Energy Use: How Many Amps Does an Electric Fireplace Use?

How many amps does an electric fireplace use on a dedicated circuit?

How to install an electric fireplace

Shopping for the best electric fireplace

When you’re in the market for a new electric fireplace, start by considering how many BTUs you need to heat the room where the fireplace will be on display. Smaller rooms with an average of 400 square feet will require 4,600 BTU and additional wattage, especially if it has a plug-in design. Many models even have up to 5,200 BTUs for more electric heat and warmth. Hardwired fireplaces offer up to 9,000 BTUs. This is an excellent option for larger rooms. Calculate the room’s square footage and multiply it by 20 to 30 if you live in a colder climate. For warmer climates, you can multiply the square footage by 30 to 40.

The amount of insulation you have present in the building also influences how many BTUs you need in your space. If your insulation is new or in good shape, you can rely on fewer BTUs because more of the heat is contained in the space without escaping. The fireplace brand is another factor to keep in mind as you begin shopping around for the right product. Some of the top brands in the industry include Dimplex, MagikFlame, and Classic Flame. These brands use different technology, which influences how realistic the flames look when the fireplace is operating.

MagikFlame is a popular brand because of the innovation behind each fireplace it sells. The founder invented holographic technology, which creates an ultra-realistic look with 30 flames. This technology is patented, so you won’t find any other manufacturer in the industry using it. Each fireplace has a special holographic glass in front of the logs, making it look like the wood is burning. The flames dance and create a beautiful display that will make your guests think you invested in a real fireplace.

How MagikFlame is built is another way that the company stands out amongst competitors. Every product is manufactured and assembled by a team of skilled technicians in Nashville, Tennessee. The quality of parts offers a higher level of reliability and a longer lifespan with each fireplace that is created.

You can learn more about the MagikFlame story on the company’s website and even read MagikFlame reviews to gain insight into how other customers enjoy the product. Reading the MagikFlame electric fireplace buying guide will allow you to read specific details and get insight into the features that come with each model. View the flame gallery to determine what effect you want to create. The company also strives to offer VIP customer service with live agents who are ready to offer their assistance, whether you have questions about a specific model or payment plans and financing. You can even order a specific model directly over the phone for added convenience.

You can also shop on Amazon to find other types of models available from MagikFlame, Dimplex, and Duraflame. Reading reviews can allow you to discover how other customers rate each product and if they recommend it to other people.

Consider the different features of each electric fireplace to determine how much convenience and accommodation it offers. You should have the option of changing the size and color of the flames to ensure it matches the style of your room or even a specific holiday. If you’re throwing a party, you can customize the look of the flames to set the tone and create a festive environment.

Those who select a MagikFlame fireplace can even enjoy the cracking log sounds it creates after turning it on, which will enhance the realistic look and feel of the product.

Reasons to use an electric fireplace

Electric fireplaces won’t make you feel like you’re compromising on the level of comfort you experience in your home. They emit more heat than electric space heaters and can reduce your reliance on your central heating system with the fan heater they use and their low wattage. They also offer zone heating to ensure you only heat the room you’re spending time in to avoid heating unused rooms in the building.

Electric fireplaces are more cost-effective and can save you money throughout the year instead of relying on a wood-burning fireplace. Because they don’t use a fuel source to operate, you don’t have to spend money on wood or the cost of fuel with a gas fireplace. You also don’t have to pay for chimney sweeps once each year because electric fireplaces don’t release any smoke or chemicals.

You can also protect the air quality in your home without worrying about contaminants or particles released into the air each time you enjoy a fire. This makes electric fireplaces an ideal option for those who suffer from respiratory issues or allergies. There’s also no risk of exposure to carbon monoxide. You can have peace of mind knowing more safety comes with using the feature and don’t need to invest in carbon monoxide detectors throughout the home.

There’s also less pollution with an electric fireplace to ensure you can create a green setting that has less of an impact on the environment. It doesn’t use a chimney or vent, which means smoke and emissions aren’t released into the air. The lack of pollution means you can run the feature any time you desire without getting fined by the city if certain restrictions are in place.

Do electric fireplaces save money?

Electric fireplaces are energy-efficient and cost-effective because they use less energy than other types of fireplaces available. Electric fireplaces use three to 18 cents per hour based on the national average kilowatt-hour, depending on how much heat is released. They still only cost less than one dollar to use for several hours each day on full power. You can enjoy plenty of warmth from the unit and adjust the temperature with a remote control if you desire less or more heat.

Compared to a traditional fireplace, the lack of heat loss contributes to its energy efficiency. Eighty percent of heat escapes through a vent or chimney with a wood-burning fireplace. Heat also escapes through the vent with a gas fireplace. Electric fireplaces don’t have real flames, which means the heat it produces immediately enters the room. The heat is also released quicker than other fireplaces to ensure you can get cozier and more comfortable without running the fireplace for too long, which contributes to the energy conservation of the product.

Decorating an electric fireplace

Not only is it fun to purchase an electric fireplace to improve the interior design and comfort of your home, but you can also decorate the feature to ensure it complements the surrounding furniture in the room. Electric fireplaces are available in various designs and styles, allowing you to have the freedom to add different accessories and accent pieces to enhance their appearance.

If you select a freestanding fireplace for your living space, you likely have a fireplace mantel to work with and decorate. Consider decorating it for each season to ensure it reflects certain holidays or times of the year. Dried flowers in a vase can look beautiful and allow the fireplace to look larger. You can also add a large mirror or work of art to draw more attention to the feature.

You can also enhance the look of modern electric fireplace inserts by adding cozy features at the base of the fireplace to make the space look inviting. A pouf, a woven basket with blankets, and a pile of stacked books can contribute to the overall style of the feature. Consider playing with different décor items and look through a photo idea gallery to get inspiration and find what works best for your space.

Different types of electric fireplaces

By understanding the different types of electric fireplaces available, it will allow you to discover which option works best for your home and personal needs. Some of the fireplaces are built into furniture pieces like TV stands or consoles to ensure you can enjoy the beautiful look of the fire while watching TV. The feature can serve more than one purpose and even save more space. Freestanding fireplaces are also a popular option because they make the feature look built-in with the surround and mantel they include. You can use the feature to display your décor items or Christmas stockings, which can cause the electric fireplace to become the main focal point in your living room. If you want a unique look, consider painting the mantel and surround. You can have fun changing the style as your taste evolves over time.

Those who want the fireplace to be flush with the wall can opt for a built-in electric fireplace insert, which easily fits inside the cavity of a wall. This creates an upscale and modern look when you want something sleek and stylish. If you want a permanent option if you own your home, you can hardwire the feature into a receptacle for continued electric fireplace use. Once the product is built into a wall, it can boost the value of your home and make it have more appeal once you’re ready to list it on the real estate market.

When it comes to the technology of electric fireplaces, there are many different methods used to create the look of real flames. Water vapor or mist is used and is tinted orange to create the illusion of dancing flames. Some electric fireplaces use screens to create a realistic effect, which looks realistic with the burning embers and fake smoke billowing up. LED lights are also used to create the illusion of real fire. Some electric fireplace inserts even come with a water heater, which transfers heat energy from flue gas to water.

By understanding the number of amps and electric fireplace packs, you can determine how much you’ll spend to use the feature and how it compares to other types of fireplaces available. The low cost of operating the fireplace can allow you to reduce your energy bill without compromising your comfort in the fall and winter seasons.