When sitting at home in winter, you may start looking for ways to make your living space warmer and more comfortable than just relying on your furnace. One option that may come to mind is buying an electric fireplace. Electric fireplaces are a convenient and straightforward solution to your heating needs. They also offer a safer alternative to space heaters. Electric fireplaces draw in cool air, and then warmed by heating element coils. The heated air is then pushed out by a fan system, creating a warm and cozy atmosphere in the room.
How do electric fireplaces work?
An electric fireplace operates using a heating coil and fan mechanism. The unit pulls in cold air and uses a heating coil to warm it up to the temperature selected by the user. Once the air is heated, a fan system disperses it throughout the room. This process is energy-efficient and cost-effective.
In terms of appearance, electric fireplaces offer various flame settings. Users can adjust the flame to create a realistic effect or choose a smaller size for a more subdued ambiance. This customization feature allows homeowners to tailor their fireplace to their preferred style and mood.
Are electric fireplaces safe?
Electric fireplaces are a safer alternative to traditional ones, particularly when children and pets are around. Electric fireplaces have the added benefit of providing a flame effect without heat, making them suitable for use throughout the year. The simulated flames of electric fireplaces remain cool, ensuring that no one is injured when touching or approaching the unit for a closer look. Supplemental heating for small rooms can be provided by electric fireplaces, which also allow users to control the heat and flame settings.
The option to control the size of the flame is another advantage of electric fireplaces. Manufacturers now use advanced technology to replicate the glow of a real fire, contributing to the increasing popularity of electric fireplaces in North America.
Types of electric fireplaces:
Here is a breakdown of the different electric fireplaces types, their respective advantages, and their features.
Electric Stoves:
Electric stoves are ideal for those who desire the aesthetics of a wood-burning stove without the hassle of maintaining a chimney or dealing with real flames. You can place electric stoves anywhere in your home, from wall mounts to inlays. Moreover, they offer a remote control to adjust heat and flame settings. Electric stoves are available in various designs and styles, allowing you to pick one that complements your interior decor. They are also portable and can be easily moved around the house to provide heat to different areas.
Electric Fire Baskets:
Electric fire baskets provide the ambiance of a traditional fireplace without the need for a chimney or actual flames. They come in various styles and designs, resembling traditional fire baskets made from cast iron, aluminum, or other materials. Electric fire baskets can be purely decorative or incorporated into a functioning fireplace, allowing homeowners to decide what works best for their needs. These fireplaces offer a range of heat and flame settings that can be adjusted with remote control.
Wall-Mounted Electric Fires:
Wall-mounted electric fires are electric fireplaces that are mounted onto walls. They offer various designs, from contemporary models to more traditional styles. Wall-mounted electric fires are incredibly versatile in that they can be dismounted and reinstalled easily, making them ideal for homeowners who often switch up their interior decor. They offer a broad range of heat and flame settings, and their sleek design makes them perfect for modern homes.
Electric Inset Fires:
Electric inset fires are like wall-mounted electric fires but are installed into a wall instead of mounted onto it. This type of fireplace sits flat within the wall, providing a clean and finished look. Installing an electric inset fire is a bit more complex but creates a seamless, aesthetically pleasing appearance. Electric inset fires come in various styles, and like other electric fireplaces, they offer a range of heat and flame settings that can be controlled using a remote control.
FAQS:
Q1: What makes the flame in an electric fireplace?
A: The mesmerizing flames produced by electric fireplaces are an optical illusion created by projecting the light of an LED onto a rotating refractor with 3D patterns. As the light shines on the refractor, it bounces off in different directions, replicating the natural flicker and gentle warmth of a real fireplace.
Q2: Is it OK to sleep with an electric fireplace on?
A: Leaving an electric fireplace operating overnight while sleeping can cause the appliance to overheat, leading to a potential fire risk. As a result, try not to leave the electric fireplace unattended while the heater is activated to ensure the safety of the household.
Q3: Do electric fireplaces smell?
A: When an electric overload occurs, it can melt the insulation covering the electrical wiring of an electric fireplace, resulting in a distinct burning smell. Overloading a single outlet with too many devices or adapters can cause the circuit to become overburdened and potentially cause a malfunction. Therefore, it is important to ensure that the electric fireplace is plugged into an outlet that is not overloaded with other devices and to be mindful of the electrical load on the circuit.
Summing up:
Electric fireplaces use a fan and heating coil system to heat the air drawn in from the surrounding environment. The heated air is then dispersed by the fan system, providing warmth and comfort to the living space. With the ability to control both the heating element and flame effect, electric fireplaces is a safe and efficient way to enjoy the ambiance of a fireplace without the need for a traditional chimney or the risk of an open flame. Electric fireplaces are available in several types, including electric stoves, electric fire baskets, wall-mounted and electric inset fires, each with unique features to suit individual preferences.
