How To Choose The Right Electric Fireplace Design For Your Home

Electric fireplaces imitate a wood fire complete with flames and a glowing ember bed. The fire-mimicking effects are produced by light bulbs that are inside the log set. Electric fireplaces can be installed in any part of a room as they do not need a venting system or chimney. Generation of heat in an electric fireplace does not produce real flames; hence it is safe for your furniture and drapes.

Installation of an electric fireplace only requires a wall and a plug for instant production of ambiance and heat. They are an excellent option for people who have limited space to fit a gas or firewood fireplace. If you want warmth and a romantic glow of a fire without the hassles of maintenance, then an electric fireplace is the best way to go.

There are various electric fireplace designs in the market that can leave you confused when shopping for one. Let us show you how to choose the right electric fireplace design for your home to make the job easier.

Electric Fireplaces – How they Work

There are two main components in an electric fireplace. The first component is the heater that includes heating elements and a fan and the second section is the light flame effect. Most electric fireplaces have detached switches that permit their function in three diverse modes.

There is the option of only the flame for flame presentation and beauty without heat. The other option has a flame effect accompanied by heat for visual impact and warmth. A heat-only option is also available without flame effects.

Installation of an Electric Fireplace

Installing an electric fireplace is as simple as placing it in your preferred location and plugging it in the nearest electrical outlet. However, plug the fireplace in an outlet that has a fuse of a dedicated breaker. If you plug it in an outlet that shares a circuit breaker with other light fixtures and outlets, it can overload the circuit and trip the breaker.

Electric Fireplace Styles

Electric fireplaces come in various designs and styles to guarantee ambiance and warmth to your home interior. They create a glow through light bulbs placed in the log set, and heated air is circulated throughout the room with a blower. Most of these fireplaces are fitted with a 120-volt electrical plug-in, but some can be installed permanently.

Electric Fireplace TV stands

Some electric fireplace designs integrate home entertainment units for you to enjoy your favorite TV show or movie by the fireplace. Electric fireplaces give real warmth even though the flames are simulated; the electric heater inside generates heat. With an electric fireplace TV stand, you only get to use the heat when you need it; like when watching TV. When you snuggle in your favorite couch next to the TV, you will still feel warm without heating the whole room. This allows you to save money by bringing down your heating costs.

Electric fireplace TV stands come in different models where some produce sufficient heat for heating a small apartment. It is therefore up to you to choose the one that best suits your heating needs.

Also, other electric fireplace TV stands come with storage shelves that provide a convenient place for the storage of books, media components, cable box, CDs, decorations, and pictures. Your electric fireplace TV stand provides flames and heat, and the shelves carry all that matters to you for your convenience. When purchasing your electric fireplace TV stand, ensure it has all that you need. Modern units have more shelve space, although traditional styles also possess ample shelf space to store your items.

Portable or Free-standing Electric Fireplaces

Free-standing electric fireplaces have a design that resembles a wood fireplace. They occupy minimal space and are available as a completely independent unit. You can either place one on a flat surface or attach it to a wall.

The flame produced by electric fireplaces is a 3D glow that reflects a welcoming ambiance behind its glass doors. They are easy to match with your existing decor as they are available in a range of styles and designs. Electric fireplaces are lightweight and manageable because they are made from composite materials that have medium density; they look like real cast iron.

Electric Fireplace Inserts

These electric fireplaces have a design that fits into an existing chimney that is no longer in use; they add a decorative touch to any space. You can customize your model to fit into your existing chimney space. The main advantage of these types of an electric fireplace is that there is no need for modifying your chimney structure. The units are easy to use and inexpensive.

Considerations when Choosing an Electric Fireplace

Cabinet Space

Some electric fireplaces have glass tops while others have wood tops. Choose one in consideration of your intended function and home decor. The cabinet space is protected from heat as the firebox is not hot for a start. Determine your storage needs before you choose an electric fireplace from the many styles available.

Firebox Options

The electric fireplace has a range of modern and traditional design for you to choose. The firebox has not been left behind as it has different artificial flame appearances that include dancing and flickering flame. Choose one that best suits your decor at home, the office, school form, or apartment. A typical firebox has a standard log set while a modern firebox has a glass ember bed. Other designs have fireboxes with artificial interior bricks that look great.

Heating Considerations

Electric fireplaces have different heating systems to suit varied customer requirements. One option has an air system that is directed by a fan, and it can heat 400 square feet. The other option has an infrared (IR) heating system. No matter the choice of heating system, they all evenly heat a room.

The infrared heat is distributed by humidity in the room where the heat exchanger absorbs it and disperses it using a quiet fan. It heats up to 1000 square feet, which makes it the best option for large room heating. However, the IR system is not used in most fireplaces, but it is worth considering for heating your space.

Placement

When choosing the type of electric fireplace you want, remember that some designs require professional installation. For example, if you choose to insert into a wall, you will need a professional to do it as the installation requires carving out a section of the wall. You will also need a licensed electrician to connect the terminals properly.

In conclusion, an electric fireplace is cost-effective as it has near-zero maintenance costs. Also, it is an instant heating source as you only need to plug in, and your room will be heated almost instantly. Choose your electric fireplace from the different designs available that goes with your home or office décor.