Electric Fireplaces Buyer's Guide
What is an electric fireplace?
An electric fireplace is, at its core, a room heater that runs on electricity. What's great about electric fireplaces, however, is that they don't require fuel. They also give your home a nice decorative aesthetic on top of the warmth they provide. But today, there are electric fireplace heaters that don't even provide heat. They are entirely decorative.
As more and more people move to a greener lifestyle, electric fireplaces are becoming a go-to choice. Electric fireplaces are a more sustainable option when compared to gas and wood burning fireplaces. Electric fireplaces are eco-friendly, give off no fumes, you can recycle them, and many plug into a standard electrical outlet. So, how do you know if an electric fireplace is right for you?
Ask yourself these questions: Do you rent? Are you not able to invest in a built in fireplace? Do you want a fireplace for indoor and outdoor use? Do you only plan to use it occasionally? Does the look of a fireplace entice you but not the heat? Maybe you want a fireplace, but is the maintenance too daunting. If you answered yes to any of these questions, continue reading.
In this article we will answer every question you may have regarding electric fireplaces, like what you need to consider before buying one, the best brands available, and how to take care of your fireplace. These are just some of the topics we'll touch on.
Considerations
Before you buy, make sure you have a dedicated outlet for your electric fireplace. Plugging any additional high demand appliances into the same outlet could lead to a tripped breaker. The voltage of the circuit must be 120 volts in most cases. That's standard voltage though, so that shouldn't be an issue. Be sure to evaluate what other items are using the same 120-volt circuit as the fireplace. It may be necessary to remove other items to lessen the load. Some small electric fireplace brands require a 240-volt circuit. If you purchase one like this, you'll need a dedicated line run for it. And because of these energy demands, it's not recommended to use an electric fireplace as the primary heat source for any part of your home.
