Yes, and in more ways than one!
If youâre looking to enhance the ambiance of your living space in a dramatic way, itâs tough to beat the look of a fireplace. However, building or budget restrictions may not allow for a traditional wood or gas fireplace. An electric fireplace makes an excellent alternative in these scenarios.
An electric fireplace will cost less to operate than a gas fireplace. Additionally, a gas fireplace requires a much larger upfront cost than an electric unit due to the more involved installation requirements. While an electric fireplace may not increase the value of a property in the same way a gas fireplace can, a budget-conscious consumer can create a beautiful setting with a premium electric fireplace unit. This, in turn, can create a more desirable living space and improve your home's value.
How Much Does it Cost to Install an Electric Fireplace?
As previously mentioned, one of the biggest benefits of choosing an electric fireplace over a wood or gas fireplace is the lower installation cost with fewer requirements. Typically, the largest cost associated with installation is the cost of the unit itself. However, every build is different, and your costs may vary.
Additional costs may be incurred in the form of framing and finishing materials. Labor costs can also vary greatly depending on the needs of the installation as well as geographical location. However, with products like our wall-mount electric fireplaces, these costs are kept to a minimum. Mounting a fireplace can be as simple as hanging a TV in many cases, which means most homeowners can take on the task themselves for significant cost savings.
Should an Electric Fireplace Be Installed on its Own Circuit?
Although an electric fireplace can be a plug-and-play experience, itâs important not to overlook little details that can greatly affect your installation. One of the most frequent questions we receive is, âShould an electric fireplace be installed on its own circuit?â To answer simply, yes, your electric fireplace should be installed on a dedicated circuit.
Electric fireplaces typically have a high amp draw due to the heaters built into most units. This high draw can trip a circuit breaker on shared circuits, so keep this in mind during your installation.
Can You Put an Electric Fireplace under a TV?
In addition to whether or not to use a dedicated circuit, weâre often asked if electric fireplaces can be placed under televisions. In most installations, homeowners are looking to create an impressive focal point in their room by combining a large high-definition TV and a beautiful fireplace. Fortunately, fireplaces can be placed under TVs so long as manufacturer specifications are followed.
Every fireplace manufacturer will list the required clearances to keep in mind when installing a fireplace unit. These requirements must be followed. A fireplace mounted too close to a television or combustible materials is a recipe for trouble. At best, damage may occur to a television or surrounding materials. At worst, the installation could present a fire hazard.
To learn more about the clearance requirements of your fireplace, consult your product manual. If youâre still shopping around, we include links to all product installation and ownerâs manuals on each product page. You can find these in the Documents and Downloads section near the bottom of each page.
Do Electric Fireplaces Reduce Home Value?
No, an electric fireplace won't reduce the value of your home as long as it's a quality product that was installed correctly; actually, fireplaces often contribute to increased home value and appeal. In a survey conducted by the National Association of Realtors, 40% of homebuyers identified fireplaces as a sought-after feature. Supporting this, research from the National Bureau of Economic Research revealed that homes equipped with fireplaces sold for an average of 12% more than those without. This data suggests that adding a fireplace can be a worthwhile investment for homeowners looking to enhance marketability and resale value. We always recommend investing in a reliable hearth, no matter what type. It's also important to always follow all manufacturer's recommendations when installing an electric fireplace. For more details about proper electric fireplace installation, take a look at our electric fireplace insert installation guide.
Does an Electric Fireplace Increase Homeowner's Insurance?
No, an electric fireplace shouldn't increase your homeowner's insurance premiums. While some policies may have additional costs to cover gas or wood-burning fireplaces, it's very unlikely that an electric fireplace will have any impact on insurance costs. We can't speak for all insurance policies however, so be sure to consult your policy details before purchasing or installing any kind of fireplace.
Need More Help with Electric Fireplace Installation?
We know thereâs a lot to learn during the electric fireplace buying process. Give us a call at 877-374-2070 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. Central Time to speak to a product expert who can answer all your fireplace questions. You can also submit your question to us via our contact us page.
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