Consider an electric fireplace if you love the warmth and ambiance of a fireplace but live in an apartment, a home without a chimney, or you are on a tight budget. Do not be fooled by the name, electric fireplaces are attractive and provide a gorgeous glowing bed of embers and realistic looking wood. The current designs are have rich wood tones, stone, marble, and brick. While some electric fireplaces are designed for appearance only, others are made with heaters that can put out as much as 10,000 BTUs. Best of all, since they are heated with electricity, you do not need to worry about fumes
Most electric fireplaces can simply be plugged in and are ready for operation. All of these types of fireplaces are tested in order to meet UL standards and to steer clear of problems with overheating, they are specifically designed with automatic shut off features. In addition to the convenience, ease of operation, and overall effect, electric fireplaces are very cost-effective. Typically, they cost .02 per hour if using only the flames and .14 per hour when the heating elements are in use. The electric fireplace comes with a thermostat that you can set, which also helps save on operating cost. Keep in mind that the energy being supplied to the fireplace is converted into heat for the room, which means this type of fireplace is 100% efficient over other types of fireplaces that run on average 80% efficiency. Although constant use of the fireplace can increase your electric bill, mechanical engineer James Dulley, a writer for the Web site Conscious Choice, says you can save 2 percent on your monthly bill by lowering your furnace thermostat 1 degree and warming just the room you are in with a space heater. The fireplaces are considered safer than space heaters because the heating elements are recessed in the firebox rather than exposed.
Another great feature of electric fireplaces is that they look exactly like a normal, wood burning fireplace. The advancement is amazing where the logs imitate the look of real flames. This type of fireplace is ideal for a bedroom, family room, or office and creates a warm, inviting feel to the room. You can even find some that offer random flames, creating an amazing illusion of real fire. If you have small children, there is an added bonus. Unlike other fireplaces, the electric fireplace is always cool to the touch. Therefore, if your child should be inquisitive and reach out to touch the logs or outside of the fireplace, they will not be injured.
If you are considering a move and the benefit of a fireplace is at the top of your list or you want to add a functioning fireplace to your existing home without the overwhelming cost, now you can broaden your scope and add a attractive electric fireplace. You will enjoy the warm, gentle heat and beautiful appearance along with complete convenience.
ELECTRIC FIREPLACE FACTS
- Provides either heat, simulated flames or a combination of both.
- Uses flames without heat for summer ambience.
- Offers do-it-yourself installation by plugging into a standard electrical wall outlet.
- Some can be remote-controlled. Choose thermostatically controlled heat and a multispeed blower to improve comfort.
- Can also adjust to vary the appearance from lazy to leaping flames.
- Needs no venting.
- Produces heat, all of which is used in the room instead of going up a chimney.
- Portable units can be moved like a piece of furniture from room to room, building to building.
- Are virtually maintenance free.
- Can be installed below a television set, even in a bookshelf.
