When it comes to maintaining an electric fireplace in your home, you’ll need to be prepared when minor issues arrive, or repairs are needed. Electric fireplaces are favored among consumers because of their low-maintenance design and operation, but they still need attention from time to time. If you have a lightbulb that eventually burns out, it’s important to know how to replace it and perform a bulb replacement.
In this post, you’ll learn:
- How to Change the Lightbulb in an Electric Fireplace
- Choosing the Right Fireplace to Own
- How to Maintain a Fireplace
- The Best Electric Inserts to Purchase
- Reasons to Own an Electric Insert
- Where to Place the Fireplace
How to Change the Lightbulb in an Electric Fireplace
Many people are unsure what to do when a lightbulb in their fireplace burns out, especially if they’re not experienced in handling electrical issues in the home. Although it may seem intimidating to perform any maintenance on your fireplace, the task is simple and easy to complete. You don’t need to be mechanically inclined and only need a screwdriver to fix the parts. When learning how to change the lightbulb in an electric fireplace, there are a few simple steps to take, which are easy to perform in a few minutes.
Locate the off button before you start handling the parts to avoid contact with any hot surfaces. Unplug the power cord from the outlet, as well as the circuit breaker, and allow the light bulb to cool off for 10 to 15 minutes before you touch anything. Locate the rear access panel on the back of the feature and unscrew all the screws to access the inside of the insert. This panel may also be on the front of some models. The old light bulb that needs to be replaced should be easy to reach and easy to unscrew in a counter-clockwise motion from the lamp holder. You may also have halogen bulbs depending on the model, making it necessary to wear gloves to protect your bare hands. If the oil transfers from your skin to the glass on the bulb, it can dim the lighting and shorten its lifespan.
Screw in the new bulb in a clockwise direction before putting the rear access door back onto the unit. Insert the screws and plug in the insert to ensure the new bulb is illuminated and works well.
When discarding the old bulb, consider wrapping it in thick paper before throwing it out to prevent the glass from breaking in the trash bin.
Choosing the Right Fireplace to Own
If you’re in the market for a new fireplace, it’s important to know what to look for to ensure you can narrow down your top choices and select the best product for your needs. There are dozens of brands in the industry, which means you have a lot of options to consider when making your selection.
Start by considering some of the top brands that are available. Reading online reviews will give you an idea of what brands are the most trusted and reliable. The reviews can allow you to determine which ones are the most favored by consumers and the ones that have the most issues. Some of the top brands include Duraflame, MagikFlame, and Dimplex. Although the brands may be similar, they vary in the quality and value of the fireplaces they sell.
There are different factors to review when comparing each manufacturer. Start by looking at their background and how they got started. The MagikFlame story is unique because it includes Howard Birnbaum, an entrepreneur with an extensive background creating f/x special effects for some of the top movies in the film industry. As a technology geek, he was looking to find a fireplace that is electric and looks similar to a wood-burning fireplace without any success. He decided to take matters into his own hands and build his own fireplace. He was the first to create holographic technology, which is now patented.
The fireplaces created by Birnbaum used a computer with rudimentary software to create stunning and realistic flame effects with a screen that sits behind the faux log set in the firebox. Birnbaum also recruited his father, a wordsmith, to create the fireplace surround to create a stunning feature. The brand was birthed out of the fireplace and changed the industry with the advanced technology used.
Today, the company has a MagikFlame electric fireplace buying guide for customers to view with the different models they now offer. The fireplaces are unique because they’re built with a built-In 5,200 BTU heater, 30 realistic flames, and crackling log sounds for the complete experience when you want to sit by the fire. The models also come with an app to ensure you can adjust the settings with your smartphone and use it as a remote control.
The Dimplex electric fireplace is also a top contender but has fewer flame variations compared to MagikFlame. The flames look like they’re in the middle of the logs instead of behind them, which creates a realistic effect that is innovative. Unfortunately, the faux flames are not as high as other brands and are not as bright as videos that are used to create a realistic effect. The flames also don’t include certain details like smoke or embers.
How to Maintain a Fireplace
Knowing how to change the lightbulb in a fireplace is an important part of learning how to maintain the feature for repairs that aren’t covered under a warranty. There are also other ways to care for the feature to ensure it continues to operate well without any issues.
Cleaning the fireplace is crucial to preserve the materials and the beauty of the feature. Start by unplugging the feature to avoid any electrical issues or accidents as you have contact with the parts. Although you may not need to remove any ashes from the firebox because real wood isn’t burned inside, dust can still accumulate over time on the different parts. Remove the four screws on the panel and gently remove the glass panel on the front while wearing gloves to protect your hands from the glass. Wipe the ember bed, candelabra, or log set with a clean, dry cloth. You can also use window cleaner to remove smudges or dirt that has accumulated on both sides of the glass with a lint free cloth. Wait until the moisture is completely dry to put the glass panel back on the fireplace to prevent water spots from forming. Consider using a light while cleaning the small crevices and surfaces to ensure you can spot where dirt is present.
After you figure out how to change the lightbulb in an electric fireplace, there are other components to focus on, which includes the fan. The blower is another component that needs to be cleaned throughout the year to maintain its operation and prevent excess wear from developing over time. Fortunately, most fans come pre-lubricated and don’t require a lot of attention with frequent use of the fireplace. It should spin smoothly without any resistance. On this component, you can use a vacuum with an attachable wand nozzle and a brush to clean small crevices and remove any dust that is present to get into the smalls spaces. Avoid using any abrasive cleaners, which can remove some of the finish on the parts and can cause the fireplace to look dull over time.
Using the right bulbs in the fireplace is also necessary to maintain the beautiful design of the flames and show off the features of the product. Consider stocking up on a few of the bulbs that are recommended for the model to ensure you can quickly replace them and continue using the fireplace.
You can also read the owner’s manual for further instructions depending on the type of model you own. Aside from changing a light bulb at times or dusting off the internal components, the fireplace doesn’t require extra maintenance throughout the year, even with daily use.
With this type of fireplace, you also don’t have to worry about performing a chimney cleaning once a year to remove the build-up of creosote. This also means there’s never the risk of chimney fires occurring.
If you own a Dimplex Opti-myst fireplace, you’ll need to refill the water reservoir in-between to keep the flames illuminated as the mist is released.
The Best Electric Inserts to Purchase
When you’re looking to enhance the quality of your setting and make it more comfortable, an electric insert can offer a cozy touch that makes your house feel more inviting. The type of fireplace you decide to use will determine how warm the room gets during the colder seasons. The quality of the product also determines how visually appealing the product looks in the home, which can enhance the market value of your house.
Electric inserts should have quality materials to ensure they last. Look for a brand like MagikFlame that manufacturers all its products in the USA to ensure you can invest in a product that will operate better and last longer. Not only will you get a better product when it’s American-made, but it’s also easier to perform repairs because the parts are easier to find in the country than overseas. Learning how MagikFlame is built, as well as other companies can allow you to discover which products are worth their cost. You can also inquire about a warranty that may come with the product to ensure any necessary repairs are covered for a period of time. The warranty may come with the product and cover the first year of use. You may also be able to purchase a warranty for additional time. Dimplex and MagikFlame are known to include a warranty or manufacturer’s guarantee with each product.
You can also read reviews to get an idea of what to expect with each fireplace option that’s available on the market. Reviews are often posted on the manufacturer’s website or on different online blogs that compared some of the top fireplaces on the market. MagikFlame reviews are available on both Amazon and the company’s website and can offer peace of mind before moving forward with your decision. This is also where you should be able to find a photo idea gallery to see how customers have put their fireplaces on display.
Excellent customer service is another aspect of choosing a quality brand to purchase your new fireplace from in the future. Companies like MagikFlame strive to offer VIP customer service with live agents available to take calls and answer your questions. Whether you want to learn more about payment plans and financing or are troubleshooting certain issues, you can obtain assistance before and after purchasing the electric fireplace for added convenience and accommodation.
Reasons to Own an Electric Insert
There are many reasons more people are opting to use an electric insert instead of other types of options that are available in the industry. With an electric fireplace, you can reduce your energy usage on the property and also reduce your carbon footprint to create a greener home that is more eco-friendly. Most fireplaces have 1500 wattage or 12.5 amp. This type of fireplace is more energy-efficient than other options on the market and doesn’t release harmful contaminants or particles into the air. It also doesn’t lose a lot of the heat it produces through the chimney compared to traditional fireplaces. 100 percent of the heat it produces is released into the home for
You don’t have to worry about the risk of carbon monoxide exposure in the home and don’t need to install carbon monoxide detectors throughout the space.
The fireplaces are also more cost-effective to own because they minimize your energy usage and cost less to operate compared to a gas fireplace. They cost as low as three cents per hour to operate when the heating element is turned off. The cost is an average of eight cents per hour when the heating element is in use inc conjunction with the flame effects. The rate also varies depending on the region where you live.
They also don’t require purchasing wood logs to keep the fire burning. When you choose to use the heat feature on the product, the built-in thermostat makes it easy to set the exact temperature you desire. The amount of heat it emits can supplement your main heating system and reduce your energy usage.
The installation process is also simple and straightforward without requiring any modifications to the building. You don’t have to install any vents, chimneys, or gas lines to get it operating because it doesn’t produce any smoke that needs to be released. This makes it an ideal option for renters because they can incorporate the feature into a property that they’re renting. The portable design also makes it easy to pick up and transport to a new property when it’s time to relocate.
You can install the fireplace yourself without the help of a professional for added savings. Many fireplace models are also simple enough to install with a screwdriver, meaning you don’t have to purchase additional tools or equipment to begin using it.
Many cities have restrictions in place with how frequently you can have a fire when you’re burning wood. With an electric fireplace, you don’t have to worry about getting fined and can use it as much as you prefer. The ability to turn off the heating element during the warmer months of the year also makes it possible to use the feature year-round and enjoy the flame effects. The fireplace will create a cozy ambience in the setting when you’re hosting guests without heating the building. When leaving the fireplace on, it can also allow you to select the flame effect you prefer to suit your mood or the occasion. You can even view a flame gallery in advance to review the different options available.
Those with children or pets in the home also appreciate the safe design of the feature because the glass panels don’t get hot to the touch. Residents and pets in the home can sit close to the feature without worrying about getting burned. The lack of real fire also offers added safety because embers don’t fall out of the firebox and into the room. There’s no risk of a fire, and you can place furniture items or decor pieces close to the fixture without any fears of an accident occurring.
How to Extend the Lifespan of Your Fireplace
Once you invest in a new fireplace, you likely want to make it last as long as possible to avoid replacing it in the near future. Fortunately, there are many steps you can take to extend the lifespan of the new feature to ensure you can get more use of it for many years to come. With enough care and maintenance, you can use it for an average of 20 years.
It’s important to keep the cord of the fireplace concealed behind the fixture to prevent animals or kids from damaging the wires.
Some fireplace models come with a timer, which can allow you to turn off the thermostat at a specific time instead of allowing the fireplace to stay on throughout the day or not. Leaving the feature running can burn out the light bulbs quicker and lead to excess wear on the parts. It’s also important to replace the bulbs every two years to ensure the fireplace continues to operate well.
You can also increase the lifespan by hiring a professional technician to perform a routine inspection on the feature to inspect the parts and determine if anything needs attention. Servicing the feature before it’s too late can prevent more severe issues from developing and can prevent it from breaking down in the middle of a cold winter day.
Where to Place the Fireplace
One of the main benefits that come with owning this type of plug-in fireplace is how easy it is to move around. The feature is easy for two people to lift and can allow you to move it to a different area when you’re changing the layout of the room in your home. This can also make it easy to perform maintenance on it after you learn how to change the lightbulb in an electric fireplace
Measure the freestanding fireplace in advance to determine where it can be placed. Placing it on the wall across from the entrance of the room can allow it to become the main focal point in the space and can make it easier to situate your furniture around the product. Placing the feature near a stunning light fixture or chandelier can also create a dramatic effect. It’s also important to consider how much it protrudes out to ensure it doesn’t clash with nearby items.
Look for a spot with a standard outlet with 110 volts or 120 volts to ensure you can plug the cord in to turn it on each time. Avoid using an extension cord, which can lead to fires if too much energy surges through the wires.
Some fireplaces are also designed to fit in the corner of the room, which offers a space-saving design that can free up more room in the home. The unique look of a corner fireplace can also allow it to add extra visual appeal and work well in smaller spaces like apartments or condos.
The compact size of the fireplace also accommodates rooms with less square footage. It doesn’t take up as much space or protrude as far out as traditional fireplaces.
Once you learn how to change the lightbulb in your fireplace, it can be easier to have more confidence maintaining the feature and keeping it illuminated year-round. You can continue to get plenty of use out of the feature and enjoy the warmth it offers to your interior setting.
