Electric fireplaces have many advantages over conventional wood fireplaces or even gas logs. They are easy to install, cheaper to operate, and require less maintenance and cleaning than wood burning or gas log fireplaces.
Fuel
Electric fireplaces as the name implies use electricity as the fuel. They can be connected to the electric supply that the house uses as long as they have a separate three-pin power point. They consume more electricity than many household appliances but around the same as a space heater.
LED Lights
The electric fireplace has LED lights to provide very realistic looking flames. Most modern electric fireplaces have remote and electronic controls that enable the user to control the temperature and the brightness of the flames. In fact, it is possible to entirely switch off the flames and use the electric fireplace as a space heater if you want to.
Maintenance
As the electric fireplace uses electricity, there is no exhaust or fumes, soot, or any other residue to clean up. This makes it easy to maintain with just general dusting and cleaning involved.
Installation
Electric fireplaces do not require chimneys or flues as they do not have any exhaust fumes. They can also be installed in old fireplaces where the chimney is blocked or closed. Additionally, these light weight and compact fireplaces can be installed in rooms without chimneys such as bathrooms, bedrooms, and so on. They can also be mounted on walls if needed because of their lower weight.
Designs
Electric fireplaces are available in both traditional and contemporary designs. The choice of design depends on the interior décor of the room, the taste of the home owner, as well as the space available. There are wide angle electric fireplaces that are flat and wide and have a larger display while fitting into shallow niches. Other electric fireplaces come with traditional American fireplace surrounds and mantels. Some contemporary electric fireplaces are meant to combine elegance and space saving ideas and come incorporated inside bookcases or with a widescreen TV stand on the reinforced mantel.
Allergy-Free
As electric fireplaces are soot and ash free, they are ideal for homes where people with allergies reside. They are also great for the elderly as they require less cleaning.
Cost Savings
As these electric fireplaces do not require vents and chimneys, the owners can save on the costs of chimney cleaning and maintenance services while still enjoying the warmth and glow that a fireplace provides.
Portable
Some electric fireplaces are portable and can be taken from room to room depending on the requirements. However, these are not weather proof and should not be used outdoors.
Safety
As with all electrical and electronic appliances and heaters an electric fireplace must be installed and operated only according to manufacturer guidelines. This will ensure the safety of the users. For instance, there should be sufficient space between the fireplace and any flammable object just as in the case of space heaters. The power point for the fireplace should also be earthed to avoid electric shocks.