I know you are thinking “why would I want a cheesy electric fireplace in my beautiful home?”
Electric fireplaces have come a long way, both in function and design. Today’s impressive electric fireplace technology will surprise you! Here are some reasons you may want to consider them in your home design.
Advantages of electric fireplaces:
- A fraction of the cost of a wood or gas fireplace
- Heat or no heat – the option is up to you and the season
- Minimal clearances to combustibles or televisions
- Realistic designs with many options
- No venting or gas lines
- DIY installation
- Don’t have to worry about little ones getting burned
- Low maintenance
Good quality electric fireplaces typically range in price from $899 – $2000 and you can certainly pay more depending on the features that you would like.
One of the best things about an electric fireplace is that you can still enjoy the “fire” without turning on the heater and you don’t have to worry about someone getting burned. And sometimes you just want to relax by the fire even though your home is warm.
If you are looking to have your television above your fireplace, an electric model has very low clearances so that the TV can be installed at an appropriate height without damage to your television.
These fireplaces aren’t just a light bulb with a plastic log anymore! They now offer fibre logs, crystals, pebbles and “ice” chunk with different coloured lighting options. There is basically no maintenance, and you can also install these fireplaces yourself as there are no chimney or gas lines to run. All that is required is an electrical outlet!
Styles & Design options
As mentioned above, the designs and styles available now can fit into any decor, from modern to traditional. You can get sleek contemporary looks or more traditional wood looking models, making them ideal for a wide range of decorating ideas.
Some types you can hang on the wall like a piece of art, others are meant to be built in to look like a wood or gas fireplace, and others can be purchased with a mantel style cabinet.
All fireplaces come with remote control, with most offering a thermostatic feature. Backlighting in different colours is also quite popular. You have to check out all of the options!
Perfect locations in your home
You will notice more and more electric fireplaces in commercial settings such as hotel lobbies, restaurants, retirement homes etc. Some popular spots in your home for electric models are:
- Bedrooms where you don’t necessarily want a lot of heat but may want the ambiance.
- Small sitting rooms where you can curl up with a good book and a glass of wine.
- Guest rooms to make a cozy atmosphere when company stays overnight or take the chill off the room.
- Great rooms, where you may want the focal point of a stunning fireplace but again don’t need a lot of heat
- Ensuites, the perfect way to add luxury to your bathroom!
Some things to consider before purchasing
Electric fireplaces do not put out a lot of heat. They are typically 5000 BTUS or about 1.5 kilowatts, so they are perfect for taking the chill off a small room, but will not heat your house.
The cost in Peterborough, ON area to run an electric fireplace with the heater going as well as the flame effect is currently about .24 cents per hour based on the peak rate of .16 cents per kWh. Most are utilizing LED lighting so to have the ambiance without the heat the cost is negligible.
It’s important to note that electric fireplaces do require electricity, so you will not be able to use it in a power failure as a backup heat source. And as far as these fireplaces have come in looks, they are still not a real flame.
These fireplaces are an attractive and cost-effective way to incorporate warmth and style into your home. The advances in electric fireplace technology and the stunning design choices make these fireplaces worth considering in your home design. Visit us at our showroom in Peterborough.
By The Original Flame inc. Author
Heating & Cooling Systems