Things to Consider Before Installing an Electric Wall Fireplace
Electric wall fireplaces are a practical and safe way to add warmth to your home. However, there are a few things to think about prior to installing one.
Unlike fully recessed fires, wall-mounted models are fairly simple to install yourself. It's important that you check to ensure you have the correct size of insert and the appropriate kit.
Safety
Electric wall fireplaces are a favored alternative to traditional fireplaces. They provide a warm elegant, attractive and energy-efficient option. These fireplaces are safe to use and provide supplemental heat in any home. They also ensure the air clean and smoke free. There are a variety of options for these fireplaces, but they all create a beautiful bed embers that create real flames. They are great for apartments, renovations and condos that don't have chimneys. They are also a great option for households who have children or pets because they don't produce a real fire.
However, there are some safety guidelines that must be followed when using an electric fireplace. All combustible materials must be kept at least three feet from the fireplace. This will help prevent fire hazards and help reduce the risk of burning your belongings. It is also important to stay away from hot surfaces of the fireplace, such as the heating elements, as well as the vents through which hot air is expelled. The vents shouldn't be blocked, since they are necessary for the unit to function properly.
Another feature you should look for in an electric wall fireplace is a safety screen that will help prevent accidental burns. This is especially useful in a small space or if you have pets or children who are young. Some models come with an remote control that lets you turn off and on the fireplace from any place in the space. This will prevent the fire from being accidentally lit while you are not in the room.
Some models even come with a built-in timer that will shut off the fireplace after a predetermined amount of time. This feature is perfect for those who forget to shut off the fireplace or have trouble remembering.
Additionally, you should always unplug the fireplace when not being used. Leaving it plugged in can cause electrical overload and create a fire risk. Do not put water or other liquids into the fireplace. Finally, it's a good idea to keep your electric fireplace on a separate circuit from other appliances. This will prevent tripping and power outages.
Energy Efficiency
Electric wall fireplaces can help you save money on heating bills in the winter. The cost of operating these fireplaces is contingent on a variety of aspects, including the wattage of the particular unit and your energy provider's cost per Kilowatt.
The wattage of the fireplace is often displayed on the unit, usually in the format of kW (kilowatts). Divide that number by the price of your energy provider per kilowatt and you'll get the efficiency of the fireplace in percentage.
Electric fireplaces are typically fan-driven heaters. They pull cool air from the space and warm it using electricity. They then blow the heated air back into the room. Electric fireplaces of this type are the most popular and economical. They can be used to warm smaller or medium-sized areas however, they aren't as efficient as infrared heaters which provide more even and consistent heat.
Electric fireplaces do not use combustion materials and do not produce soot or ash. This means that you don't have to store wood in a storage facility or employ an expert chimney sweep for routine cleaning and inspection. These fireplaces aren't a source of harmful fumes, and their flames appear amazingly realistic.
Since there's no need for gas or coal, these fireplaces can be utilized in a variety of locations and are ideal if you want the cozy feel of a fire, without having to run your furnace. They also do not dry out your living space by blowing heat into it, and they can be used to maintain a healthy level of humidity for those inflicted with respiratory issues.
Another advantage of these kinds of fireplaces is that you can utilize them with or without the heat, which gives you the option to enjoy their ambience all year long. These fireplaces are great for rooms with a lot of furniture, as they block out the heat. You can still enjoy the ambience while entertaining guests.
It pays to shop around if you're considering buying an electric fireplace. You might be able to find a model that costs significantly less than you imagine, especially when you take the time to compare online prices and in-store deals. In addition, it's important to make sure that you buy an electric fireplace that can be connected to an outlet in a suitable location and doesn't share the same circuit as other appliances or fixtures.
Design
A fireplace feature wall is an amazing way to add a touch of elegance to a room without the expense of remodeling. Electric fireplaces do not require venting or chimneys therefore they can be put in any room of the house including bedrooms. They also provide supplemental heating and do not produce smoke, making them safe for children and people with respiratory illnesses.
There are many different ideas for electric fireplaces to think about to choose from, so you can pick the best one for your home. Certain fireplaces are intended to be a focal point while others are designed to blend in with the contemporary style. If you're looking for a striking piece, choose a faux stone fireplace that has a curved opening. LED flames will light up and crackle and add an elegant look.
A linear fireplace is another popular option. These fireplaces are slim and sleek, making them ideal for modern spaces which are small in space. Many are equipped with a remote control, a variety of colors for flames and heat and log set options to give an adjustable look. Some models have a wave setting, which lets you switch on and off the fireplace by just a simple hand movement.
You can also put an item that is flush against the wall. This style is perfect for modern homes, and it is easily connected to TV. The majority of recessed electric fires have front vents for security and can provide heat to up to 400 square feet.
If you want a more traditional design, choose a mantelss model with a brick surround. They're great for rooms with a lot of natural light. They can be complemented with mantels made of wood or stone. You can even pair them with an edging for your fireplace to create a cozy setting.
A majority of electric fireplaces have the ability to alter the flame and heat settings, and some even have a timer that helps you save energy. You can also use them in conjunction with a smart-home system so that you be in complete control of the fire place.
Installation
A wall-mount electric fireplace is a recent fashion in interior design. They are fashionable and energy efficient, as well as easy to install. They can also be mounted flush with the wall for a sleek look. The mounting kit that comes with most of these fireplaces comes with all the required hardware. Some models even have an inbuilt blower that can push warm air into the room.
The installation is easy but you must follow the directions. The owner's guide will give you specific instructions on how to frame and secure the unit. It will also provide specific guidelines for the clearances you should leave to prevent fire dangers.
Begin by ensuring whether the area you've selected is suitable for your fire. If you're unsure then drill an exploratory hole in a discrete part of the wall to reveal what type of walls you have. Once you've completed this, use the template that came with the fireplace in order to mark the wall which you'll have to put it. The next step is to attach the brackets onto the wall and secure them with screws. Make sure the brackets are straight and the fire is properly positioned to ensure an attractive finish.
You'll also need to think about how tall that you would like your fire to be. If you have a frameless fireplace, you might prefer a flush mount or an ledge for the fire. You'll need to check that the heater, which sits at the bottom and front of the fireplace - is at a minimum 400mm away from combustibles like fabrics to keep it safe.
You may want to consider hiring an experienced electrician to wire your fire if you aren't comfortable with electrical work. They check here can also drywall the area, tape it and make it muddy to give it a smooth finish. They can even move the plug socket if necessary for a truly streamlined look. If you wish to conceal the power cord, they can hide it behind the TV stand or beneath the carpet. In the majority of cases, you can paint the cord the same color as your wall.