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How to Install a Recessed Electric Fireplace?

Fireplace put out heat

There are various kinds of electric fireplaces, those that are floor-level and wall-mounted fireplaces. Wall-mounted fireplaces sometimes appear as recessed electric fireplace that seems to be inside the wall. If you know how to install a recessed electric fireplace, you can make your home appear more attractive. You can even achieve an astounding visual effect with a simple trick. You will also be better positioned to help a friend or a colleague get a unit installed at their home. Borrow on the skills you have added to your knowledge base and the experience you will gain working with the recessed electric fireplaces.

Unlike many other electric fireplaces, a recessed fireplace is a design concept. It is flush with the wall and does not protrude beyond it. This means that a majority of the fireplace stays out of sight, with merely the heating effect and the controls remaining visible. The design is intended to save on space but still provide a convenient means of heating a home. This fireplace will be comfortable and easily hidden from sight inside the wall.

Knowing how to install a recessed electric fireplace can save time and money. You can do most of the necessary work without needing help, and most of the steps are easy to follow. You also get to upgrade your fireplace’s look and feel and neatly conceal the fireplace into the available space within your wall. This way, you get to save on space in the living room, which means that you and your family members get to have more space to gather. 

In this post, you will learn:

  • What is a Recessed Electric Fireplace?
  • Installation Requirements for the DIY Fireplace
  • How to Install a Recessed Electric Fireplace
  • When to get help with the installation
  • Benefits of a Recessed Electric Fireplace
  • Different Recessed Electric Fireplaces

You will also learn the simple tricks and how to install a recessed electric fireplace in the open spaces of the wall in record time. You will be able to cut down on the installation time.

You will also learn the important things to note as you undertake the DIY installation of the electric fireplace unit at your home.

What is a recessed electric fireplace?

What Is a Recessed-Electric Fireplace
Electric fireplaces have come a long way and are now the easy choice for upgrading your home.

A recessed fireplace is known to add elegance to your home. There are different kinds of fireplaces to choose from that are easy to install. The hanging fireplaces burn clean and are not known to give off any harmful byproducts such as soot or smoke. They can be installed just about anywhere, which is a huge benefit compared to traditional fireplaces.

The traditional counterparts are large and not a workable option for renters who want to add a fire feature to their homes. The fireplace also adds an amazing new look while giving your room personality.

They can keep you feeling comfortable and relaxed all year round, and their design ensures that they do not interrupt the flow of the room. A convenient design of the recessed fireplace means that it will simply stay out of the way.

Installation requirements for a fireplace

With a bit of electrical and woodworking knowledge, you can install the recessed electric fireplace on your own. You will be required to have with you:

  • Building materials such as caulking, framing, and wall finishing
  • Tools such as a hammer, saw, measuring tape, level, gloves, pliers, a screwdriver, and a drill.

For electric fireplaces, they can be installed on combustible surfaces with no fireproofing needed. In addition to the materials and tools requirements, some clearance requirements are usually associated with electric fireplaces. For one, keep the touchstone and the front of the fireplace 3 feet away from combustible materials, including bedding, curtains, furniture, and paper. The other elements of the fireplace will have a lesser clearance for combustibles ranging from two feet to ¼ inches.

As a touchstone to your installation, make sure that the fireplace and all its components work before proceeding with the installation. You can also read through the warranty for the relevant legal obligations of the manufacturer.

You can test this by plugging it into the electrical outlet and playing with the LED lights and heat. If it is working, you are cleared to proceed with the installation.

How to install a recessed electric fireplace

As a touchstone to your installation, ensure that the fireplace and its components work before installation. You can test this by plugging it into the electrical outlet and playing with the LED lights and heat. If it is working, you are cleared to proceed with the installation. You should also read through the warranty for the relevant legal obligations of the manufacturer.

Frame the wall

Check your electric fireplace installation manual for the size of the wall opening. This is usually ¼” bigger than the dimensions of the firebox. It does not matter if you have wooden studs or drywall, as both will still serve their function on your recessed electric fireplace.

The frame is also essential as an outline for where you will install your fireplace (even if it is a fake fireplace for bedroom). You are advised to take your time to ensure that it is of the correct size and can comfortably accommodate the electric fireplace that you intend to fix into the wall.

Connect to the power outlet

Typically, most recessed fireplaces have a cord that you can plug into the standard electrical outlet. You will have to plug in the electric fireplace insert it into a power source to get it working. If you are unfamiliar with electricity, you can request the services of a licensed electrician.

This will ensure that you have adhered to the electrical standards, requirements, and regulations that have been put in place by the authority and haven’t gone against any existing rules. Connecting to the power outlet proves whether the electricity system can supply the firebox with the required energy and confirms that it is within safety parameters.

Insert the fireplace in the opening

This is a task that might require two people owing to the weight of the electric fireplace insert.

All you need to do is lift the fireplace, ensure that it is well embedded into the opening, and then level it. Typically, this will require some assistance and while you are getting it into place, ensure that all electrical wires and cords are in line and do not loosen while installing. Some of the wires and cords might come off while you are undertaking this step, and as such, you should make sure not to pull anything.

Attach the fireplace to the wall with screws

With the help of the screwdriver, which we mentioned in your list of requirements, attach the fireplace to the wall using screws. This should be an easy job because the electric fireplace is already in place and all you have to do is ensure that it has been fixed into place.

Tighten the screws and ensure that the fireplace holds tightly to the wall without being shaky or loose. This is expected to be a permanent feature, and as such, it should not come off easily but instead stay firmly attached to the wall.

Insert decorative media

Usually, your electric fireplace comes together with a touch screen and other decorative media, making the fireplace look like a traditional fireplace.

Amantii units have an LED screen with different flame effects, which you can change with the setting. Dimplex fireplaces have a similar feature; all you have to do for it to work is insert it into the fireplace surround and fix it correctly.

You can insert burning logs and flame glass in the fireplace once it has been fixed to the wall and change it any time after installation. You can always upgrade the decoration used within the fireplace as they are not fixed features.

If you want to feature the current seasons a new set of visual effects or a new set of flame effects, you will need to replace the fireplace features and get the rest of the setup going.

Install the front glass panel

To finish the entire installation process, you will need to cover the fireplace with a glass panel. This completes the look you intended to achieve and provides a safety feature known to control heating and prevent anyone who accidentally touches the fireplace from getting burned.

The glass panel insulates the heat within the system and ensures that the outside of the fireplace stays cool. The inside might still be scorching, but the glass panel ensures that this heat does not go beyond the front panel. This way, it stays safe and secure without causing harm or damage to anyone.

When to Get Help with the Installation

The installation process for a recessed fireplace is simple enough, with the only complicated part being the lifting. Lifting the fireplace into place within your wall requires some support, and you should get someone to assist you in doing this. The rest is a simple one-person job that you can do at your own pace. It is not complicated, and you can get it done, provided you have the necessary tools and materials at your disposal.

Suppose you feel uncomfortable doing the electrical installation by yourself. In that case, you can always seek an electrician’s services who will be more than happy to help you get the electric fireplace installed into the space you need it.

The electrician will also be able to upgrade your electricity and power supply and ensure that all your connections are safe and ideal for the fireplace. Generally, a fireplace should not have a power source that is easily disconnected.

It is much better to have the cord integrated with the rest of your home wiring most of the time. This prevents the unit from developing problems with power management. It becomes easier to detect the issues and trace them to their source with a dedicated line. 

You don’t have to do everything yourself, as assistance during the installation can prevent many of the little details that you may have unintentionally overlooked. If you intend to install the recessed wall-mounted fireplace, you can seek a professional’s help to achieve it.

However, a temporary installation will be more costly when you get service, and you are better off doing this on your own. However, do not forget the installation steps and procedures even when carrying it out independently.

Benefits of a recessed electric fireplace

A recessed electric fireplace is a maintenance-free addition to your home that offers the following benefits:

New technology

Modern electric fireplaces are an excellent way to keep your home warmed up. The fireplaces feature more innovations and styles that make them better than their earlier models. Modern fireplaces are built with an ambiance in mind. They have technology resembling traditional wood-burning and gas fireplaces that rely on a gas line.

The technology can feature a flame gallery or a photo idea gallery when you don’t want the flame. Dimplex technology makes the wall mount electric fireplace a practical part of heating the house and doubling up as a means of temperature regulation.

You can automate heat settings and other safety features made possible thanks to the integration of technology in the wall-mounted electric fireplace.

For example, the remote control can change flame colors and the current flame effect. This is an effective way of making the fireplace a focal point of any home. It is well hidden out of sight but still noticeable enough to have a visual impact.

The focal point of the room

Focal-Point-of-the-Room
MagikFlame is the best choice for luxury and gorgeous interior design.

A recessed fireplace is usually the center of attention for many homes. They serve as a conversation starter when the visitors are around and have location versatility.

This means that the fireplace can be mounted on any wall and complements the décor in the room. Installation should factor into the equation of what the electric fireplace should achieve for the room’s occupants and what kind of visual upgrade it is supposed to provide.

Low maintenance

Low-Maintenance
MagikFlame saves you hours of cleaning time because it is so low maintenance.

The recessed electric fireplaces are smoke-free and do not require much in the way of maintenance. This eliminates any hassle of having a wood fireplace.

You also do not need to use a chimney when working with the recessed fireplace. Additionally, the fireplaces have the power of centralized control and can be easily turned on using a remote. The low maintenance also means that you do not have to spend a lot of time on maintenance and cleaning your recessed fireplace.

Easy to install

Usually, the recessed electric fireplace fits squarely within the wall. Provide your home with a clean and modern look. Traditional fireplaces can be expensive to install and maintain. Recessed electric fireplaces are different with easy-to-install pieces.

The package that arrives with the DIY fireplace and contains all the necessary components required for the installation, such as the mounting bracket and screwdriver. Homeowners can have the entire setup completed within a few hours. The easy installation does away with the need to get a licensed electrician to do the installation for you.

The style for every home

Style-for-Every-Home
MagikFlame is a top-of-the-line electric fireplace.

You do not have to compromise on style whenever you purchase a recessed electric fireplace. There are different styles to choose from, and there is a wide enough selection to provide comfort and warmth to any space.

Modern recessed electric fireplaces are usually available in various styles. It is easy to find the perfect electric fireplace to match your tastes and preferences. You are free to choose from different surround options that will complement your décor, including granite, touchstone sideline, limestone, and stainless steel.

Different types of recessed electric fireplaces

Recessed fireplaces are known and famous worldwide, with homeowners appreciating the advantages of the units. The fireplaces are available in hundreds of different finish styles that range from stainless steel to faux wood.

No matter what recessed fireplace you are looking for, there is always one that will be a perfect match for your desires. These unique features of the recessed electric fireplaces also provide homeowners with the ideal way to express themselves in functional art.

Heat production is also different and can be used to differentiate between various recessed electric fireplaces. The units can produce anything from 6000 BTUs to 24000 BTUs in terms of heating performance and rely on the brand you choose to install at your home. Some of the brands are known to have low heat production requirements, and as such, they will only be able to provide heat up to a particular surface area coverage of the home. Others are more advanced and will keep a more significant portion of your home heated.

LED fireplaces and most electric fireplaces do not produce real flames. Instead, they have a lighting effect rather than the actual flame. However, despite the added functionality, these units use an artificial flame with different flame settings.

Someone that needs a real fire and heat in their living space will not prefer them. The LED fireplace option can also look funny when it has not been correctly installed, which calls for attentiveness while doing the installation. A thermostat is included for safety reasons, and readings are visible on the LED. You can shut off the fireplace when the thermostat reaches a set temperature that is considered unsafe for its operation.

Maintenance for most types of recessed electric fireplace units is minimal or non-existent. This borrows from the type of work that has gone into their design, and a firm construction means that they will not require any maintenance. Also, they are much cleaner and environmentally friendly because they will not produce any soot or ashes, and they will not require any cleaning.

Cost-effectiveness is one factor you should be keen on when shopping for an electric fireplace. You will not need additional costs besides the initial purchase and installation cost, as the rest will be powered by electricity. You will also not have to worry about running the electric fireplace as the rest is automated. Once you have it installed, the rest is easy and non-complicated.

Recessed fireplaces are also known to provide an excellent look to your home and add a personality that will ensure that you are comfortable and relaxed all around the year. Take the time to consider different types of fireplace styles that will be an excellent fit for your décor, as this will ensure that you get many years of clean heating.

The MagikFlame best fireplace buying guide will be useful for you when choosing an electric fireplace.

Conclusion

Conclusion
MagikFlame is ideal for small spaces and apartments.

In conclusion, a recessed electric fireplace is heating your home without using up the available space. Instead of crawling into your usable space, the electric fireplace is embedded into the wall and takes advantage of the wall opening to hide the details from sight.

All the home occupants will be able to observe the heat and the colorful display on the LED display screen, but the rest of the features and functionalities will stay out of sight.

It is a significant improvement over other types of electric fireplaces and has been one of the main ways to ensure comfort in a home. This installation guide will get the recessed electric fireplace into place much faster, saving you time and money.

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