Stand Alone Fireplace Electric: 11 Things You're Not Doing
A Stand Alone Fireplace Electric Can Give Your Room a Traditional Look
The electric fireplace is built in a traditional design and can provide heat to up to 1,000 square feet of rooms. It comes with a remote control as well as five brightness levels. It is CSA certified and has overload and overheat protection.
It makes use of radiant or infrared heat to heat objects and people, rather than circulating heated air. Its simple controls and two heating settings are attractive.
Installation
Many models of a stand-alone fireplace electric are designed to be hung on the wall using special mounting brackets. This is a great solution for those who don't have enough space for a fireplace or if obstacles like windows, built-in cabinets, or bookshelves prevent you from mounting a standard fireplace on a flat wall. Certain models can be built-in to the wall. This is a great option for when you're trying to give your space an older look. In any case, the fireplace should always be kept at a minimum of three feet away from combustible materials to ensure safety.
Make sure to follow the instructions provided by the manufacturer prior to putting up your fireplace. If you are able, pick a location for it that is near an electrical outlet and an even surface. The brackets should be secured to the wall. Before screwing the bottom brackets down make use of a spirit-level gauge to make sure that the wall is straight.
Once the fireplace is mounted and the glass cover is attached, you can attach it to the front of the fireplace. If you purchased a fireplace that has stones for ember and flame effects follow the instructions provided by the manufacturer. Connect the power cord to the electrical outlet and then plug in your fireplace.
If you decide to hardwire your fireplace, shut off the circuit breaker to your home prior to starting work and allow up to four feet of service cable to be run from the outlet to the junction box in the fireplace insert. If you're uncomfortable with this, consider hiring an electrician.
Follow the instructions that came with the fireplace for how to install it on the wall and wire it. Some units require extra hardware, like an extension cable to reach the power outlet. Some might even require an additional electrician to assist with this step, depending on the kind of fireplace you have. Once you've connected everything, and turned the fireplace on, you'll be able to enjoy your new fireplace.
Safety
Electric fireplaces come with a range of safety measures built into their design. For example, most of them have an alarm clock that can be set to shut off the fireplace after a predetermined period of time. This feature is especially useful for those with children or pets at home and don't want to worry about them accidentally starting the fireplace. Some fireplaces come with an remote control that makes it easier to alter the settings without having to get up off the couch or sitting down.
These fireplaces are safer than traditional wood-burning fire places but they still need some care and maintenance to ensure the safety of your family. To minimize the chance of a fire, it is essential to keep all combustibles out from the fireplace. It's also crucial to ensure that the vents in your home are open so that hot and cold air can circulate freely. It's also recommended to inspect your fireplace regularly by a professional so that any issues can be resolved before they become dangerous.
A surge protector can also be used to increase the security and reliability of your electric fire. These devices safeguard your appliances against spikes in electricity and can prevent injuries or damage to your property. They are sold at a variety of hardware stores and are priced little which makes them a good investment for your home's safety.
In addition to keeping combustible substances away from your fireplace, it is important to keep all electrical appliances including the fireplace, away from water and other liquids. This helps avoid injuries or accidents, such as electrocution, which could occur if these liquids are poured over them. Also, make sure to keep electrical cords away from the way and out of the way to prevent falling hazards. It's also a good idea always to shut off the fireplace before you leave the home or go to bed. This can help save energy costs and prevent any accidental fires from starting while you're gone.
Ease of Use
Electric fireplaces are more versatile than gas fireplaces. Gas fireplaces require ventilation systems as well as chimneys. Electric models can be put in any location. They are perfect for rooms that do not have a fireplace and work as well in modern homes as they do in older, more traditional ones.
The flexibility of an electric fireplace allows you to control its settings, which can be accomplished with simple remotes or the unit's touch-screen display.
More Tips can customize the flame brightness, temperature, and temperature of the embers according to your liking. Many models also include features like crackling sounds, or artificial smoke to enhance the look of the fire and make it look more realistic.
Electric fireplaces also require less maintenance than other fireplace options. While inspections, cleaning, and repairs might be required, they are often performed more frequently than when using a gas or wood fireplace. Additionally, since these units only need to be plugged into an electrical outlet in order to operate they can be used in any room of the house, including bedrooms, kitchens, or bathrooms.
There are a variety of freestanding and wall-mounted electric fireplace places. Wall-mounted electric fireplaces can be placed either above or below the mantel. They are typically smaller and appear more like televisions than a traditional fireplace. Freestanding models are typically larger, and some look like a real fireplace, complete with mantel.
The choice of an electric fireplace is dependent on whether it is going to be used as a source of heat or as a decorative piece. While the majority of models are designed to heat the entire room, there are certain models that can be used without creating any warmth, which is ideal for those who only want the ambiance of a fireplace.
If you are looking to buy a model for heating, take a look at the BTUs it can generate. This is the amount of heat it generates and should be enough to keep the room at the desired temperature. Look for features such as a timer controlled by a remote that will turn off the device automatically after a certain amount of time or a sleep mode that shuts it down at a specific time.
Energy Efficiency
Energy efficiency is the ratio of heat produced by an appliance versus the amount of electricity it consumes. It also indicates how much of the electricity is wasted in the process.
When it comes to electric fireplaces the higher the energy efficiency, the less you'll pay to operate them. They're more efficient at turning electricity into heat.
The most efficient electric fire places are classified between 75 and 100 percent thermal efficiency. This means that, for every 100 BTUs the unit produces, between 75 to 99 BTUs are used to warm your home. This is a lot more efficient than gas fireplace places that have an efficiency rating of just 80 percent.
Check for the ENERGY STAR logo to ensure you have the fireplace that is energy efficient. This means it meets strict efficiency standards set by the U.S. government. Check out a variety of models and brands before making your final decision. You can also include a programmable thermometer to your home in order to control the temperature and save money.
If you're in the market for an electric fireplace you'll find a variety of designs that include wall-mounted and freestanding options. Some electric fireplaces come with remote controls as well as others that can be controlled by smartphones. You can pick from various flame settings and heat levels. If you are looking to cut down on the cost of operating your fireplace, think about a low-heat setting or choosing one that can be used with the heater turned on.
This freestanding model features a classic design that blends in well with all decors, and it's extremely simple to use. You can adjust the temperature and flame height and also lower the brightness of embers for an ambient glow. It is CSA-certified and has an overheat protection system which shuts it down immediately if it becomes too hot. Additionally, it's a great value at just under $200. However, it didn't feel as warm as some of the other electric fireplaces that we tested and it isn't able to be used with an additional fireback.