Nothing is better than reminiscing and unwinding in the colder months in front of a fireplace. Fireplaces are often the focal point of a living room and a significant home feature. They provide warmth and tranquility even when the weather outside is dreary from winter’s effects.
Having a fireplace can be beneficial, but conventional fireplaces can be challenging to maintain over time. Therefore, you should consider shopping for an electric fireplace if you want a fireplace but don’t want the hassle of maintaining a traditional one.
Here are some benefits you can enjoy if you choose an electric fireplace:
- It Requires Minimal Upkeep
The unrelenting maintenance of a traditional fireplace might deter you from installing one in your home. Burning wood produces smoke and ashes which ascend the chimney, leaving behind a soot deposit. Therefore, you must clean your chimney regularly to ensure smoke can smoothly rise and escape the house. You would also have to clean up the ash from burning the logs.
However, this is rarely the case with quality electric fireplaces, such as the modern flames fireplaces. Since you are not burning actual wood, there are no fumes or fireplace smoke, and these fireplaces require far less upkeep than conventional varieties. There is no need to clean ash or wood, and there is no fireplace to clean. To use it, you have to switch on the fireplace and turn off the switch when you’re done.
- It Conserves Energy
If you use your home’s central heating frequently throughout the winter, your energy cost might increase significantly. A fireplace installed on the wall can efficiently heat your house space without considerably raising your power cost. This supplementary heating strategy is highly efficient and does a great job of maintaining a comfortable temperature in the home while reducing energy bills.
Even though a wide range of heaters can work well as supplementary heating, electric fireplaces are some of the most effective and efficient. Portable heaters and infrared heaters are also great ways to keep warm. Since electric fireplaces consume far less power than conventional home heating methods, they T substantially reduce your utility bills, especially during the winter.
- It is Easy to Install
When it comes to electric fireplaces, you do not need to worry about extensive renovation or pulling down a wall to install one. In many cases, plugging the device into an available outlet and leaning it up against a wall is usually sufficient. Therefore, it will be suitable for small homes or even flats with limited space that need a fireplace. Besides, the installation process is typically straightforward and doesn’t take long.
How you install your fireplace will depend on the style you choose. Some can be mounted on the wall in rooms with limited floor space, while others can stand alone. You can also match some electric fireplaces with your entertainment center or fit in with them. Everything depends on you. The only challenging aspect of the installation process is determining where to attach the device.
- It is Safer Than a Conventional Fireplace
When it comes to fireplaces, safety issues come up quite often. Traditional fireplaces can generate harmful fumes, can get extremely hot, or even pose a threat to children. Therefore, you won’t have to worry about your kids’ safety around the fireplace when you switch to electricity.
These fireplaces warm a space yet remain cold to the touch, so children and dogs will not be harmed if they get too close. In addition, most electric fireplaces include automatic shut-off functions, so you don’t have to worry about them running while you’re away.
- It Conserves Space
An electric fireplace requires less space, especially if you intend to install a wall-mounted electric fireplace. It will occupy less than one foot of your space. Due to their ease of installation, you can install electric fireplaces almost anywhere.
This may not be the case for wood-burning fireplaces, which must be positioned in a specified area of the house. An electric one can be a great choice if your home has a minimalist design or your living room is too small for a conventional fireplace.
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Image source: https://www.pexels.com/photo/cozy-living-room-with-electric-fireplace-and-comfortable-couch-6283964/
3 Important Factors to Consider When Installing an Electric Fireplace
- Electric setup
Electric fireplaces typically require nothing more than a regular electrical socket. Nevertheless, this outlet requires a separate circuit breaker. Check to see whether there are any available electric sockets where you plan to put your fireplace.
- Heat output
The desired heat output must be proportional to the size of the room being heated. Most electric fireplaces generate 5,000 BTUs, which can warm up to 400 square feet.
- Fireplace preferences
Electric fireplaces have become increasingly efficient due to their efficiency and lack of clutter. However, remember that you cannot use your fireplace if the electricity goes out. Also, if you live in a region with frequent power outages, you should consider a gas or wood fireplace.
Image source: https://www.pexels.com/photo/green-walls-inside-of-a-house-4030075/
Conclusion
Since the colder season is almost here, now is the best time to review and reevaluate how your home is ready. Your fireplace is an important device to install and prepare for the winter.
A decent fireplace can serve several purposes. Besides providing warmth to you and your family, I t also adds to the visual appeal of your house. Moreover, due to technological and mechanical advancements, electric fireplaces are increasingly more popular than conventional fireplaces. Numerous homes employ it for its affordability, convenience, safety, and other benefits.
