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Everyone loves an open fire, but they can be dangerous, polluting and very costly to run – especially in the depths of winter. Luckily there are now modern fireplaces that look great, are kinder to the environment, and are affordable to run. A modern electric fireplace uses electricity to generate heat, rather than logs on an open flame or traditional gas fires.
They have been around for a while but the materials used have improved and their designs made them more accessible and affordable for consumers who want the aesthetic appearance of a real-flame fireplace without all the risks. Also with the surge in demand for media walls, popularity is soaring.
There are different types out there, so choosing the right one can be tricky. In this article, we’ll explain all you need to know about electric fireplaces and some top tips on how to choose one that suits your needs as well as your home.
What to Look for When Choosing a Modern Electric Fireplace
When buying a new electric fireplace, it’s important to consider a few basic factors to ensure you get a product that’s right for you. Here are the most important things to look out for when shopping for an electric fireplace.
Heat Output
The most important factor is the amount of heat it outputs. You’ll be looking for something that generates a minimum of 4,000 BTUs per hour so it can effectively warm a medium-sized room. For larger rooms, you’ll need something that generates even more heat.
Most have adjustable heat settings and a remote control and can be hung from any flat wall. The main benefit is instant heat, rather than waiting for a boiler to fire up.
Efficiency
A high-quality electric fireplace will use very little electricity whilst producing maximum heat output. The efficiency of your fireplace is important because the less electricity it uses, the cheaper it will be to run.
Style
Electric fireplaces come in a wide variety of styles to suit every type of home decor. The main types are traditional, modern and rustic designs, though some models are also designed to imitate the aesthetics of a stone fireplace.
Types of Electric Fireplace
Electric fires come in six different styles, so you can choose the one that best suits your needs. Your personal taste and the amount of space you have available will influence your decision.
Stove
They replicate the feel and design of an authentic wood-fired stove, but you will not require log deliveries. They are standalone and can be positioned anywhere in the house.
Suite
They offer a complete surround and a fire, and multiple designs can be taken from the box and positioned against the wall for a quick fireplace.
Inset
They are often inserted into a cavity or opening that is either a surround to hold the fire’s back or an existing fireplace opening. A lot of inset designs come with ‘spacer kits’ that can make them freestanding if you don’t have an opening.
Wall-mounted
They are excellent if you have limited floor space or want a contemporary option. They can be either mounted on the wall or built-in with a sleek look.
Basket
They are excellent if you want a rustic and open fireplace design. You may even get an optional authentic ‘ash bed’ feature.
Radiant bar
They provide radiant heat for immediate warmth in your room, in a vintage style.
How do contemporary electric fireplaces work?
Electric fireplaces usually come with a built-in fan that draws air upwards through the fire chamber and out of the room through the chimney. The fan creates an airflow that mimics the effects of a real log fire and brings warm air up to the ceiling where it’s distributed throughout the room.
They come in two main varieties; radiant and convection. Radiant fireplaces create a glowing fire effect without any heat output. They are designed purely for aesthetic purposes and are best used in rooms where space is limited, like a hall or small apartment. Convection fireplaces, on the other hand, create both heat and a glowing effect. The heat they create is distributed through the air and into the room, making them a great choice for larger living areas.
Environmental Benefits of Electric Fireplaces
Compared to traditional fireplace designs, modern electric fireplaces are more environmentally friendly in a number of ways. First of all, they don’t release any harmful gases or carcinogenic particulates into the air, so they’re much safer for the people in your home.
Modern day electric fires also don’t require any maintenance, so you don’t have to worry about cleaning out ash or refilling the logs, which makes them much more convenient to use. They are also much cheaper to run than wood-burning fireplaces.
There is also no heat lost up a chimney with electric fireplaces, which are 100% efficient. Although gas is cheaper than electricity, all the energy used goes into heating your room. When we compare installation costs for a gas fire with those for an electric fire, we can see that they are comparable in the long run.
Why are electric fireplaces so popular?
There are many reasons why modern electric fireplaces are so popular. Firstly, they’re a lot safer than traditional fireplaces, and they don’t require any maintenance like a real log fire would. They’re also a lot cheaper to run than a real fireplace. So, while they don’t produce quite the same level of heat as a real fireplace, they do a very good job of mimicking the aesthetics and ambience of a real log fire, without the risks.
Ultimately, electric fireplaces are so popular because they offer the aesthetics of a real fireplace without the risks or the associated costs. They are suitable for all types of homes and provide a beautiful, cosy glow that’s perfect for sitting by on a cold evening.
Conclusion
There’s no denying that electric fireplaces are a great alternative to real fireplaces. They are much safer, cleaner and more convenient, and they don’t require any maintenance. They also come in a wide variety of styles and designs, so you can easily find one that suits your home’s unique decor. If you’re in the market for a modern electric fireplace, make sure you choose one that generates a minimum of 4,200 BTU per hour.
You should also look for one with a high-efficiency rating to ensure you get the best value for your money. Now that you know what to look for when choosing a modern electric fireplace, you can make an informed decision and find one that meets all your needs. With the help of this article, you can be sure you’re buying a product that’s right for you.
