Most all electric fireplaces come standard with a built-in heating element. This element typically has a reflector behind it that will reflect the heat back into the room. A small fan provides aid by moving cooler air from the room, heating it and gently recycling it back into the room.
Electric fireplaces can operate with or without the heat on. On high, most electric fireplaces produce about 5100 BTU’s of heat (1500 watts). On low, half of that.
There are some fireplaces that use infrared technology. These models directly heat objects in the room and may or may not utilize a fan.
