You might have noticed, searching online, that there are so many options to consider when shopping for a new electric fireplace. Not only do you have to pick a portable fireplace from a reputable manufacturer, but on top of that you need to decide which of the many unique styles and designs appeals to you most. This leads many people to start on the wrong foot, and they are lost before they’ve even begun. To move things along, before you shop you should try and learn as much as you can about fireplaces.
The majority of fireplaces warm up a room via a fan forced heater, which uses electricity to heat the large coils built inside the portable electric fireplace. The built in fan then blows over the coils, dispersing heat from within the chamber and out into the room. These fans are often very quiet and gentle. However, it is still a good idea to ask the retailer just how loud the portable fireplace can get before you decide to purchase it or not. These fans tend to distribute heat uniformly and quickly over a large area, but it is important to note that the heater still has only a localized effect. While a electric fireplace is great for warming up a large room, it is not necessarily a replacement for thermostat-controlled total home heating.
Standard modern fireplaces often create roughly 10,000 BTUs of heat, which actually surpasses the standard heat output of wood-burning fireboxes. They can plug into any standard 120 volt outlet, and are activated merely by flipping a switch (though some models have more advanced controls to give you greater command of the generated heat). As far as the fire illusion is concerned, there are a few options to consider. Some fireplaces come with a static image, though most modern fireplaces aim for a more realistic representation. Many of the most popular electrical fireplace inserts have a 3D fire hologram, which looks like a real roaring fire inside the appliance. Light and mirrors combine to bring the hologram into being, and the erratic nature of the lights are what make these artificial flames so dynamic and fluid. Sometimes a electric fireplace heater insert will offer you control over the flame’s appearance, from a soft glow to a full fire.
The quality of the portable electric fireplace is paramount, so you should consider the BTU output and the integrity of the heating system before you make a final decision. The appearance of the artificial flame and the way the fireplaces look is also an important consideration. Modern electrical fireplace inserts won’t raise your insurance rates, as they are considered “guaranteed safe,” but you should still take care to pick out a electric fireplace heater insert with a good warranty. With these considerations firmly in mind, you can’t possibly go wrong in your search for the best fireplaces!
Tags: Electric Fireplaces, fireplace mantel, Fireplace Mantels, fireplace surrounds