When you want to spend more time in your backyard, an electric fireplace that comes with an infrared heater is a great product to install because it will enhance the quality of the setting. The heat that is emitted can keep you warm and allow you to spend time outside in the colder seasons and is warmer than a gas heater. You may want to know how much heat outdoor infrared heaters produce when selecting a fireplace that can be used as an electric patio heater.
In this post, you will learn:
- Benefits of Installing Outdoor Electric Fireplaces
- Tips to Safely Operate Your Electric Fireplace
- Extend the Lifespan of Your Fireplace
- How Much Heat Do Outdoor Infrared Heaters Produce?
- What to Consider When Buying a New Fireplace
- How are Electric Fireplaces Energy-Efficient?
Benefits of Installing Outdoor Electric Fireplaces
Outdoor electric fireplaces have a high level of accommodation and are increasing in popularity because of their versatility. When you install it outside, you can enjoy the same amount of warmth you’d get from a fire pit or outdoor patio heater to stay warm and cozy. The heat is also more than you’ll get from a space heater. You can spend several hours outside within feet of the fireplace and won’t feel the cold bite of the low temperatures outdoors.
Electric fireplaces are also known to be a lot safer to use because they don’t have any real flame present. You don’t have to worry about children or pets getting injured as they run around outside compared to using a fire pit because the unit stays cool to the touch. The glass doors don’t get hot to the touch, which means you don’t have to fear anyone suffering from burns as it’s in use.
There’s also a lot of conveniences that come with using an outdoor electric fireplace. You don’t have to load any wood into the fireplace every time you use it. It also doesn’t create a mess with ashes that you have to clean out. You can turn it on and off at any time and immediately feel the warmth of the infrared heating element. The unit can heat up quickly to ensure you can get warmer without waiting too long for the heat to be generated.
There’s even a lot less heat loss that occurs with outdoor infrared heaters. Wood fireplaces lose an average of 60 to 80 percent of the heat they generate, and fireplaces that use propane heat lose about 40 percent of the energy they create. Electric fireplaces use all the heat they generate to ensure you don’t waste any energy and stay warmer compared to using other types of fireplaces.
An Corner electric fireplace that is designed for outdoor use is also constructed with different materials that can hold up well to the elements. You don’t have to be concerned about the outdoor infrared heater wearing down or suffering from damage because the product can hold up well year-round. The weatherproof materials won’t allow any moisture into the electrical components and will continue to be reliable with its operation.
You can even place the outdoor fireplace in a brick or stone surround that is installed next to a stainless steel outdoor barbecue when you’re building a new home or want to remodel your outdoor space with the help of an architect. You can also choose to install it in a gazebo if you want to use it in a covered area. If you prefer to install it on a wall on the side of the house, you can use a mounting bracket to secure it and keep the wall mount fireplace properly supported. The unit is light enough to lift easily and is small enough to fit on a tabletop, which prevents it from taking up too much space.
An electric fireplace with an outdoor infrared heater is considered to be eco-friendly because it doesn’t produce any smoke as it operates. Compared to a traditional wood-burning fireplace, the unit doesn’t contribute to pollution, which means you can protect the air quality in the local area. The lack of propane or natural gas used also makes it a green fireplace option for your outdoor living space.
Tips to Safely Operate Your Electric Fireplace
Electric fireplaces are favored by consumers because they’re designed to be safer to operate than fireplaces with propane gas, which offers peace of mind and reduces the risk of problems and accidents that can occur. Although they’re a safer type of fireplace to use, it’s still necessary to know how to safely operate the product. Never leave the electrical cord plugged into the 120 volt outlet when it’s not in use. Always unplug it when you’re done using the radiant heat. Not only will it make it safer to have in the home, but it will prevent electricity from being used when the fireplace is turned off. Don’t use an extension cord or surge protector, which can cause the electric fireplace to overheat.
Many different safety features also come with electric fireplaces to make them safer. The built-in auto shut-off timer that comes with most electric fireplaces is one of the main features that can prevent it from operating too long, especially if you fall asleep as it operates. Never leave the room as the electric fireplace is turned on, and never allow kids or your household pets from being in contact with the fireplace when you’re not in the room.
Avoid using the fireplace if there’s damage on the cord, whether it’s brand new or the damage occurs after several years of use. Check out the electrical components to ensure it’s safe to operate after you remove it from its packaging. You’ll also want to contact the seller or manufacturer if it needs to be repaired or replaced.
Don’t attempt to make any modifications to the unit once it arrives at your home. You may want to customize the feature, but this can lead to an unsafe operation that puts your safety at risk. Read the owner’s manual to determine which modifications are safe to permit, even if you have experience in electrical or contractor work.
Keep all objects and furniture in the home away from the vents to prevent them from becoming blocked as the fireplace operates. Everything should be at least three feet away to maintain a safe and effective operation.
Wires or cords that stick out of the unit should also be stored behind the fireplace to prevent pets or children from tampering with the wires. Electrical issues and fires can occur if anyone attempts to play or chew the cords. If the cords are frayed, don’t turn the unit on and hire a certified electrician to perform the necessary repairs.
Extend the Lifespan of Your Fireplace
If you want your electric fireplace to last 20 years or more, you’ll need to give it attention throughout the year. They require a minimal amount of maintenance to ensure they continue to operate well without any issues. You can perform a few steps to avoid repairs that may be needed.
Although electric fireplaces don’t require a cleaning after each use, you can still remove dust that accumulates in the firebox every few months. Unplug the fireplace to ensure all electrical components are shut off and don’t cause you to get electrocuted. Wait for 10 minutes before touching anything to ensure the materials have a chance to cool down. Remove the access panel and wipe down any dirt or grime that is present on the electric fireplace log. Avoid using harsh chemicals that can lead to damage and remove the paint on the parts. Vacuum cleaners can be used to clean hard-to-reach areas where your hand can’t reach.
Glass doors should also be wiped down with glass cleaner to remove streaks. Don’t secure the access panel back onto the fireplace until the moisture from the cleaner is dry. You can also obtain additional maintenance and care tips by reading the owner’s manual that comes with the product. Every fireplace differs with the attention it needs depending on how it’s designed and constructed.
Replacing the light bulbs is also necessary to maintain the realistic flame effects. If your fireplace has halogen bulbs, they’ll start to burn out after two years. LED bulbs are known to last a lot longer and can continue to illuminate for 11 years before they need to be replaced.
Every time a bulb needs to be replaced, turn off the circuit breaker and allow the fireplace to cool down for 10 minutes. Remove the access panel with a screwdriver. Wear gloves to avoid having contact with the glass on the new bulbs, which can affect their lifespan and operation. They can become dimmer if the oil on your fingers transfers to the glass.
Unscrew the burned-out bulb without applying a lot of force to prevent damage to the glass parts. Use a small rag or piece of paper to protect the glass from breaking. Insert the new bulb and gently turn it in a clockwise direction. Secure the access panel onto the unit and turn the fireplace back on to ensure the new bulb lights up. If the bulb doesn’t illuminate, find a certified electrician to inspect the parts and diagnose the issue. They’ll inform you of any damage or signs of wear that are present to ensure the fireplace is fully restored with its operation and function.
An electrician can also inspect the fireplace and electric infrared heater annually to find problems that can become more severe over time. The professional will inspect the components and mechanisms. Although you may not want to spend money on an inspection, it can save you more money in the long run because it can increase the lifespan of the fireplace and help you to avoid extensive repairs if the unit is neglected. The inspection will include lubricating all the parts to ensure they operate smoothly without rubbing or grinding against each other as the electric fireplace is used each season.
An outdoor infrared heater that is present in electric fireplaces has 1500 watts of heat, which can release enough warmth for larger patios and outdoor spaces. The infrared heater can be temperature controlled and comes with a built-in thermostat to ensure you can adjust how much heat it releases, depending on the time of year and the climate. They’re designed to directly heat objects and are energy-efficient on their max settings.
The outdoor infrared heater will heat anything in its path because it’s directional with its operation. You can even purchase more than one fireplace with a stainless steel infrared heater for more warmth to aim in different directions when you’re hosting large parties and gatherings, especially if you choose to use it on a tripod. This will increase your coverage without causing too much of a spike in your electric bill each month. The heat from the outdoor infrared heater has enough of a reach to prevent your guests from sitting too close to the unit just to feel the warmth, which can allow them to have more freedom with where they choose to sit or stand as they mingle with one another.
You can also consider how many BTU each infrared patio heater includes for your outdoor heating needs. You’ll need to measure the square feet of the outdoor space you want to heat and calculate the number by 20 to determine how many BTU you’ll need when selecting a unit with heat that is radiant.
The type of electric fireplace you choose to buy will determine how much you enjoy using it long-term. Reading reviews can allow you to get more insight after checking out the description. Amazon is a great place to find MagikFlame reviews, as well as Dimplex or Infratech reviews that are posted by other customers. You can learn more about the pros and cons of each feature to get an idea of if it’ll work for your space.
Look into the background of each manufacturer to determine which brands are the most reputable. You may be interested in finding a freestanding fireplace or an indoor/outdoor fireplace. MagikFlame is newer in the industry but has more advanced technology than what you’ll get with other products. It’s important to understand the MagikFlame story to learn the value and reputability of the products. The founder created holographic technology because of his experience in special effects in the movie industry. He created a screen that has real footage of burning logs with faux smoke and burning embers. Each MagikFlame fireplace the brand sells comes with sound effects and 30 flames that look realistic.
Some brands like Ameriwood and Infratech rely on Led lights or orange mist to make the faux flames look real, but the effects don’t always look as impressive. Consider the various types of models that you can choose from to get an idea of the selection available. Using the Magikflame best electric fireplace buying guide will also prove to be helpful to view pictures, descriptions, and specs of each fireplace you can buy.
Consider how each brand like Infratech and Touchstone manufacturers its products to get an idea of the overall quality of each fireplace available. Learning how MagikFlame is built will offer peace of mind. The brand builds its inserts in Nashville, Tennessee, to ensure they’re of the highest quality and last longer than inserts produced in Taiwan or China. They can have a higher level of operation and reliability to avoid repairs that may be needed. If you choose to buy a fireplace from a company that produces their fireplaces overseas, they can be difficult to repair because it can be hard to find the necessary parts in other countries.
You also want to consider the payment plans and financing that you’ll get from each brand or retailer. The fireplace should have a competitive price that works in your budget and even include a warranty. Avoid buying something at a low price, which means it can suffer from issues at a later time if it has cheaper materials.
The style of the fireplace should also be considered to ensure they contribute to the interior design of your home. The features on the fireplace should complement your home decor and blend in well.
Electric fireplaces with an electric outdoor heater are considered to be cost-effective to operate because of their energy-efficient design. They’ll allow you to minimize your carbon footprint and save more throughout the year without compromising on how much heat you obtain. Even with daily use, you won’t notice much of a difference in your electric bill.
Electric fireplaces only cost one to nine cents each hour to operate, depending on if you choose to use the heater, which is radiant. They can deliver more heat than a space heater and come with heat settings you can adjust to customize the warmth of the room with a remote control. Fireplaces with a propane heater often have less heat output and cost 40 cents an hour to use.
The infrared heat delivers zone heating and can supplement your main heating system to save more on your energy usage in the building. Unlike a portable space heater, they also don’t dry out the air. By discovering how much heat infrared heaters produce, it’ll allow you to determine where you want to place it on your property. It can also allow you to make an informed decision with your purchase and have peace of mind knowing the item will be sufficient to use in low temperatures.
