When you own an electric fireplace, it’s important to know how to maintain the feature to ensure you have continued use of the product in your home or office. The low-maintenance design offers a high level of convenience but will still require attention on occasion. It’s important to know how to replace a bulb in an electric fireplace to ensure it continues to look stunning and like a real fireplace.
In this post, you will learn:
- How to Replace a Bulb in Electric Fireplace
- Shopping for a New Fireplace
- How Do You Maintain a New Fireplace?
- The Top Fireplaces in the Industry
- How to Make the Fireplace Last Longer
- The Best Spots to Install a Fireplace
You may not know how to change a light bulb in an electric fireplace when it burns out, which can affect the flame effect in the unit. It may seem like a task that is best left to a professional electrician during a servicing appointment, but it’s simple enough to do yourself. You don’t need to be good with your hands or have advanced tools to add a new bulb. There are a few simple steps to take when you want to quickly and efficiently replace the bulb to ensure you can continue using the feature.
Look for the on/off switch to power down the device and disconnect the power to ensure the entire unit can cool down and aren’t hot to the touch. Turn off your circuit breaker and unplug the cord from the wall to avoid electric shock. Allow it to sit and cool off for 10 minutes before moving forward.
Look for the access panel on the back of the unit, which you’ll need to screw off. The panel may even be on the front of the unit, depending on the model you own. Locate the old bulb and gently unscrew it in a counterclockwise motion with a Philips 60ctc screwdriver. If your fireplace uses halogen light bulbs, consider wearing gloves to prevent the oils on your hands from transferring to the glass on the product. The oil can prevent the bulb from shining as brightly and can also make it die quicker.
Once you have the new bulb in your hand, screw it in clockwise without tightening it too much. Add the screws back on when placing the access panel onto the fireplace. Plug the fireplace back into the wall to ensure the new bulb immediately illuminates and restores the look of the faux flames.
As you toss out the old bulb, wrap it in a thick material to prevent the glass from shattering in the trash can or trash bag.
Shopping for a New Fireplace
Once you decide to buy a new electric fireplace insert, you’ll need to start shopping around to discover what’s available on the market. There are many different types of brands available, which can make the process overwhelming for some consumers. Learning about each brand can make it easier to discover the most long-lasting and reliable models in the industry.
Start reading online reviews that are posted to discover what other customers favor and are loyal to in the industry while researching each brand, especially if you’re in search of a specific model. A few of the top brands that have had a long history in the industry include Dimplex, Duraflame, and MagikFlame because of their quality products and realistic technology. You may assume that you’ll get the same type of product despite the brand, but the manufacturing process and technology can vary, making it necessary to do your homework.
Consider a few main factors when discovering the differences between each brand. Research their background and how the company was founded. The MagikFlame story is unique because the company started because of one man’s desire to use a realistic electric insert in his home. Howard Birnbaum, an entrepreneur, has a background in f/x special effects in the film industry and used his knowledge and skills to invent holographic technology to use in electric inserts. This technology is patented and isn’t available through any other fireplace brand. He also recruited his father to create the surround and mantle to create a stunning feature that looked like a real wood-burning fireplace.
The realistic flame effects that are offered with each MagikFlame fireplace are created with the use of rudimentary software with a screen that sits directly behind the faux log set. The innovation and technology have transformed the industry and allowed the brand to lead when it comes to the beautiful design of the faux flames.
Customers who are interested in purchasing a fireplace through the brand can visit the company’s website to view the MagikFlame electric fireplace buying guide where different models are available. Customers can enjoy the 30 realistic flames, crackling log sounds, and a built-in 5,200 BTU heater for the complete experience of sitting by the fire while forgetting real wood isn’t burning. You can even use an app to download on your phone or tablet to easily operate the feature. Many of the products also come with a handy remote control for added convenience when adjusting the thermostat.
Many people also compare Dimplex fireplaces to MagikFlame because of the advanced effects you’ll find. The technology places the flames in the middle of the wood logs instead of behind them. Although the flames look real, the illumination isn’t as bright as some people expect. Smoke and ember details also aren’t present, which affects the visuals when you look closely at the flames.
How Do You Maintain a New Fireplace?
Compared to a gas fireplace or wood-burning fireplaces, you can expect a lot less maintenance when it comes to caring for this type of fireplace. The lack of fuel source that is needed to create the flames means that you don’t have to spend time cleaning ashes out of the firebox or scheduling annual chimney sweeps. This means you don’t have to spend as much money to maintain it to keep it operating safely. You don’t have to risk creosote accumulating in the fireplace or worry about chimney fires occurring.
If there’s anything you need to know about maintaining a fireplace, you should know how to replace a bulb in the fireplace. The bulbs should be replaced every two years to ensure you can continue to have reliability with the product.
Many people don’t realize it’s important to clean the fireplace to ensure it continues to operate well and maintains a beautiful appearance. Unplug the device to avoid electrical problems. Wear gloves and use and use a lint-free cloth to wipe down the main components. A flashlight can also come in handy to ensure you can get a clear view of each area that you’re cleaning, including the ember bed. A vacuum can remove a build-up of dirt and dust that has accumulated in hard-to-reach places. The main areas to clean include the log set, ember bed, and candelabra. The glass panel or doors can also be wiped down to remove streaks or grime that has accumulated over time. Use a damp cloth to prevent any fiber particles from being left behind. Don’t use any abrasive cleaners, which can cause the finish to break down on the parts. You can also wait until the moisture from the window cleaner dries off to prevent water spots from forming.
The fan also needs attention after you learn how to replace a bulb in an electric fireplace. The blower is one of the main parts in the fireplace that needs to be wiped down to ensure it can operate smoothly without suffering from wear and damage. The part should have some lubrication present, which it comes with after the fireplace is manufactured. Check to see that it moves smoothly without suffering from resistance, otherwise, it may need more lubricant.
It’s also important to read the owner’s manual to ensure you use the right bulbs to maintain the realistic flame effect. You can purchase more than a few replacement bulbs for the model from a local home improvement store for continued operation during the colder months of the year. With daily use, the feature shouldn’t require additional maintenance and can still last up to 20 years if you buy it from the right manufacturer.
Those who own an electric fireplace that uses water mist to create the illusion of real flames will have to take an extra step of maintenance in between uses. The mist can run out of water and immediately turn off unless you keep the reservoir full.
The Top Fireplaces in the Industry
Most people who are in the market for a new fireplace want to purchase a quality product that is easy to use and reliable. The feature will not only contribute to the cozy ambiance in the building but can make the setting more inviting to your guests. It will even determine how attractive the product looks as it’s on display in your house, which can boost the property value.
When you want to buy an electric fireplace insert, it’s important to consider the quality of the materials before making your selection. Look for a company that manufactures its products in the U.S. If you ever need repairs on the fireplace in the future, it can be easier to find the right parts in the country rather than if the product is from another country.
Once customers learn how Magikflame is built and that a team of skilled craftsmen creates each product, they have a high level of confidence in their purchase. A warranty and manufacturer’s guarantee also come with each fireplace to ensure you can protect your investment. Any repairs that are needed in the first year are fully covered by the company. You can also choose to purchase an extended warranty for more coverage when you plan to use the feature long-term.
It’s recommended to read the reviews of each fireplace model you want to purchase, whether you’re considering a Dimplex Optiflame fireplace or a MagikFlame Trinity fireplace. The reviews are often easy to find directly on the manufacturer’s website or on Amazon. This can allow you to get more insight into how well the feature operates to ensure you can narrow down the top choices. You can view customer photos of the fireplace they purchased, as well as read common FAQs about each product while reading Duraflame or Magikflame reviews.
Another aspect to consider when searching for the top brand of fireplace to determine which models you want to purchase includes the customer service provided by the company. Many different companies like MagikFlame value their customers and strive to provide VIP customer service. They can discuss their payment plans and financing when you want to select how you prefer to pay for the product or even help you with troubleshooting problems. You can even order the product over the phone when you want it delivered to your front door.
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 this type of 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 in 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 electric 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 on 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 ambiance 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 Make the Fireplace Last Longer
The lifespan of your fireplace determines how long it will last and continue to keep you warm and cozy in your home. Most electric fireplaces last an average of 20 years if they’re maintained well before they need to be replaced. Although they don’t require a lot of care or maintenance, there are still some steps you can take to improve their operation and prevent excess or premature wear from occurring.
Start by keeping the electrical cord out of sight and place it behind the feature when you have a freestanding fireplace to protect the power supply. This will prevent animals or children from having access to the wires and causing damage.
You can also make use of a built-in timer that comes with the fireplace to ensure it automatically shuts off after a specific period of time without overheating. You don’t have to think about turning it off, especially if you fall asleep or get distracted by a different activity. Avoid leaving the feature on for too long, which can cause the light bulbs to burn out quickly. They should typically be replaced every two years, which will allow the flames to continue to look realistic and for the colors to be vibrant. It will also enhance the glow that comes from the firebox every time you turn it on in the living room or bedroom.
Find a local technician who can inspect the parts and components every year to check for any issues that need attention. They can look for parts that need extra lubrication or need to be replaced. They’ll boost the operation of the product to prevent it from wearing down on a cold day when you need it most.
The Best Spots to Install a Fireplace
The ease of installation of an electric fireplace is one of the main benefits that comes with owning the product. The freestanding fireplace or insert is easy for two people to lift when you want to move it to another room in the home or a different wall in the living space when you’re ready for a change. Moving the feature around easily also offers convenience after you learn how to change the lightbulb in an electric fireplace.
Start by getting the measurements of the electric fireplace to determine where it’ll fit without looking too cramped. Fortunately, many electric fireplaces are more compact than a gas fireplace or freestanding fireplace, which means they fit well in smaller rooms, apartments, or condos. You can also consider placing it directly across from the entrance of the room so it’s more noticeable every time you wall into the space. You also need to take a look at how much the feature extends out to ensure it doesn’t block a walkway or the entrance. It can even look beautiful under a chandelier in the room.
There are even certain types of fireplaces that are designed as an L-shape to fit in the corner of a room to ensure they take up less space. This can create a unique look that isn’t as traditional when you want to make a statement. It can also accommodate consumers who live in condos or apartments and are limited in space.
The fireplace should be in proximity to a standard outlet with 110 volts or 120 volts because of its plug-in design. Avoid plugging in other appliances or electronics to the outlet, which can cause there to be too much power in the outlet and can lead to electric shock. An extension cord should also be avoided because of the amount of power that is suggested through the power cord. You also want to avoid blocking the air intake to avoid any issues with its operation.
The portability of the feature also allows you to make an investment in a product that you can take with you when you decide to move. You can incorporate it into your new home without installing a chimney, gas lines, or vents. This means you don’t have to obtain any permits every time you choose to place it in a new setting.
After you learn how to replace a bulb in an electric fireplace, it can give you the confidence to provide a higher level of care to the feature over time to ensure it lasts longer and continues to have extra appeal. It will not only offer more comfort, but can make your house feel like home each season.
