn't block the vents where hot air is released.
When not in use the fireplace should not be plugged. It is recommended to speak with an electrical service provider for residential use if you plan on making any mechanical or electrical changes to the heater, since this can help reduce the chance of accidents.
It is also a good idea to check the cord regularly for signs of wear. It is recommended to replace them when they begin to show signs of wear or damaged. In addition it is not recommended that the fireplace be installed close to water or exposed to humid areas like bathrooms, laundry rooms, gardens and yards.
Design
Imagine sitting in a comfy chair with an e-book and a cup of hot chocolate with the flickering flames of a fireplace in the distance. This is possible with an electric fireplace heater. These fireplaces give the appearance of a real fire using reflective mirrors and LED lighting. Some are equipped with a water-vapor heating system that creates smoke that appears almost real.
In addition to giving the illusion of fire, electric fireplaces also generate heat by fanned air circulation. This makes them more adaptable than traditional fireplaces which rely on gas or wood that must be kept away from combustible materials and have safety precautions such as ventilation. Electric fireplaces are regarded to be safer than other heating methods, since they do not release carbon monoxide, fumes or smoke. Certain electric fireplaces might require an appropriate distance between them and the combustible material but this will be contingent on the appliance.
Based on the design of your electric fireplace, it can be used as a decorative accent or as a practical heater for your home. Many models are designed to be wall-mounted or recessed in the wall. A few include installation instructions, so you can put it precisely where you'd like it to be. They're also a great option for bedrooms since they can be used to create a warm and relaxing ambience.
Some electric fireplaces feature minimalist designs with a black frame to highlight the flames. This will draw attention to the focal part of your room. You can pair these with neutral furniture and striking styles to create a contemporary design that is both inviting and visually attractive. Certain models also have backlights which can be used as mood lighting or for a night light to increase the ambience of your space.
Many electric fireplaces can be controlled using a smartphone app or a remote control. This provides an additional level of convenience. They can be set to automatically turn off and on depending on your schedule and temperature preferences. They can also be used to control other smart home gadgets like thermostats and lights.
