Joe Bodden, Author at We Love Fire

When Should The Fireplace Damper Be Closed?

If you burn wood in a fireplace, you know the damper should be open before you get a fire going. But is halfway open good enough? Less heat will be lost up the chimney, right?

Do I Need Glass Doors On My Stove Or Fireplace?

Glass doors are an important component of your wood burning fireplace, stove or insert. It’s important that you have an appropriate door. Here’s why.

Can a Fireplace Cause Allergies?

Is your fireplace causing your allergies? In this article, you’ll find logical explanations on the subject, as well as various ways you can remedy to it.

Why have electric fireplaces become so popular?

There are lots of reasons for this, many of them mentioned above. The ease and versatility of installation probably tops the list. Because there is no venting required, electrics can go anywhere in your home. Electric fireplaces can be mounted on, or recessed into a wall. How about one in the bathroom or bedroom? Maybe…

What kind of maintenance does an electric fireplace require?

Compared to wood, pellet or gas fireplaces, electrics do not require much maintenance at all. An occasional bulb may need to be replaced. Odds are that your dealer will have these on hand. And, the glass may need to be cleaned occasionally. A standard glass cleaner will do the trick.

How do I turn my electric fireplace on/off?

Most will have an easy to use remote control. The remote will activate the flame speed and colors, turn the heat on or off, adjust the intensity of the light effects and regulate the speed of the fan. Additionally, most models will have conveniently located manual controls located on the unit, too.

What are the electrical requirements for an electric fireplace?

Depending on the model, electric fireplaces will operate on either 120 volts or 240 volts or electricity. Most common is 120 volts and they plug into a standard wall outlet. Although some codes may not require it, most dealers and electricians will recommend installing a designated circuit from your electrical distribution panel. A 240 volt…

Can I use an electric fireplace as an insert for my old wood-burning fireplace?

Absolutely! There are many cases where an electric fireplace makes great sense to use as an insert in a wood burning fireplace. Because electrics come in many shapes and sizes, there will likely be a model that will suit your needs. All that’s necessary is to install a 120 volt electric line into the existing…

How much does it cost to operate an electric fireplace?

This depends on your electric rates, which can vary quite a bit from region to region. So, check your electric bill to get a sense of how much you are paying per kilowatt/hour (KWH), of your electricity. The following chart can give you an idea of the operating costs of an electric fireplace. In this…

How do I vent an electric fireplace?

Unlike a gas vent pipe or a stainless steel chimney for a wood burning appliance, there are no venting requirements for an electric fireplace. Since there is no fuel being burned and no smoke or by-products form the combustion process, there is nothing to vent outside. This is exactly why an electric fireplace can be…