Indoor fireplaces are becoming more common and easy to find in residential properties due to their beautiful appearance. They’re popular among renters and homeowners because of their ability to create a cozy setting indoors. It’s important to know the pros and cons of indoor fireplaces when you’re looking to boost the quality of the setting.
In this post, you’ll learn:
- Pros and Cons of Indoor Fireplaces
- Where to Look for the Best Fireplace
- How Safe are Electric Fireplaces?
- Electric Fireplaces for Outdoor Use
- What to Expect When Installing Your New Fireplace
- Staying Warm with Electric Fireplaces
Pros and Cons of Indoor Fireplaces
One of the main ways that electric fireplaces transform indoor settings is by creating a cozy ambiance. It can make it easier to relax and unwind after a long day. Many people also appreciate electric fireplaces because of their size. They have a slimmer profile compared to traditional fireplaces and can fit in small spaces. Those who live in apartments and condos can enjoy the benefits of a fireplace. They’re also light enough to pick up, making them easy to pack up and take with you. You can continue to incorporate the ventless wall-mount fireplace into different settings as you relocate.
You can also select a corner fireplace, which can complement your interior design without taking up too much space. They have a small footprint and don’t block walkways.
They also don’t require a vent or chimney because they don’t produce any smoke as they’re in use. You don’t need to perform any construction or hire a contractor to perform the work in your living room or office. This can lead to significant savings and make it a more affordable option for most people’s budgets.
The lack of smoke and ashes produced makes electric fireplaces easier to maintain. They don’t leave behind any debris that you have to clean up after each use. You don’t have to invest in any fireplace tools to clean out the firebox every time you want to heat the home. The lack of fumes is another benefit. Because gas and wood are not used to create the flames, it makes it a safe option for those with respiratory issues. Residents who are suffering from asthma, bronchitis, and even COVID-19 can safely use the feature.
There are also a few drawbacks to consider that come with owning an electric fireplace. Some people may not like that there isn’t a real flame present and that real fire isn’t used. Fortunately, realistic faux flames are available in electric models. You can choose from models that feature ember effects, rising embers, 3D flames, and holographic technology. Today, technology has become more advanced to create a realistic effect. You don’t have to feel like you’re missing out on real flames, and your guests will even think it’s a real wood-burning fireplace.
Electric fireplaces are also not designed to heat the entire house compared to fireplaces with a gas fuel type. They deliver zone heating, which works well and is even preferred by many residents. The infrared quartz heater only heats the room the fireplace is installed in, which can prevent other floors from becoming too warm.
Because freestanding electric fireplaces rely on electricity to operate, you can not turn them on during a power outage. Although you can enjoy a wood-burning fire if the power is out, electric fireplaces won’t operate if they don’t have a power source.
The MagikFlame Athena indoor fireplace is one of the more popular models many consumers select because of its elegant design. The intricate details on the surround make it have a built-in look in the living room or bedroom. It even features 30 flames and crackling log sound effects. You can even control the settings of the indoor fireplace with your app, like a remote control. The built-in 5,200 BTU heater on the electric fireplace also allows it to generate more than enough heat for larger rooms.
Where to Look for the Best Fireplace
If you’ve made the decision to invest in an indoor electric fireplace for your living room or dining room, you’ll need to discover what options are available on the market. A great place to start is by researching the features of various models. This can allow you to decide which model will offer the most accommodation based on your needs and space.
Check out the different brands available in the industry as you shop in-store and on sites like Amazon. Some of the top brands on the market include Dimplex, Magikflame, and Touchstone.
Research the different types of technology available in each brand to ensure the wall-mounted electric fireplace looks realistic. Brands like MagikFlame use a screen, while other brands like Dimplex use water mist. Some brands use LED lights to create the look of the faux flames.
The aesthetics and design of the fireplace should also be a factor that helps you make your selection. This will allow the product to blend in with the architecture of your home. It can look built in as you work with a home builder or architecture when designing a new home. You’ll also find fireplace TV stands with cabinets and beautiful hardware to display.
Many electric fireplaces even feature fireplace mantels where you can hang stockings or put home decor items on display.
Buying guides are available through different brands to browse the selections available. The Magikflame best electric fireplace over years buying guide offers additional details about each model and allows you to review the features. You can find a buying guide from Touchstone and Duraflame is also easy to find on the manufacturers’ websites.
The cost and pricing of the product should also be taken into consideration when making your purchase. With a wall-mounted fireplace or fireplace insert, avoid cutting corners and purchasing the cheapest product in the industry. You can end up spending a lot more money on repairs that are needed if the product isn’t as reliable and has cheap parts.
Look into the payment plans and financing provided by each manufacturer. The most reputable fireplace companies offer a warranty or guarantee on their products.
How Safe are Electric Fireplaces?
One of the main benefits of owning an electric fireplace insert is the safe design of the product. It doesn’t use any fire, which means you can stay safe and avoid worrying about embers igniting furnishings in the room. This allows you to have the flexibility to place furniture close to the indoor fireplace without creating any safety hazards. Compared to a traditional fireplace, the glass panels don’t get hot to the touch. Your loved ones can have the freedom to roam the room without the risk of burns.
The log set in the fireplace insert also doesn’t release any byproducts, contaminants, or harmful chemicals compared to gas logs when you use a gas fireplace with bioethanol. You won’t be exposed to carbon monoxide or carbon dioxide when the fireplace heater is in use. You can enjoy the realistic flame without putting your health or safety at risk.
With a propane or ethanol fireplace, it can be easy to forget to open the flue to release the smoke through the vent or chimney. The smoke from the gas fireplace can infiltrate the rest of the home and contaminate your air quality. When you own a modern fireplace that uses electricity, you can protect your air quality and breathe easily.
The indoor fireplace also doesn’t generate a lot of noise as it operates. You can maintain a peaceful and relaxing setting any time of the day or night without disturbing other residents. The only sound you’ll hear is the soothing crackling log effects with MagikFlame fireplaces. You can continue to listen to music, watch television, or read a book without the fireplace disrupting the setting.
Electric Fireplaces for Outdoor Use
Those who enjoy the benefits of their interior electric fireplace often want to know if they can install the feature outdoors. This can make it easy to spend more time entertaining in the backyard each season. Many models are designed for outdoor use and have stainless steel materials that hold up well to the elements. Outdoor fireplaces operate off of electricity to ensure they can operate in all types of weather conditions.
Research models rated for outdoor use for a safe operation. Avoid using interior gas fireplaces or electric fireplaces outdoors. The electrical wiring and components can become damaged if they’re exposed to the outside elements. Contact the manufacturer if you want to confirm that the materials are weatherproof. A waterproof casing should be installed on the fireplace to ensure it can operate if it’s exposed to moisture.
If you own an electric or gas fireplace, look at the owner’s manual to determine if it’s suitable for outdoor use. If it can only be used indoors, a warning will be included in the owner’s manual. You should also avoid installing it in a bathroom where a lot of moisture is present.
Compared to fire pits, outdoor fireplaces emit more heat and can allow multiple people to stay warm outside. The fireplace heater can continue to operate for several hours and deliver more heat than a wood-burning unit.
Please note: MagikFlame electric fireplaces are for indoor use. Outdoor fireplace use can still happen, but due to the holographic flame effect, the ideal experience is greatly diminished — therefore, not recommended.
What to Expect When Installing Your New Fireplace
Before you purchase an electric fireplace, it’s important to know what to expect with the installation process. Compared to a wood or gas fireplace, you don’t have to install any vents or chimneys. Many of the models have a simple plug-in design that makes it easy to hook up in seconds. If you rent your home, you don’t have the option of building a gas fireplace because it requires adding a gas line. With an electric fireplace, you only need access to a 120-volt household outlet.
If you’re performing a remodel and are working with an architect or interior designer, this home improvement project doesn’t require a lot of effort. Compared to wood-burning stoves or an ethanol fireplace, the ventless design makes it simple to install. It only requires basic tools to assemble. Some models only require a screwdriver to assemble the parts and plug them into the wall.
It’s important to be aware of the outlet requirements before starting the installation project. The house should equipped properly to ensure it can power your electric fireplace.
If you plan to install an electric fireplace insert into a wood-burning fireplace, it can transform the feature into an eco-friendly heat source. It will still create a cozy ambiance and won’t require the use of natural gas or bioethanol. You’ll need a trim kit to make it the perfect fit and allow the insert to blend in seamlessly with the fireplace. Close the vent or flue to prevent any elements from entering the building.
This will also make it easier to maintain the climate and temperature in the building without drafts present with the venting. You can also choose to hire an electrician to install an outlet on the inside of the fireplace if you want to hide the cords. After the product arrives on your doorstep, you can have it up and running within a few hours. You don’t have to wait for contractors to arrive to assist with the installation process. If you order it in the winter, it will allow you to have immediate access to heat to keep the chill away.
Staying Warm with Electric Fireplaces
The amount of heat electric fireplaces generate makes them a great feature to use in the dead of winter. They generate enough heat in climates with freezing temperatures. Electric fireplaces use 100 percent of the heat they produce. This allows them to heat the entire room in minutes. Gas fireplaces that use bioethanol only use 60 percent of the heat they produce. Residents are often left waiting for hours for the room to get warm. Wood fireplaces also only use 50 to 80 percent and require ventilation. Opening a window to keep the wood burning can allow cold air into the space and affect how warm the room feels.
Various types of heat are used in different models. Infrared heat and fan-forced heating are common types of heat for small and large rooms. A blower is used for fan-forced heaters, which release warm air. This maintains a comfortable temperature in the room for several hours at a time.
Infrared light technology is another type of heat source for heat that is delivered quickly. This is a great solution for rooms with more square feet in rooms with open-floor plans. You can quickly heat the space in minutes to avoid leaving the heater on for as long, which can allow you to save more money on electricity.
Many models also have forced air heat, which sucks up cold air in the room and heats it before blowing it back out. This is considered to be a safer type of heating element because it’s more advanced.
Those who are looking for a fireplace that delivers zone heating can look for a model with infrared heat. You can only heat the space you’re using for added energy savings. You don’t have to worry about heating rooms that are not in use. The heat doesn’t rise to other floors and can make the space too hot. Zone heating also allows you to reduce the temperature on your thermostat. The supplemental heat can allow you to rely less on your main heating system. This can also reduce the wear and tear that occurs to your HVAC system and can increase its lifespan as you rely on the fireplace more to stay warm. Fireplaces with infrared heat work well in rooms with 1,000 square feet.
You can also adjust the temperature of the heat delivered from electric fireplaces. This means you can have more control over how warm the room is, whether it’s a windy day or it’s snowing outside. You don’t have to make the room too warm by adjusting the settings at any time.
There are a few other factors to consider when you’re deciding the type of heat you need for your living space. This includes:
- Your Ceiling Height
- Insulation
- Climate
- The quality of your windows
Your Ceiling Height
When you invest in a wall-mounted electric fireplace, measure the height of your ceilings to determine how much space you have to heat. Rooms with low ceilings can benefit from convection heating because the space takes longer to heat. This is ideal if the room has ceilings less than eight feet high. If the room has ceilings higher than eight feet, look for a fireplace that is built with more watts to avoid cold spots from being present in the living space.
Insulation
You also need to consider the insulation that is in the walls of your home. If you live in an old house, the insulation is likely low-quality and creates a few drafts. It may even have less than the recommended R-value. You can choose a fireplace with fewer BTUs if you live in a home that has been built in the last 10 years. The insulation will be in better condition and do a better job of keeping the heat contained in each room.
Windows
Look around and count the number of windows that are present to determine if any of the heat from the fireplace will transfer through. Windows don’t offer much insulation and create drafts. This can result in an average of 25 percent heat loss, especially if your fireplace doesn’t deliver as much heat as other options.
Climate
Think about the climate of where you live and what the coldest seasons are like, whether it snows or the temperatures stay in the 50s. Fireplaces with 5,200 BTU are ideal if you live in a location where it’s freezing outside to ensure you stay cozy indoors.
Once you learn more about the pros and cons of electric fireplaces, it can allow you to determine the best fit for your needs. It can also allow you to narrow down your choice to select the best model.
