There are many reasons to get an electric fireplace. One of the most important is that they are environmentally friendly. They don’t produce any smoke, soot, or other pollutants that may be harmful to the air quality in your home, which is great for people with allergies or respiratory problems. Additionally, they are much cheaper than a traditional wood-burning fireplace and can provide some level of heating when you need it most.
But how do you know what size would work best for you? This guide will help explain all about BTUs (British Thermal Units) and their importance when choosing the right fireplace for your needs!
The most important thing to know about electric fireplaces is that they are designed to warm a room, not a person. This means that you will be using BTUs (British Thermal Units) instead of degrees Fahrenheit or Celsius to measure the warmth in your home. In this post, we will explain how many BTUs an electric fireplace should have and other factors you need to consider while shopping for one!
How Many BTUs Is An Electric Fireplace?
Electric fireplaces have an adjustable BTU output. A higher number of BTUs means more heat, which is great for colder climates or larger rooms. For most homes (and most spaces inside the home) you’ll want to look at units with between 5000 and 9000 BTUs per hour.
If you’re uncertain about which BTU is best for your needs, don’t hesitate to contact the manufacturer. They should be able to help determine what size of the fireplace will work well in your space.
If you plan to use your electric fireplace for supplemental heat rather than as the primary source, then there’s no need to worry about BTUs. It will be more concerned with how it looks and functions in the room.
A fireplace with higher BTUs may work better if you want a quick warm-up on chilly mornings or evenings. A unit that’s lower on the scale might do fine keeping an entire family comfortable during relaxing movie nights or while reading books by the firelight. Knowing what kind of heater is best for your needs makes shopping easier!
How Many BTUs Do I Need For An Electric Fireplace?
The primary role of BTU is to measure the amount of heat that an appliance can generate, and it’s useful for determining which electric fireplace you should purchase. The question now becomes: How do you determine how many BTUs are necessary? It will depend on a variety of factors including space size, room function/purpose (living room or bedroom), overall energy efficiency desired, etc…
- A living room with a high ceiling would require more BTUs than one that is low and cozy.
- You want to make sure the electric fireplace has safety mechanisms such as overheat protection.
- If you’re planning on using it in your bedroom, then lower heat output will be necessary so as not to disturb your sleep or cause other distractions.
Electric fireplaces come in many different styles and sizes but first and foremost we need to decide how much heating power we’ll need from our new appliance. Your choice of an electric fireplace depends largely on where it will go, what size space needs warming, budget constraints (BTUs can range anywhere between 2500 – 3500), and style preferences which play into deciding just how many BTUs are necessary.
- For a big room, you’ll need high heat output with at least 5000 to 6000 watts.
- Depending on the size of your bedroom, between 2500 and 3500 watts will be sufficient enough for warming purposes.
- This information is useful when shopping around for an electric fireplace that suits all of your needs – don’t forget! There are even more factors that come into play that can influence how much heating power is needed in order to maintain comfortability within any given space. However, what we’ve covered here should go a long way towards determining just how powerful your new electric fireplace needs to be. Don’t forget, safety features can also come into play and you need to figure out if the unit has to overheat protection that will shut off automatically or one which we’ll require manual resetting once it’s reached a certain temperature (usually around 99 degrees Fahrenheit).
- For more information on heater power outputs including safety mechanisms such as those mentioned above make sure to check out this article for an in-depth look at all things powering your fireplaces – don’t miss!
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) website states that a fireplace emits as much as 12,000 BTUs per hour. This amount of heat can account for up to seven percent of the total energy consumption in your home each year! The EPA also estimates that burning one gallon of fuel oil produces almost 20 pounds – or ten kilograms – of carbon dioxide gas emissions. For every three gallons burned, nearly two grams (.07 ounces) is emitted into the atmosphere and contributes to global warming.
Electric fireplaces are very efficient at heating small spaces with little effort on your part because they don’t require you to burn anything other than electricity. These units feature an enclosed flame effect created by LED lights behind decorative panels made from wood veneer or other high-quality materials that are resistant to heat. Because they don’t come into contact with oxygen, the fire itself is safe and has no actual flames – it simply looks like one because of its enclosed design.
Modern electric fireplace designs can be installed in just about any room without difficulty due to their compact size (generally ranging from two feet by three feet up to four feet by six feet) and lack of venting requirements. And if you’re concerned that your home isn’t wired for electricity, there’s good news: many units feature built-in plugs so all you need is an outlet nearby instead of having to rewire a wall jack. The only drawback is that these plug-play models cannot provide humidity to the room, although you can hook up a space heater with a built-in humidifier if this is an important consideration for your home.
A high BTU rating ensures that your unit will produce quick results in heating small or medium-sized rooms without being too overly intense once it reaches its optimal level. This means that you’ll feel comfortable sitting next to the fireplace even after it’s been running for several minutes. However, electric fireplaces are not designed to replace central heating during cold winter months; they’re best suited as supplemental heaters meant mainly for decoration purposes but which also provide additional warmth when needed most (for example; on chilly evenings).
Safety Tips For Your Electric Fireplace
- Place your electric fireplace on a flat and stable surface. This will make sure that it does not get knocked over or fall off the table, causing potential harm to you and others around you.
- Your fireplace should be placed away from any source of water. Water is very conductive and will increase the risk of electrocution significantly if it comes into contact with your fireplace or its cords, especially when they are plugged in.
- If your cord starts to become worn out or frayed, you need to replace it immediately before someone gets hurt by coming into contact with a faulty cord. If you cannot find replacement cords for your unit online or at home improvement stores such as Home Depot then call an electrician right away!
- If you have a pet with long hair, keep the area around your fireplace clear of their fur at all times. The last thing anyone wants is for their cat to knock over an already lit fire on top of themselves while they sleep! These tips will help ensure safety from electrocution and also prevent damage to furniture or carpets which could be caused by a natural gas line leak if the source is not addressed.
- Lastly, we want to make sure that you can get the most use out of your fireplace for as long as possible! To prevent overheating and damage from occurring over time please keep an eye on how hot the fire is getting in real life when it’s being displayed on the screen. Make sure that no part of yourself or any children are blocking the view of a potential hazard by placing objects in front of it while they play or watch TV in another room.
These safety tips should be followed at all times so everyone has a safe experience with their new electric fireplace unit!
FAQs
What is a BTU?
A British Thermal Unit (BTU) is a unit of measurement regarding the amount of energy required to heat or cool one pound in weight by one degree Fahrenheit. The standard used for measuring BTUs in heating appliances such as fireplaces, wood stoves, and furnaces, is based on how much it takes to heat an average-sized room with eight-foot ceilings from 68°F when the outside temperature is at 0°F. In general terms, this means that most electric fireplace models have between 3500 and 9000 BTUs depending on their size and style. If you intend to use your electric fireplace year-round be sure to pay close attention to any additional claims made about its ability to produce heat during colder months.
How many BTUs do I need?
The number of BTUs you'll want to heat your desired room depends on the size of that space, as well as how much insulation it has. A typical electric fireplace with a maximum output between 3500 and 9000 can comfortably heat rooms up to 400 square feet in area. If your intended use is for supplemental heating only then any amount over this range will allow you some flexibility when choosing an electric fireplace based on style rather than power output. The larger the room or more severe the climate where you live, the higher range model you'll require for adequate comfort year-round.
What are Fireplace Inserts?
Fireplace inserts are designed specifically to fit into existing fireplaces and can provide a more realistic flame display by using an electric heating element to warm the surrounding air. The combination of heated air rising up through the chimney flue with cool outside air moving in from its surroundings provides a gentle breeze effect which makes these inserts feel much more authentic than other types of electric fireplaces that require no ventilation for operation.
Where should I place my Fireplace Insert?
In order to achieve maximum efficiency, it is best to have your fireplace insert placed as close as possible to where you'll be sitting, ideally within five feet facing you directly at eye level when seated on a couch or chair. This allows heat being produced by the appliance itself to circulate throughout the room before dissipating towards outer walls and eventually escaping out into your home's exterior through existing air vents and windows.
What are the safety concerns of an Electric Fireplace?
Fireplaces, whether powered by gas or electricity can be a fire hazard if not used properly due to their close proximity to combustible furnishings such as couches and carpeting. An electric fireplace insert equipped with infrared heat technology significantly reduces this risk because it heats objects directly without generating hazardous flames or sooty smoke that accumulates in traditional wood-burning fireplaces over time. However, all heating appliances should be kept at least 36 inches away from anything flammable while being operated for maximum safety benefits regardless of type.
Does my new Fireplace Insert require any special care?
With proper installation, regular maintenance, and cleaning you'll get many years of satisfaction and enjoyment from your new fireplace insert. Most modern models come with a special coating that makes them easy to wipe clean so you can keep it looking like new for years on end without needing to use any harsh chemicals or detergents. If properly cared for, most electric fireplaces will last over 20 years before they need replacing which is more than many of their gas-burning counterparts due to the extremely hot temperatures reached during operation.
What are Fireplace Glass Doors?
Fireplace glass doors provide an extra layer of safety by preventing children and pets from getting too close while also offering increased insulation properties compared to traditional metal mesh screens found in other types of inserts. The tempered effect created when two sheets of glass is fused together into one pane during the manufacturing process provides a safe barrier against errant sparks and embers.
What can I do to reduce my electric bill?
If you have an electrical fireplace insert it's important not to place your furniture too close which will result in direct contact with its heating elements, thus creating a fire hazard should anything flammable be resting on top of them while they're powered up for operation? In addition, placing other heat-producing devices such as lamps or TV sets near your new investment may also contribute towards higher energy expenses during periods where electricity is being used more frequently throughout your home. Place these appliances several feet away from any possible point of contact with either side facing outwards without obstructing airflow around itself. This allows cool air intake to be maintained while being warmed by the heating elements inside your fireplace to produce a consistent flow of heated air which is eventually pushed out through existing vents and windows.
How do Fireplace Inserts save money?
By using infrared heat technology electric fireplaces can make your home more energy-efficient because they directly provide warmth in the area where it's needed most without wasting electricity on powering up cold spots that are further away from its location. Most modern models use only about one-sixth as much power compared to space heaters without sacrificing too much range either, thus allowing you to enjoy substantial savings throughout winter months when used correctly. In addition, these units are designed with built-in timers so you don't have to worry about them running for extended periods at night or while you're at work during the day which also contributes towards energy savings.
What are Fireplace Insert Blowers?
Many units come equipped with built-in blowers to help circulate heated air throughout your home rather than simply letting it rise straight up into the atmosphere within its original location, thus allowing heat produced by electric fireplaces to be used more efficiently in spaces that would otherwise remain cold and drafty for most of the winter months when entries doors are closed. If you want to increase circulation even further then consider purchasing a stand-alone fan or using an existing one found in another room such as near windows where airflow is needed most without interfering with overall heating capabilities inside primary living areas like family rooms or bedrooms.
How do I measure BTUs on Electric Fireplaces?
Electric fireplace BTUs are measured in British Thermal Units just like gas fireplaces and all other types of heaters. If you're looking to replace a traditional wood-burning or gas-fueled device then be sure to check out the size recommendations provided by your dealer before making any final decisions, but if it's already been determined that an insert will provide sufficient heating capabilities for your needs without being too powerful either way from the get-go then simply compare its cubic footage volume with existing products to determine whether or not it'll fit correctly into the desired location. Be careful because some manufacturers may use different measurements such as heat coverage which should also be taken into consideration when comparing prices between various models designed for similar-sized rooms even though they might look very different from the outside.
What is a Fireplace Blower?
A fireplace blower or as they're sometimes referred to as fireplace fans are used to circulate air throughout rooms during colder months without having to rely on existing forced-air heating systems, thus allowing you to turn down thermostats and save money while still staying warm inside your home even during periods of high energy usage when temperatures drop below freezing levels outside at night. These devices work great with gas fireplaces but may also be used with some electric models too in order to increase airflow around warmer areas instead of simply letting hot air escape straight up into the atmosphere through chimneys since this traditional design approach does not allow any type of fan device to attached directly onto its exterior surfaces.
What are Electric Fireplace BTU Ratings?
Electric fireplace BTUs are measured in British Thermal Units just like gas fireplaces and all other types of heaters. If you're looking to replace a traditional wood-burning or gas-fueled device then be sure to check out the size recommendations provided by your dealer before making any final decisions, but if it's already been determined that an insert will provide sufficient heating capabilities for your needs without being too powerful either way from the get-go then simply compare its cubic footage volume with existing products to determine whether or not it'll fit correctly into the desired location. Be careful because some manufacturers may use different measurements such as heat coverage which should also be taken into consideration when comparing prices between various models designed for similar-sized rooms even though they might look very different from the outside.
Conclusion
It is a great idea to have a fireplace for your home in the cooler months of the year. This will not only add some character and warmth, but it also has many health benefits such as improved sleep patterns and calming effects. The most common type of electric fireplaces is vented gas log sets which need between 30-35 (UK) or 80-90 (US) BTUs per hour while an open hearth unit that does not recirculate air requires one that would be 50% higher than this amount. If you plan on using the fireplace all day long then these requirements can easily double if you want optimal performance!