Fireplaces are a traditional, cozy way to heat up the house during the winter. If you have never owned one before, it can be hard to know if they are worth the investment. Electric fireplaces are an interesting alternative that offer some unique pros and cons, so they may be right for you! This blog post will explore all of the advantages and disadvantages of electric fireplaces so that you can make your decision with confidence.
Electric fireplaces offer a lot of benefits that traditional wood-burning fireplace don’t. We’ll go through the pros and cons of electric fireplaces, as well as some other considerations you may want to think about before purchasing one for your home.
- Energy Efficiency: Most electric fireplaces are much more energy-efficient than their gas or wood-burning counterparts. They use less electricity and have a smaller environmental impact on the earth because they don’t produce any greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide or methane when in use. This is great if you live in an area where natural resources are limited!
- Cost Savings: Electric fireplaces can save money on heating costs by up to 40% compared to using a traditional gas fireplace, since they don’t produce any harmful greenhouse gasses.
Electrical Fireplace Pros
- Energy-efficient, reduces environmental impact by not using gas or wood
- Less expensive to operate than traditional fireplaces
- Can be installed in homes that have no gas hookups for a fireplace. This is especially useful for people who live in an apartment where they can’t install one that runs on natural gas.
- Look realistic, can be a great alternative to traditional fireplaces
Electrical Fireplace Cons
- Cannot be used during power outages or when the electricity goes down because it does not function without an electrical supply of energy.
- Can only be used in homes and apartments with access and availability to sufficient electrical outlets so make sure you have enough available slots!
- Electric fireplace log sets can cost more than their gas counterparts due to additional features like remote controls and customizable LED lights, so keep this in mind if budget is a concern for you!
- Not as authentic-looking – the flames look fake and aren’t very convincing if you are used to real fires. Some electric models offer flame effects with LED lights; this may make them more realistic but it usually comes at higher price point.
Environmental Protection
Electric fireplaces are environmentally friendly. They have no emissions, unlike wood-burning stoves and don’t require oil or gas to burn which is a plus for those who live in areas that depend on fossil fuels as their primary source of energy.
Safety Tips
- Never use an extension cord with a fireplace. It is recommended to plug the electric fireplace directly into the wall and never leave it on if you aren’t at home or watching over it. If there is no need for the fireplace make sure that it has been unplugged as well.
- Always keep flammable objects away from heat sources such as fireplaces, candles, stoves, etc. These include paper, furniture, and clothing as lint can easily catch fire in these conditions which will increase your risk of having a house fire. Keep things like this at least three feet away from any type of open flame so they won’t be able to catch anything else on fire either by accident or design.
- Make sure you have working smoke alarms on every floor of your home including the basement. This goes for electric fireplaces as well because they can cause more problems than just a simple house fire, but also carbon monoxide poisoning if not operated correctly which is another reason why it is important to always keep them in tip-top shape with regular maintenance.
- Many homes are equipped with central heating allowing homeowners to overlook having an electric fireplace installed however there are many benefits to this type of fireplace that may outweigh any potential negatives associated with them.*
FAQs
Can I put an electric fireplace in my bathroom?
Electric fireplaces are not permitted to be used near water, so they cannot be installed directly on the floor. They should also never be placed where they could get wet (for example, next to a sink or shower). Some experts recommend using extra caution when using gas-burning units around children and pets--they can tip over more easily than wood-burning units. You may want to consider the option of propane inserts for this reason; these do not need electricity like other modern alternatives. A great alternative is having both! Look into some portable electric options that you can use around your home while still enjoying traditional warmth with the addition of a classic faux wooden mantelpiece above it.
Are electronic flame effects safe?
Most units are UL Listed, meaning they've been tested and meet safety requirements. If you're considering purchasing a unit that is not listed or comes with no information on its certification status, be sure to ask the manufacturer before making your purchase!
Do electric fireplaces heat well?
Electric models do not provide supplemental heating like gas-burning fireplace inserts; however, for many customers this isn't an issue because their primary goal was to get rid of the cold draft coming in from outside (and replace it with something more aesthetically pleasing). Some customers opt to use additional space heaters around their home alongside their electric fireplace insert--this way they can still enjoy beautiful flames while also getting some extra warmth. Another option is buying one that has a built-in heater, which can be used as a primary heat source much like traditional gas or wood fireplaces.
Do electric fireplace inserts need to vent?
If the unit is designed for outdoor use it will come with an exhaust hose that you'll attach to your chimney; if it's not intended for outdoor use then no, there won't be any need for ventilation. No matter what type of insert you go with, keep in mind that installation should always follow local building codes and regulations! You may also want to check into alternative options such as direct vent units--these do not require air intake from outside because they create their own airflow instead (meaning minimal mess and fuss).
Conclusion
In the end, there are more pros than cons when it comes to an electric fireplace. Electric fireplaces can be a great addition to your living room or bedroom and give you all options of traditional fireplaces with none of the downsides. In fact, many people who get one never go back! If you’re in doubt about whether to buy an electric or gas fireplace for your home, we recommend starting by checking out our guide on how much heat does each type produce where they live in order to help make up your mind before continuing down this path. Make sure that if nothing else will do but getting yourself a real wood-burning fireplace then something like this is not what you should want at any given time because they offer no warmth.
One of the biggest advantages to getting an electric fireplace is that it looks very similar to a real wood-burning fireplace without all the downsides, including having to clean out ashes and deal with creosote buildup which can be dangerous for your health if not done properly. Electric fireplaces are also incredibly easy to install yourself since you don’t need any sort of flue or chimney in order to get them installed unlike their gas counterparts. If you want something more modern than traditional fireplaces then this would be our top pick but there are some things you should pay attention before making one final decision on whether it’s right for you so make sure check them out!