Can you install an electric fireplace on the wall?
Are you learning how to install a wall-mount electric fireplace?
Are you wondering how much installing an electric fireplace on the wall costs?
These are all the basic questions that will run through your head when you’re thinking about installing an electric fireplace in your house.
It’s common for people to perform such work using their DIY skills, the right materials, and tools. But most of the time, DIY isn’t as efficient and effective as professional installation when installing a fireplace unit.
Can I Install an Electric Fireplace Myself?
Wood-burning fireplaces or other fuel-powered fireplaces require the assistance of an engineer to make sure nothing goes wrong. Since it involves fuel consumption and supply, the presence of a professional to assist with the installation is of paramount importance.
On the other hand, the presence of an expert or qualified engineer isn’t that necessary when it comes to electric fireplaces. The electric fireplaces you have bought require proper fitting and running of the dedicated power line most safely.
Other than that, there’s nothing that would require a professional. So, if you know how a wall opening works and how you can fit things in it permanently, you can try installing an electric fireplace yourself.
Tools Required to Install an Electric Fireplace
You must have the right tools with you if you want to install your electric fireplace quickly, efficiently, and without damage.
Considering you know how to work in a wall opening and make way for an electric fireplace precisely, here’s a list of the main tools that you may need:
- Ladder
- Hammer
- Level
- Screwdriver
- Measuring tape
- Pliers
- Electric drill
- Framing/caulking materials
Materials Required
The list of materials that you need to install an electric fireplace will depend on the type of fireplace you’ve bought. For instance, a wall-mounted electric fireplace will require you to take out a ladder and grab another set of hands to help you out.
After considering how to install a recessed electric fireplace, you may require even more high-quality material to prevent any damage to it. Similarly, you will require high-quality caulking/framing materials for the touchstone sideline.
In addition, if you’re planning to convert a gas fireplace into an electric fireplace, you will require additional equipment to remove the gas line and seal it safely.
It can seem like the list of materials is unending. But in reality, you will only require a handful of tools to make sure you fit the fireplace perfectly without damaging or tripping over it.
Electric Fireplace Installation Steps
What are the main steps you have to follow for an electric fireplace installation? Here’s a list of the steps that you must follow to give your house interior a new sense of style and heating facility:
1. Grab the Tools
Find the necessary tools such as a screwdriver, ladder, pliers, level, hammer, electric drill, and whatnot. Once with the tools, move to the next step.
2. Find a Power Supply
You will require a professional electrician to hardwire the electric fireplace. Nevertheless, if you simply plan to plug it in, you will need an electrical outlet close to the fireplace with the specifications of at least 120 volts/ 15 amps.
3. Pick a Wall
If the fireplace has an open-end fire, make sure dust and moisture areas aren’t selected. Also, stay away or keep away from any items that catch fire easily. For better aesthetics, avoid installing it directly under the overhead lighting or sunlight.
4. Do a Trial Run
Test the fireplace by assembling it and plugging in everything. It will help you find any potential defect before you get on the ladder and start mounting it. Use the remote control, switch between multiple modes, and turn it on/off several times to check if it works satisfactorily.
5. Wall-Mounted Installation
If mounting the fireplace on the wall, insert the screws strongly through the wall studs. If not possible, go for plastic anchors. You have to use a solid bracket that has a high load-bearing capacity.
How Much Does it Cost to Install an Electric Fireplace?
How much to install an electric fireplace is the first question you will probably ask yourself. As you call the professionals, it will be the first question that you get the answer to.
You should remember that the costs to install an electric fireplace in place of any existing fireplaces may depend on various factors.
The electric fireplace costs for installation will be different if you opt to do it yourself compared to a professional installation. Likewise, even professional installation costs can vary among different service providers.
On the other hand, the installation costs will depend on what type of fireplace you’re opting for to replace your existing fireplaces.
How much to install an electric fireplace in the wall matters if you’re opting for a recessed or a wall-mounted fireplace.
How Much Does it Cost to Install on Your Own?
When you consider taking the DIY route, you should know that you will bear all the costs similar to a professional installation except labor costs. Unless you’re inclined to pay yourself, you will be paying for tools (if you don’t have them already), materials, and the fireplace itself.
How Much Does it Cost to Install an Electric Fireplace by Professionals?
When dealing with professionals to install an electric fireplace in your bedroom, the costs can vary.
But, the general average puts the installation cost somewhere between $1000 and $4000.
You may pay either $600 or even $2500 depending on the company you have approached and what type of fireplace we’re talking about.
Who Installs Electric Fireplaces?
The electric fireplaces are best installed by licensed, qualified, and experienced professionals. However, some homeowners have also done a good job installing fireplaces inside their homes without any professional help.
If you know how to handle certain tools, use a wall opening, and work with various electrical components of a fireplace, you can install it yourself.
It’s best to opt for professional installation if you don’t have any knowledge, experience, or DIY skills.
Of course, it will involve labor costs when you opt for professional support.
How to Install an Electric Fireplace Insert
Here are the steps that you must follow to install an electric fireplace insert:
- Place a cover plate over your chimney
- Seal the damper and close it properly
- Install an electrical outlet if you don’t have one nearby
- Insert the firebox inside the wall-opening carefully
- Place the trim/frame firmly over the firebox once inserted properly
How to Install an Electric Fireplace in a Wall
Here are the steps you have to take if you’re planning to install a wall-mounted electric fireplace:
- Pick a place near the specified power outlet or install a new outlet at your designated fireplace wall location
- Attach the brackets to the wall using nails/screws/bolts/ or whatever’s strongest
- Place the fireplace on the brackets and fasten the bottom of the fireplace to the bottom of the brackets
- Hang the fireplace hang on the brackets once tightened from underneath
- If you have an extra bracket, place it at the bottom of the fireplace
- Plug the power cord and turn on the electric fireplace.
How to Install Electric Fireplace in Existing Fireplace
To replace an existing fireplace with a new one, you will follow the installation steps mentioned earlier.
However, before those steps, you will have to use the following steps and remove the existing fireplace:
- Inquire what’s holding the mantel and fireplace surround (i.e., screws, bolts, or nails)
- Remove what’s holding the mantel / surround in place to detach it from the fireplace easily
- Once removed, unhinge/unbolt the firebox from the wall opening and remove it carefully
- Make sure it’s not plugged in and that it’s been off for a couple of hours to eliminate the heat
- Remove the firebox, and clean the wall opening before installing the new one
Conclusion
Even if you’re wondering how to install an electric fireplace insert into a cabinet (floor-level), Magik Flame can help you out. You will find a variety of electric fireplaces offering multiple functions, countless décor variations, and mantle compatibilities.
Check out the range of electric fireplaces that you can get through us.
Make sure you opt for professional installation after getting your desired electric fireplace to prevent any damage or unintentional cost rises from those damages.
Professionals can install a wall-mounted fireplace or even a recessed electric fireplace with extreme ease.
