Electric Fireplace Basics
A beautiful fireplace can transform any room, but not everyone wants to deal with the construction or cost of a gas fireplace or a wood-burning unit. Fortunately, electric fireplaces exist for this very reason.
If you’d like to add ambiance and warmth to your home in the easiest way possible, keep reading. We’ve put together this guide to help make your electric fireplace buying experience simple, straightforward and enjoyable. These are some of the most common questions we receive about electric fireplaces, so we’ve answered them in one place to get you started.
What Would You Like to Know?
How much do I need to spend on an electric fireplace?
How will this unit be installed?
What kind of design can I choose?
What features does an electric fireplace have?
How Much Do I Need to Spend on an Electric Fireplace?
One of the biggest benefits of an electric fireplace is the lower cost compared to wood and gas units, not only for the unit itself but for installation, as well. Prices begin at just a few hundred dollars for the most basic fireplace units, and installation is often a very simple process. Handy homeowners will likely be able to install it themselves.
While entry-level electric fireplaces are a great option for many rooms, those looking for a truly impressive piece will likely want to consider more premium units. These more advanced units will often have additional features, more powerful integrated heaters or more realistic fireboxes and flame presentations.
Ultimately, one of the biggest reasons electric fireplaces are such a hot-selling product category is the sheer number of options available for all tastes, spaces and budgets. There really is an electric fireplace for almost everyone!
How Will this Unit Be Installed?
Electric fireplaces are versatile units capable of being integrated into many different kinds of spaces. Part of the reason for this is the wide range of configurations available to meet your project’s needs. At Fireplaces Direct, you’ll find five different styles of electric fireplaces categorized by the way they’re installed: wall-mount, built-in, inserts and mantel packages.
Each option offers its own unique benefits, but none of these options require any kind of special venting, making them a great option for those who prefer to keep their home improvement projects as low maintenance as possible.
Wall-Mount Electric Fireplaces
Have you ever mounted a television before? If so, you’ll find the process for installing a wall-mount electric fireplace to be very similar. These fireplaces are the easiest way to add warmth and beauty to your home, and you’ll likely find you can have your fireplace installed and operating on the same day you receive it with very little prep work required. As an added bonus, these units are a great option for homes where more permanent options are not allowed, such as an apartment or other rental property.
Built-In Electric Fireplaces
Built-in electric fireplaces offer the warmth and ambiance of a traditional wood or gas fireplace without the need for chimneys, venting or significant maintenance. These units make a great option for new builds or remodel projects where the fireplace can be incorporated during the design stage. Higher-end options in this category, like the Dimplex Opti-V, are some of the most realistic electric fireplaces on the market and can even be mistaken for more traditional units at first glance.
Electric Fireplace Inserts
While gas and wood fireplaces offer higher performance and heat output when compared to electric units, they come with additional maintenance, as well, and not everyone wants to manage this additional chore. If your home has an existing wood or gas fireplace, an electric fireplace insert can be used to convert that space into a low-hassle hearth while still maintaining the pleasing appearance provided by a beautiful fireplace.
Electric Fireplace Mantel Packages
An electric fireplace mantel package is similar to a fireplace TV stand in that it’s an impressive all-in-one piece of furniture with a fireplace insert already integrated into its design. However, these units take the appearance of a classic fireplace mantel and therefore stand taller and narrower than their TV stand counterparts. While you likely won’t be setting your television on top of one of these, they make a great decorative focal point for your room.
What Kind of Design Can I Choose?
Electric fireplaces typically fall into one of three categories: traditional, contemporary or transitional. No matter what kind of decor your room has, you’ll be able to find a fireplace to match.
Traditional styling attempts to recreate the look and feel of a classic wood or gas fireplace without the hassle. These units usually feature artificial log sets, realistic orange or yellow flames and fireboxes designed to replicate the look of a traditional hearth. Most products from Dimplex offer this styling, and their products are some of the most realistic on the market.
A contemporary fireplace takes a more unique aesthetic approach. These fireplaces usually feature minimalist design, multicolor flames and fire glass media to bring the look into the 21st century. Units like the Napoleon Trivisita and those in the Amantii Panorama Series showcase these features well.
While many fireplaces go all-in on either traditional or contemporary style, others take a more balanced approach. These transitional units are great for those looking for a more distinctive appearance but may not want to lose too much of the classic fireplace feel. The Napoleon Alluravision is one unit that falls into the transitional category. You’ll still have realistic touches like artificial logs and traditional flame colors as options, but the addition of a Crystal Clear Cube ember bed and multi-color flame settings offer updated style.
What Features Does an Electric Fireplace Have?
As we’ve already shown, electric fireplaces come in a variety of styles to suit your needs. These variations aren’t all aesthetic, however. Diverse feature sets ensure you’ll be able to find a fireplace to suit your use case.
Lighting
Fireplace lighting can take many forms. We’ve already mentioned flame color options, but it’s worth pointing out again the number of choices available. While some units stick to traditional oranges and yellows, others feature color options across the light spectrum to help you match your room design or your mood on a given day.
Color options aren’t just limited to flames, however. Many electric fireplaces offer ambient mood lighting or a firebox night light to further showcase the unit in a variety of conditions.
Fire Media
Fireplace media options typically include artificial log sets, fire glass or some combination of the two. In some cases, fireplaces ship with both options and allow the owner to customize the look of their firebox to their satisfaction. This extra level of personalization can allow you to truly make your fireplace your own.
Fireplace Remote Control
Most units feature at least some kind of basic fireplace remote control option, allowing you to conveniently turn your fireplace on and off at the push of a button. In more premium units, remote controls may even include the ability to remotely control options like flame color or temperature.
Integrated Heater
Integrated heaters are a popular feature on many electric fireplaces. While these units will never put off as much heat as a gas or wood fireplace, some do an impressive job of zone heating smaller spaces. This process allows you to save money on your energy bills by using the electric fireplace to heat the space you’re spending the most time in while keeping the rest of your home at more energy-efficient temperatures.
Electric Fireplace Alternatives
While electric fireplaces are great options for many, others still prefer more traditional fireplace options for their home. For those who’d like something more high performance, we also offer a variety of other fireplace options including:
No two installations are ever exactly the same, but we have you covered no matter what your individual project calls for.
Let Us Help You Plan Your Project
We know how important quality customer service is, which is why our team is here Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Central Time to answer your calls. Give us a call and speak to one of our knowledgeable product specialists if you need any additional assistance finding the correct product for your needs. They can also take your order over the phone if you’d like. Prefer to work with us via email? Not a problem. You can contact us at any time through our website and we’ll get back to you as soon as we can. We’re looking forward to helping you with all your fireplace needs.