Electric Fireplace Heater
An electric fireplace heater is a practical way to add warmth and class to a space. These models utilize ceramic plates to heat the air, which then circulates throughout the room.
Unlike some forced-air systems, these units are cool to the touch and don't let dust and allergens enter your home. They also come with features like overheat protection, CSA Group certification and a cooling system that is cool to the touch.
Power
As its name implies, an electric fireplace heater utilizes electricity to create flames and heat. They plug into outlets and are easy to use. Electric fires are also portable and can be moved from room-to-room, unlike traditional wood or gas fireplaces that require professional installation and venting.
Many of these devices draw a maximum of 1500 watts. This is about 5100 BTU's per hour. This is enough to cool an office or a small space. Some of the more advanced models connect to 240 volts via an isolated line. They have a more powerful heater that can produce 5 000 BTUs per hour. This is enough to warm a medium or large space, but you'll have to use it at a lower flame setting and set the thermostat a bit higher.
On average an electric fireplace will cost 8 to 9 cents per hour to run the flames and up to $100 per year to operate both the flames and heater. This is considerably cheaper than a traditional natural gas or wood fireplace, which can cost up to 160 cents per hour when the heater set to its highest setting.
Besides the savings in cost, electric fireplaces don't produce harmful fumes or soot, like a wood or gas fire, which can be a relief for those with asthma and other breathing problems. They also eliminate the requirement for chimneys and ducting that need to be set up and save regular maintenance and upfront costs.
A lot of electric fires have the option of operating them without or with warmth, which makes them suitable for use throughout the year. This can be used to provide warmth for an outdoor event or to host a party. You can also use the flames on their own to create a warmer ambience at home or in the office in warmer temperatures. You can also put up an electric fireplace on an individual wall or incorporated into furniture pieces, such as a mantel. This option will allow the fireplace to blend in with your decor and will make it look more appealing than a plain outlet.
Heat output
The main benefit of an electric fireplace heater is its capability to heat a space using little energy. This lets them be used throughout the year without the need for regular maintenance like sweeping, cleaning or vacuuming and cost considerably less than traditional fireplaces, even if they are running all day. Additionally unlike gas fireplaces there aren't any costs related to the purchase of venting or fuel which makes them an affordable choice for homeowners.
The output of heat from an electric fireplace depends on the type of heating system and the voltage supplied to the fireplace. MagikFlame for instance will often mention the BTU capacity of their electric fireplaces in the product description or the specifics to ensure that customers are aware of the amount of heat it produces.
A typical 5,000 Btu fireplace can be used to heat an area of around 400 sq feet. Larger rooms or homes with high ceilings might require a larger capacity unit to heat the space.
Electric fireplaces produce heat by utilizing two different principles that are convection or radiant heating. The former works by blowing hot air into the room via the top vents, which is heated up by the objects and people that are in the path of the air. The latter uses infrared to heat up the surfaces of furniture and people in the room, and then radiates the warmth into the surrounding areas.
Electric fireplaces create flame effects using mirrors and LED lights. This creates a realistic effect. The more advanced models however, utilize a water-vapor system to create a realistic smoke effect that is so realistic that guests will be able to take a second look when they first encounter them.
Whatever type of heat an electric fireplace generates it will come with a variety of features that let you customize your experience with it. There are adjustable heat settings and a timer option remote control feature and much other. By selecting the features that meet your requirements, you can make an electric fireplace more comfortable to use and take advantage of its benefits to the fullest extent.
Safety
Like any other electric device an electric fireplace heater isn't free of dangers. These risks are much lower than those of wood or gas fireplaces. Electric fireplaces do not produce sparks, carbon monoxide or smoke, making them safer for use around children. They also tend to be able to heat at a lower temperature and are typically much more efficient than traditional fireplaces, meaning they require less space to operate. They are a great option for small rooms, especially in the case of pets or children.
Electric fireplaces can give the appearance of a real flame, but without the dangers. They don't actually have flames but instead a screen which emits artificial flames. The result is a user-friendly fireplace that can be put on any wall. Many models come with glass that is protected and keeps the fireplace cool to the touch and helps stop burns from coming into contact with the unit.
As with any electric appliance the safety of an electric fireplace is dependent on how well it is used and the level of maintenance carried out. Ensure that the fireplace is properly anchored to the wall and kept away from areas of high traffic to prevent it from being knocked over. Additionally, make sure the fireplace isn't in direct contact with combustible materials and doesn't block the vents where hot air escapes.
When not in use the fireplace should be unplugged. It is always best to consult an electrical service provider for residential use in the event of making any electrical or mechanical modifications to the heater, since this will help to minimize the risk of accidents.
It is also a good idea to check the cord regularly for signs of wear. If they appear damaged or worn, they should be replaced. Additionally, the fireplace should not be installed in close proximity to water or exposed humid areas like bathrooms, laundry rooms, gardens and yards.
Design
Imagine yourself in a comfortable chair with a book and a cup of hot chocolate, with the flickering flames of a fireplace nearby. With an electric fireplace heater, this is possible. These fireplaces create the illusion of a real fire by using reflective mirrors and LED lights. Some are equipped with a water-vapor heating system that produces a smoke effect which looks almost real.
In addition to giving the illusion of fire, electric fireplaces also generate heat by fanned circulation of air. This makes them more versatile than traditional fireplaces that use gas or wood, which must be kept a certain distance away from any flammable substances and are equipped with safety measures such as ventilation. Electric fireplaces are considered to be safer than the majority of heating methods because they don't generate carbon monoxide, smoke, or fumes. Certain models may need to be placed a certain distance from combustible materials, but this will vary depending on the appliance.
Depending on the design of your electric fireplace it can be used as a decorative accent or a useful home heater. There are many models that can be wall-mounted, or recessed into the wall. There are some that come with instructions for installation so you can place them exactly where you'd like. They're also a great choice for bedrooms since they can be utilized to create a comfortable and relaxing atmosphere.
Certain electric fireplaces are minimalist and have frames in black that highlight the flames and draws attention to the focal point of your space. Electric fireplaces can be placed alongside simple furniture or with textures that are contrasted to create a modern and inviting look. Some models have an LED backlight that can be used to create a mood, or as a nightlight to enhance the ambience of your space.
For added convenience, many electric fireplaces are smart devices that can be controlled using either a remote or app on your smartphone. You can set them to automatically turn off and on according to the time of day you select and your preferred temperature. They can be used to control other smart devices within the home, including lighting and thermostats.