Electric Fireplace Inserts (A Complete Guide)

When most people think of electric fireplaces, they often picture a fake fireplace with no heat. This is not the case! Electric Fireplace Inserts are an excellent way to enjoy the warmth and ambiance without all of the hassle. Read on for information about how these inserts work, their benefits over traditional fireplaces, and tips on how to find one that’s right for you!

Many homeowners want to add a fireplace to their home but can’t afford the cost of installing one. Fortunately, there is an easy and affordable solution: electric fireplaces. These inserts are designed to look just like traditional wood or gas fireplaces and they provide all of the same benefits (including an elegant design). We’ve put together this complete guide so that you know everything you need when deciding whether or not an electric fireplace insert is right for your home.

What Is A Fireplace Insert And How Do They Work?

A fireplace insert is a device that is placed inside your existing, traditional masonry fireplace. It consists of an outer frame for housing the electric blower and heating components. These devices are designed to fit into either gas or wood burning installations by providing fire with supplemental heat without removing any necessary air from the room.

However, they do require a certain amount of clearance from combustibles for safety. The heating elements are designed to generate heat that is powerful enough to maintain the desired temperature in your room. These include ceramic, glass and solid-fuel burning stoves which vary in their efficiency rate depending on whether they use electricity or gas as fuel sources.

In terms of installation, electric fireplace inserts are typically installed inside your existing, traditional masonry fireplace. They consist of an outer frame for housing the electric blower and heating components. These devices are designed to fit into either gas or wood burning installations by providing fire with supplemental heat without removing any necessary air from the room.

They do require a certain amount of clearance from combustibles for safety. The heating elements are designed to generate heat that is powerful enough to maintain the desired temperature in your room. These include ceramic, glass and solid-fuel burning stoves which vary in their efficiency rate depending on whether they use electricity or gas as fuel sources.

In terms of installation, electric fireplace inserts are typically installed by a professional.

Do Fireplace Inserts Need To Be Ventilated?

This is an important question to consider if you are looking at buying a fireplace insert. Fireplaces need ventilation because of the smoke and gases that they emit, which can be dangerous in non-ventilated areas. There must always be something like windows or doors nearby for it to vent out into (for example). This means that any inserts installed inside your home would need to be vented as well. This is not the case for all inserts, but it is important to check with your manufacturer before buying. If you are installing this yourself, be sure that any vents on the outside of your home can handle the extra air flow and do not allow gas or smoke into other rooms in your house.

If you want an insert that does not need open air flow in the room, a gas fireplace insert would be a better choice.
These inserts generally do not emit any smoke or harmful gases, so they can be safely installed without the worry of proper ventilation.
If you live in a highly-populated area, we recommend choosing an electric fireplace that does not need ventilation.

Is It True That Electric Fireplace Inserts Create Heat?

Electric fireplace inserts are not the same as traditional fireplaces. Electric models don’t produce actual flames, they generate heat that comes from electric heating elements inside of them. They don’t produce actual flames because they are connected to an electrical outlet and aren’t vented like traditional fireplaces.

As a result, they can’t actually produce any flames. Instead, heating elements inside of the unit will warm up to create heat.

This is why some people may prefer electric fireplace inserts over traditional fireplaces – because they don’t need venting and are completely safe to use without supervision.

Do Fireplace Inserts Look Realistic?

Fireplace inserts can look very realistic, depending on the style of fireplace insert you choose to purchase. When shopping for a gas fireplace insert it is important that you consider your options and pick out one that looks as close to real flames as possible. One way in which this can be achieved is by having an electric fireplace with flame technology or LED ember technology. These look very realistic and can give your home that cosy feel when you watch the flames dancing around in front of you.

Fireplace inserts are an efficient way to heat up a room without having to waste money heating up rooms which will not be used all day long, like bathrooms or kitchens for instance. The main firebox is usually located in the living room, where it is most centrally located and therefore can heat up all rooms of your home. If you have a larger house then there are other options available from electric fireplace manufacturers which include having two flues to provide even more efficient heating for those larger spaces.

If you have a large house and live in an extremely cold climate then it may be necessary for you to get multiple fireplace insert units depending on the size of your home or family. In this case, if budget is not an issue, I would recommend going with electric over gas because they are more efficient at heating up larger spaces.

Types Of Electric Fireplace Inserts

At its core, an electric fireplace is a heater. It’s designed to be a quick and easy way for you to heat your home by converting electricity into heat. This makes it ideal for those that want the warmth of their fireplaces without any of the drawbacks such as smoke or forced air heating systems. The various types of electric fireplace inserts are typically broken down into three categories:

Traditional electric fireplaces

These are the type of fireplace inserts that you would typically find in a home. They usually resemble real wood-burning fireplaces, but offer heat instead of smoke and embers. The flames can be adjusted to several different heights depending on your own personal preferences, though it’s not possible to get completely authentic flames with the fake kind.

Most electric fireplace inserts are small, compact models that can heat up a room of between 150 and 300 square feet depending on your preferences. These types of fireplaces come in various shapes and sizes, but most feature an adjustable thermostat to keep you warm without costing too much money or wasting energy while it’s not in use.

Modern electric fireplace inserts

These types of fireplaces are a bit different than the traditional version because they’re typically designed to be placed against walls and therefore do not require much floor space. They can be mounted onto your wall as if it were any other piece of furniture such as desk, bookshelf, or some other piece of furniture.

This type of fireplace is great for those that may not have the space to accommodate a traditional electric fireplace insert, but still want some warm and decorative flames in their homes (or even at the office). These options can be used just like any other household appliance such as over-the-range microwave ovens or even under-the-cabinet microwaves. They’re typically very energy efficient and space conscious, though they might not be able to heat as large of an area as some other models on the market.

Kitchen appliances

These types of electric fireplaces are designed for those that want a fireplace insert in their kitchen or dining room. These are usually mounted on the wall just like other modern options, but they’re designed to be more decorative because of their location in your home.

Most kitchen electric fireplace inserts have sleek designs meant for those that want clean lines and minimalistic decorating styles in their homes. They can still provide you with a lot of warmth if you’re trying to heat up your kitchen during the colder months, but they won’t be very effective when it comes to heating other rooms in your home.

These types of electric fireplace inserts are usually less expensive than traditional models and modern options because they don’t require any installation or permanent mounting onto a wall like most other models.

Depending on the brand and model, these types of electric fireplace inserts can provide you with some pretty realistic flames that are meant to resemble traditional wood-burning fireplaces. Some are even designed to be “flame only” models meaning they don’t give off any heat at all—just a nice visual effect for your kitchen or dining room.

These types of electric fireplace inserts are sometimes referred to as “fake fireplaces” because they don’t give off any heat, but still provide a beautiful flame display and some warmth during the colder months. They can be very decorative and usually come with all sorts of different options such as timer features that enable you to turn it on and off whenever you want.

This type of fireplace is usually a bit more expensive than traditional models because they require installation, but are less expensive when compared to modern electric fireplaces that can be mounted onto your wall or ceiling. They’re also different from the above two options in that most will come with a remote control for easy operation.

Modern electric fireplace inserts are great because they’re very versatile and can be used in almost any room of your home during the colder months (or even year round if you live somewhere that doesn’t experience much winter weather). They usually provide some heat, but not always as much as traditional or kitchen models due to their smaller size.

Traditional electric fireplace inserts

These types of fireplaces are designed to resemble the traditional wood-burning style that have been around for hundreds of years, but they’re much more efficient and use electricity instead of a flame to produce heat in a room. They look very realistic with detailed carving and finishings just like real stone, brick, and mortar fireplaces.

They’re usually made from high quality materials such as real wood veneers or cast stone for the exterior design and they contain a heating element that warms up to spread warm air throughout your room much like traditional fireplace inserts do with their open flame style heaters. Some even have glass windows so you can see the realistic flame effects inside just like in a real fireplace.

These types of electric fireplaces are usually more expensive than traditional models with installation, but they’re still cheaper when compared to modern options that you mount onto your wall or ceiling. They also provide more heat output which makes them great for heating up larger rooms during winter months.

Modern electric fireplace inserts

These types of fireplaces are more decorative than traditional or kitchen models because they usually have a sleek design that fits in with modern decorating styles and designs. Usually, they’re designed to be mounted onto your wall which can give off the appearance of an entertainment center if you use them as part of one.

This type of electric fireplace insert is also more expensive than traditional and kitchen models because they require installation, but are cheaper when compared to modern options that you mount onto your wall or ceiling. They can be very decorative and come with a variety of different features such as remote controls for easy operation.

These types of fireplaces usually provide heat output and can be used to heat up smaller rooms, but traditional and kitchen models are better for heating up larger spaces. They’re more decorative than the other types of fireplaces as well which makes them a great option if you need something that fits into modern decorating styles without breaking the bank or taking up too much space.

Parts for Electric Fireplace Inserts

To keep you warm and cozy, a fireplace insert needs a firebox. This part of the heating appliance is important because it holds the logs in place while they burn to produce heat for your room. Fireboxes can be made from steel or cast iron. The design of the box should reflect the decor of your home. Fireboxes are typically round or square, but can also be rectangular if you have a specific design in mind for your fireplace insert.

A combustion chamber is another component responsible for making sure heat gets to where it’s needed most – the living room! A heating appliance with an impressive BTU output will need a large combustion chamber. The size of your fireplace insert’s firebox will determine the dimensions of his part, so it is important to choose one that fits perfectly inside the frame you have already built around your existing fireplace opening.

Some electric inserts come with a separate blower unit which blows hot air into the room through an HVAC system. If the unit does not have a built-in blower, you may need to purchase one in order to get enough warmth in your room and keep it comfortable throughout cold winter months. Keep in mind that gas inserts do not require any additional heating components because they produce their own heat source.

Finally, firebrick is an important part of a fireplace insert that helps direct heat into the room and keep it there. For fireplaces with gas heating, this component is not necessary. However, if you have an electric heater without built-in blower unit, your home will benefit from having firebrick lining to help distribute warmth throughout the living space.

As far as costs go, an electric fireplace insert can cost anywhere from $150 to several thousand dollars. You should also be aware that the more options and features you choose for your unit, the higher its price tag will climb.

Now I know how much it costs and what parts are needed!

What Is The Difference Between A Fireplace And An Electric Fireplace?

A fireplace is a free standing structure that can be made out of bricks or stone and they make great focal points to the rooms in your house. They are also very traditional looking, while an electric insert looks like it should go into your existing fire place.

With a fireplace, the heat is generated by burning logs. Your house can be warmed up in no time because you are using real wood to create the fire and not electrical wires like with an electric insert.

Electric fireplaces can be placed in any room and do not require the same amount of space as a fireplace. You can even get electric inserts that sit inside your current fireplace if you want to add some ambiance without wanting to commit to changing out an entire structure.

Fireplaces are very traditional, while electric fireplaces can be more modern.

Effects of a Flame

The effects produced by a traditional fireplace are much different from those of an electric insert. While you can certainly have the cozy feeling that comes with sitting in front of a fire, there is no smell and much less smoke than what’s released by a wood-burning one. The benefits to your respiratory system really cannot be overstated!

Heat & Ambiance

Electric fireplace inserts are perfect for areas that do not have an existing fireplace. You can even use them in rooms without any other heating options, like breezeways or garages to make it feel more cozy! Some people also choose electric fireplaces because they’re a safer option than natural gas fireplaces – especially if you have small children around.

My wife and I love to roast marshmallows in our fire pit on warm summer nights, but the only problem is you can’t do it very often because of how much wood we go through! We started researching fireplace inserts a few months ago as a way to solve that issue without having to give up roasting marshmallows.

Pros & Cons of Fireplace Inserts with Electric Burners

Pros:

Manufacturers offer a wide range of sizes and styles for electric fireplace inserts. Many provide both ventless gas logs and realistic looking imitation flames in the same unit, with some models providing multiple fuel sources such as wood or propane to suit your preference. Inserts come standard with remote control operation that allows you to easily adjust the heating output from across the room, and many manufacturers offer additional add-ons such as bright LED lighting to further enhance their product.
There are a wide variety of styles available for inserts.
Many models provide multiple fuel sources
All come with remote controls.

Cons:

Electric inserts are not as efficient in heating an entire room, and because they do not have a chimney flue to exhaust fumes, should only be used with adequate ventilation.
They aren’t very energy efficient.
Inserts should always be vented properly to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning.

Installing an Electric Fireplace Insert

Installing an Electric Fireplace Insert can be a lot of work, but it is definitely worth the effort. When shopping for your fireplace insert make sure you measure your existing firebox as well as the depth and width to determine which inserts will fit best in your space. Also keep in mind that some electric fireplace inserts require dedicated electrical circuits while others can be plugged into a standard outlet.

You will need to install an electrical outlet near the fireplace in order for it to be functional. The power cord needs to reach a dedicated 15 or 20 amp circuit breaker and you should consult your local electrician about installing such a circuit if necessary. Once this is done, turn off the electricity at both breakers (the one supplying power to the fireplace and the one supplying power to all other outlets) prior to beginning work.

Using a stud finder, locate at least two wall studs that are roughly 16” apart near where you want your new electric fireplace insert mounted. Using an electronic drill attach anchors into these locations if the existing drywall will not support screws being driven directly into it.

Next, you will need to attach a mounting plate for the fireplace using screws and an electric drill. The type of plate that is needed depends on your particular model of electric fireplace insert so refer to the instructions included with yours if they are not readily available at this time.

Once everything has been mounted securely into place, connect electrical wires from the power cord to the plug on your fireplace unit. Then, attach a vent hose extension if there is not one already attached. It will need to be connected securely into place so using a rubber mallet may help tremendously in this process as well as trying different angles of insertion before it finally “clicks” into its locked position.

Now that everything has been attached, turn the electricity back on at the wall outlets and then test out your new electric fireplace insert. If it does not work properly consult with your manufacturer’s instructions for troubleshooting information. Your local hardware store should also be able to help you determine what is wrong if troubleshooting fails. Once you have your fireplace working properly and you have determined where the remote control is going to be stored, give yourself a high five for a job well done!

How to Replace an Electric Fireplace Insert

When you own an electric fireplace insert, it is important that you learn how to replace the unit if necessary. Replacing your current electric fireplace insert will allow for a new look in your living space and may even help increase efficiency. It can be difficult to find specific information on how to change out electric fireplaces inserts so we have compiled this complete guide to help you make the change.

Have tools and know how for this project ready before starting work on your fireplace insert replacement.
Get a qualified professional to do it for you if necessary or purchase a new unit that is preassembled.
Disconnect any electrical wiring from the old electric fireplace insert, carefully remove flammable materials like newspapers, and remove the old unit.
Clean up any debris in your fireplace insert opening before placing a new electric fireplace insert into place; be sure to use proper safety precautions while completing this step.
Using an electric drill with bits that match the size of your screws, attach your new fireplaces insert using metal brackets and screws.
Attach your new electric fireplace insert to the metal brackets using a power screwdriver and electrical wire, making sure it is securely in place.
Make any necessary adjustments with tools like your hammer or drill before replacing flammable materials and turning on the unit again for testing purposes. If you use an extension cord during this step, make sure to remove it before turning on the new electric fireplace insert.
Turning on the unit again for testing purposes
Remove extension cord if used during this step; be sure that electricity is turned off first!
Replace flammable materials and turn on the unit for testing purposes.

Are Electric Fireplace Inserts Safe to Use?

Electric fireplace inserts are safe to use as long as precautions and safety measures are taken. The first thing you should do is read the instruction manual carefully for tips on how to install your insert safely. If there is a fan, make sure it’s not blocked or covered up by any objects that may obstruct airflow. You want a clear path through the back of your fireplace that will allow for proper ventilation and heat exchange.

If you have a gas fireplace, make sure the gas supply is shut off before working on it. If an electric firebox requires power in order to operate, remember that both circuits need to be turned off at the main breaker or fuse box. Using a multi-meter will help ensure there are no stray current leaks from any of your cables.

Electric fireplace inserts are perfectly safe to use as long as you follow the manufacturer’s instructions and any relevant local codes. You should never attempt to install or operate an electric firebox without first consulting your owner’s manual, especially if it is damaged in any way. If you want peace of mind about its safety, hire a licensed electrician to handle the work for you.

Is It Possible To Be Energy Efficient With An Electric Fireplace Insert?

Absolutely. There is technology available that can ensure more efficient use of energy and less power consumption, making your electric fireplace insert much more environmentally friendly than other types. You don’t have to sacrifice quality or design for the sake of being eco-friendly either!

Electric fireplaces are much more energy efficient than other types. They use electricity to run instead of gas or wood, which isn’t as expensive and saves you money in the long term! Electric fireplace inserts can also be placed virtually anywhere without having to worry about ventilation like with a traditional wood burning one.
It is possible for electric fireplace inserts to be energy efficient. There is technology available that can ensure more efficient use of energy and less power consumption, making your electric fireplace insert much more environmentally friendly than other types. You don’t have to sacrifice quality or design for the sake of being eco-friendly either! Electric fireplaces are also much more energy efficient because they run on electricity instead of gas or wood, which isn’t as expensive and saves you money in the long term! Electric fireplace inserts can also be placed virtually anywhere without having to worry about ventilation like with a traditional wood burning one.

Is It Worth It To Invest In An Electric Fireplace Insert?

If you are someone who is constantly cold and looking for a way to warm up your room, then an electric fireplace insert might be the perfect solution. Electric fireplaces provide warmth in all kinds of different rooms from living rooms to bedrooms. In addition, they can also add some style if done right! They come in many shapes and sizes so you can find something that fits with your current décor. However, they do come at a price and it’s important to consider whether or not the investment is worth it first.

To get the most out of your electric fireplace insert you’ll need to make sure it is installed properly. This means that if you do not have any experience with installation, then be prepared to pay a professional for help. Also, keep in mind that while they are typically safe and easy to use, they should only be used by adults. A child should never be left alone with one.

If you are looking for something that can provide warmth to a specific room then an electric fireplace insert might just do the trick! They come in different shapes and sizes so if your current décor is simple, go for something more basic. Or if your style is more on the fancy side, you can find something that fits with your room.

Electric fireplaces are a great choice for those who live in colder climates and want to warm up their rooms without turning on the heating system all day long. They provide warmth quickly, which means you won’t have to wait around for hours before feeling comfortable inside again! What’s more is that most of them come with the option to choose between different heat settings. This means that you can increase or decrease the temperature depending on how cold it is outside, and/or if there are people in your room who tend to feel more chilly than others!

An electric fireplace inserts comes at a price so be sure to take some time looking around and considering all your options before investing in one. If you are someone who is constantly cold, then it might be worth the investment to have some warmth inside on those chilly days! However if you aren’t too keen on heating up a whole room with an electric fireplace insert, there are other ways that can help you stay warm – especially during this time of year.

Environmental Protection Through Fireplace Inserts

Fireplaces are a crucial part of a home with an old world charm that many people appreciate. But in the modern day, they may not be as efficient when it comes to heating homes because newer houses have been built out of materials which don’t allow heat from fireplaces to circulate throughout them properly.
With an electric fireplace insert, you can have a beautiful fire that looks just as real as traditional wood burning fires. It also gives off the same amount of heat and helps to circulate it throughout your home in a more efficient way than older methods.
The beauty of having one is that you don’t need any chimneys, you can use it in any room and they come with heat settings which let you control the intensity of warmth.
The best part is that because electric fireplace inserts are so new, there aren’t many reviews or guides to help people understand them better or to compare different models on the market. That’s where we

Safety Tips

Keep an eye on your kids when they are around the fireplace.
Be careful with candles or anything that can flame up easily near it.
Do not hang things on the fireplace and also keep it away from curtains.
Be careful when you throw ashes as they can fly up in flames if there is no cover around them.
Don’t use fireplace when you are not around.
Never leave children unattended in front of the fireplace.

FAQs

How do I install a fireplace insert?

A new fireplace often comes with installation instructions, but it’s not complicated. All you need is some basic tools and the ability to read step-by-step directions from an instruction manual or on your own as you go along. You can find many videos that show how easy it is to install a fireplace insert online, like this one.

How much does it cost?

Electric fireplace inserts range in price. The average electric fireplaces retails for $500 and up; however, you can find them for less than 300 dollars. Gas units retail anywhere from 100-1000 dollars depending on the size and style.

How much electricity does it use?

Electric fireplace inserts on average cost about $75-$100 per year to operate. However, if you’re looking for a way to reduce your carbon footprint and save the environment, electric is the only green option available without sacrificing style or safety since gas fires can emit harmful greenhouse gases.

Where should I put my electric fireplace?

Electric fireplaces are available in wall mount, built-in or freestanding units. Wall mounted units allow you to free up floor space while giving your room a cozy rustic feel with the warm glow of an open flame. Built-in inserts give off more heat but are more difficult to install. Free standing units are easy to move and can be used anywhere in your home, making them the most popular option for homes with children or pets that may knock over a built-in fireplace.

How do I clean my electric fireplace?

The best way to keep an electric firebox looking like new is to wipe it down regularly with a damp cloth. However, if your unit is more than six months old or has been seriously neglected by its previous owner, you may need to clean it with soap and water before wiping dry.

Conclusion

Electric fireplace inserts are an affordable way to experience the warmth of a fire without having to purchase or install gas lines, stovepipes and chimneys. The price will vary depending on its size (more expensive units tend to be larger) but you can expect it cost between $500-$1000 at most retailers. If your home already has some of the features below, you are even more likely to have a good return on your investment.