It's winter, and you're sitting at home, thinking about what you can do to keep your living area cozy, even better than your furnace. Then it strikes you that you can invest in an electric fireplace. When installing an electric fireplace, you must first determine how many amps will be required. To help you, we delved, and here is what we discovered.
The most common type is a 1500-watt electric fireplace. They employ run on 13 amps and may be plugged into a 15-amp/ 120-volt outlet.
Electric fireplaces are recognized to be more versatile with the features they currently incorporate as they improve over time. In this article, we will cover how this electric fireplace works. We will also explore the different types of electric fireplaces, their benefits and drawbacks, as well as how to maintain them. Keep reading while basking in the warmth of your fireplace.
How Does An Electric Fireplace Work?
Electric fireplaces are said to be one of the most convenient ways to heat your space. Electric fireplaces work on two different principles: convection and radiant heating, often known as infrared. Convection operates similarly to a traditional wood stove, except it is powered by electricity.
Air is blown into the room by the heater through tiny apertures in front of it. When this occurs, hot air is blasted out of the top vents on each side of the electric unit when this occurs, heating up nearby objects or persons within its range. Radiant heating employs electromagnetic waves that penetrate whatever they come into contact with, rather than warming things by blowing warm air over them.
This technology allows users to be comfortable at lower temperatures, making this a great option for individuals who don't want to spend a lot of money on heating.
Different Types Of Electric Fireplaces
Electric fireplaces have grown in popularity as a result of the convenience and simplicity they bring. They are simple to install and do not offer the same installation challenges as wood or gas units.
There are several different types of electric fireplaces to select from. These are some examples;
1. Wall-Mounted Electric Fireplace
Wall-mounted electric fireplaces are ideal for flats since they do not require a permanent installation and are portable.
These, like a painting or flat-screen television, may be mounted directly on a wall. The fireplace comes with mounting brackets and all necessary hardware. A level, a screwdriver, and a second pair of hands are all that is required if the fireplace is big.
No special skills are required for installation; simply follow the directions in the booklet, hang your fireplace, plug it into a regular outlet, and you're done.
2. Built-In Electric Fireplace
Built-in electric fireplaces provide a more complete appearance since they do not protrude from the wall. There are several frameless linear choices available; this is a trendy design. Linear electric fireplaces with no frames are a lovely alternative to linear gas fireplaces.
A built-in fireplace is more difficult to install than a wall-mounted fireplace. You will need to create a niche for your fireplace unit. If you want to do it yourself, you'll need some carpentry abilities.
We always recommend hiring an expert to assist you with the installation of a built-in fireplace, especially if it will be hardwired.
3. Electric Fireplace Inserts
Electric fireplace inserts are utilized to convert your current wood or gas fireplace into an electric fireplace. Because of the mess involved, many homes have antique stone fireplaces that haven't been used in years.
There are two kinds of electric inserts:
Firebox Insert
Firebox inserts have the appearance of a built-in fireplace. All you have to do is select the appropriate size, fit the firebox into your existing fireplace, plug it in, and relax.
Electric Log Insert
Electric log inserts resemble a log grate and feature built-in lights that generate a flame-like appearance on the walls of your existing fireplace. Log inserts also contain a built-in heater and a remote that allows you to manage the flame height, intensity, heat, and even the ember bed illumination.
4. Free Standing Electric Fireplace
Free-standing electric fireplaces are offered as media cabinets or as stand-alone devices.
Media cabinets are mainly TV stands with electric fireplaces built in. They're ideal for apartments since they're portable and serve a dual purpose: they conserve space while also providing extra heat.
Stand-alone units offer the same characteristics as wall-mounted electric fireplaces, but instead of being hung on the wall, they are placed on an accompanying pedestal.
Now that we've covered the different varieties of electric fireplaces, keep reading to the end to learn about the product's benefits and drawbacks as well as how to keep it in prime condition.
The Benefits and Drawbacks of an Electric Fireplace
Electric fireplaces are a popular type of fireplace due to their lower ticket and installation costs as well as their convenience of use, realistic flames, and heat production.
However, because electric fireplaces are powered by electricity, they have a variety of disadvantages when compared to other types of fireplaces.
The Benefits Of Electric Fireplaces
Here are some benefits of using an electric fireplace:
1. No Smoke
There was the danger of smoke and fire with traditional fireplaces and most other methods of heating utilized before the invention of electricity. There is no need for ventilation or cleanup with an electric fireplace. Because there is no risk of fire or suffocation, you may even sleep with the electric fireplace on.
2. Energy Efficient
An electric fireplace is incredibly energy efficient. When it comes to heating a single room or a wide space, it is far more efficient than a space heater or an Amish heater. At its maximum level, it costs a penny each hour.
3. Low Maintenance
Traditional fireplaces have flues and chimneys that need to be cleaned and a fire that needs to be monitored and maintained. On the other hand, electric fireplaces are easy to clean and operate. Simply turn it on and enjoy the warmth.
4. Easy Installation
One of the finest features of electric fireplace heaters is their ease of installation. It just takes one step. All you have to do is plug in the fireplace, then turn it on and enjoy the warmth. To keep a typical fireplace blazing, you'd need to buy the wood, gas, oil, and so on, as well as poke the fire and continually watch it.
Tips for Keeping Your Electric Fireplace Safe and Functional
Electric fireplaces require extremely less upkeep when compared to other types of fireplaces. However, there are several things you can do to guarantee that your fireplace heats your house securely and effectively during the winter. Here are some basic electric fireplace maintenance instructions that can keep your fireplace running well for years to come.
First and foremost, unplug your fireplace before performing any maintenance or cleaning.
1. Light Bulb Replacement
Allow your fireplace to cool down after using it lately before replacing the light bulbs. After disconnecting the fireplace, wait 15 to 20 minutes.
To locate the light bulbs and identify which sort of replacement bulbs to use, see the owner's handbook. If you don't have a hard copy of the handbook, you may simply obtain it online by entering the model number of your fireplace.
The lights are normally situated near the back of the fireplace and may be accessed through the back panel. Before removing the panel, you may need to use a screwdriver to remove any screws.
Wear gloves or cover your hands with a towel before touching the old light bulbs. These will help protect the oils from your hands from coating the new light bulbs.
2. Clean The Fan
When the fans on electric fireplaces collect dust, they lose their ability to disperse heat properly. Maintain vigilance over your fireplace fan, which is placed behind the front grill. It's time to clean the fan if you discover it's filthy or not spinning smoothly.
Remove the front grille and clean the fan blades with a tiny brush after disconnecting your fireplace. Then, using a vacuum with an attachable wand nozzle, clean up any leftover dust and debris. To maintain your fireplace safe, clean dust from all accessible inside locations.
3. Clean The Exterior
Clean the dust and smudges from the glass on a regular basis to keep your fireplace looking beautiful. Stick to warm, soapy water and avoid using any combustible cleaning chemicals.
To prevent water stains, moisten a damp cloth or lint-free towel and buff the exterior, including the glass, until totally dry. In between these cleanings, softly dust the outside with a dry cloth.
It's A Wrap!
Electric fireplaces provide homeowners with an innovative and simple heating solution. An electric fireplace, which is available in a range of styles, sizes, and looks, may function in practically any installation based on your demands. Understanding how many amps are incorporated in the electric fireplace can give you an idea of how much energy it will require during the colder months.
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