Imagine enjoying the warmth of a cozy fireplace without pausing your favorite show to tend to logs or sweep up ashes– that is the magic of electric fireplaces. The rising popularity of electric fireplaces can be attributed to the increasing demand for flexible heating solutions. Using an electric fireplace to provide supplemental heat instead of using your central heating system in your home will help combat heavy utility bills during the fall and winter. Electric fireplaces are available in various styles so that you can select the one that will best match your living space.
How do electric fireplaces work?
While each model operates differently, electric fireplaces typically utilize heating coils, ceramic plates, or infrared technology to generate warmth and built-in fans to evenly distribute the heat into the room of choice. Unlike traditional fireplaces, electrical fireplaces have no live flames. Since they are electrically powered, electric fireplaces can generate three dimensional realistic visual effects of flickering flames to lighten up your room and your mood.
Can electric fireplaces heat your room?
The next question that naturally arises in one’s mind is if electrical fireplaces can do more than merely make flames dance. The answer is yes, but there are a few things to consider to get the best heating effects from your electric fireplace. Most electric fireplace heaters are well-equipped to provide supplemental heat for rooms with sizes up to 1000 square ft.
The amount of heat produced by the unit is measured in BTUs (British Thermal Units), which indicates their heating capacity. The amount of heat emitted by an electric fireplace depends on its wattage, as higher wattage models can produce more BTUs, which makes them suitable for larger spaces. The effectiveness of the heating mechanism is also affected by the number of windows, insulation, ventilation, and humidity levels in the room.
Why are electric fireplaces considered supplemental sources of heat?
Electric fireplaces are not designed to be the central heating system for your entire home. They are designed for efficient zone heating similar to air conditioning splitters that provide cool air to specific rooms. You save money on your energy bills by providing supplemental heat to the specific rooms that need heat during the cold season, central heating heats up the entire home including empty rooms that to do not need heat.
What electric fireplace gives the most heat?
Infrared electric fireplaces are known for providing higher heat output, often around 5000 BTUs, and emit direct heat to the people in the room similar to the organic infrared heat from the sun. The emitted heat does not remain suspended in the air; it is absorbed by the objects in the vicinity, which keeps your space warmer for longer durations of time. These fireplaces are also perfect for those with allergies since infrared heat requires less movement in the air to disperse the heat.
Can electric fireplaces cause a fire?![]()
Electric fireplaces are incredibly safe, as their realistic flame is no different from the LED light bulb in your room. The heating elements are enclosed, which makes them a safe choice, especially if you have children or pets at home. The glass front remains cool to the touch and will not become hot when the heating element is in operation. In the case of infrared electric fireplaces, the generation of heat through electromagnetic heating diminishes the possibility of the production of harmful gases like carbon monoxide. This makes the use of electric fireplaces safer than traditional fireplaces, which can increase the likelihood of a dangerous fire hazard.
How to make your electric fireplace safer?
Our extensive collection of electric fireplaces come equipped with numerous safety features such as an electronic timer function with auto shut-off, an adjustable thermostat, hassle-free wiring, remote control, and many more.
Here are a few suggestions to consider to ensure the safety of your electric fireplace:
- Keep flammable objects like curtains and furniture at least 3 feet away.
- Plug directly into a wall socket and avoid extension cords to avoid the extension cord from melting and causing a fire.
- Regularly check for abnormalities and replace damaged power cords immediately.
- Remove dust from vents and fans to prevent dust buildup.
Are electric fireplace heaters expensive to run?
Running an electric fireplace is not as expensive as one might assume. Electric fireplaces can operate with a timer and or thermostat so that when the allotted time is up, the unit will automatically shut off. When the room reaches the desired temperature, it can also automatically shut off. Unlike traditional fireplaces, they are cost-efficient due to lower installation costs, zero fossil fuel requirements, and easier maintenance.
How much does it cost to run an electric fireplace per month?
Electric fireplaces can cause a modest increase in your electric bill when used in moderation. The following numbers are dependent on your local energy rates for your county and are not exact figures for your home. Let’s assume that for a typical 1,500-watt electric fireplace, the expenditure with the average electricity rate at $0.16 per kilowatt will be approximately $0.24 per hour. If used for 8 hours a day, this sums up to about $1.92 daily, or approximately $57.60 per month. For 10 hours of use daily, the cost totals up to about $72.00 monthly. Even in the rare case of full-day usage daily, the addition to the bill should not surpass $200 per month. With mindful usage, an electric fireplace adds only a manageable amount to your monthly bill, which makes it a great cost effective heating solution for your home.
How We Can Help
At PortableFireplace.com, we are dedicated to helping you find the perfect electric fireplace for your home. We offer selection advice, fast shipping, and in-home installation services. Browse our collection of electric fireplaces here. Contact us 7 days a week, anytime between 9am – 5pm PST.