Electric Articles

Electric fireplace equipment does not need a lot of regular routine maintenance. Keeping the batteries fresh in the remote probably tops the list. Most require AAA’s. Cleaning the kids’ fingerprints from the glass can be done with a common household glass cleaner using a non-abrasive cloth. Let the glass thoroughly cool before cleaning. And, if…

Leaving an electric fireplace on all the time is not going to cause any damage to the equipment. However, with the heating element on, the damage is going to be felt in the balance of your checking account! Unless your home is specifically designed for electric heat, heating with electricity is an expensive way to…

Anytime and/or all the time is the answer to this question! That’s because leaving the flame and lighting effects on for several hours a day, costs just pennies! Much has been said about the spectacular effects of today’s electric fireplaces, so why not enjoy them every day? The colors, media options and the inexpensive costs…

Starting an electric fireplace is done one of three ways. All are super simple! The fireplace can be operated by a touch panel or switch, usually located on the top or side of the unit. One tab will turn it on/off and other buttons will turn the heat on/off and adjust the liveliness of the…

Of course, electric fireplaces, stoves and inserts can be repaired! If repairs are ever needed, some can be handled by the homeowner and some should be performed by a qualified service tech. If the remote control is not working, it’s likely time to replace the batteries! Probably the most common service call is related to…

Yes, they do! But, if you’re hoping that an electric fireplace will heat the majority of your house, you’ll need to adjust your expectations. Think “supplemental heat”, particularly in the area within 10 – 15 feet of the fireplace. The heating element on many electrics is 1500 watts. This translates to about 5100 BTU’s of heat.…

Electric fireplaces are extremely easy and convenient to use. There are two main adjustments to turn on and off with an electric fireplace. One is the lights and “flames” with the fireplace; the other is the heat. Both functions operate with a remote control. Most remotes have a manual and an automatic mode. The lighting…

A surround on a fireplace can mean a couple of different things to people. It might refer to the decorative front around the glass. Or, it may mean the finishing material around both sides and the top of the fireplace. Part of this finishing may or may not include a mantel. There is not a…

There are some manufacturers that package a fireplace and small cabinet or stand together and sell them in the big box stores or the local hardware store. This is typically low-end, inexpensive equipment and cabinetry that most people are not happy with after they get it home and assembled. The main advantage with this, of…

Our recommendation is to purchase an electric fireplace at your WE LOVE FIRE® dealer. There is nothing terribly wrong with places like QVC. But they are interested in only three things:  1) sell stuff, 2) sell stuff, and 3) sell more stuff. Developing a rapport with customers and understanding their needs and what their expectation is, product…

Depending on the final, finished look you’re after, a mantel usually adds a touch of class to a fireplace installation. There are no specific mantels for electric fireplaces, or gas models or wood burning equipment. A mantel is a mantel! The difference between the three types of fireplaces are the required clearances for its installation. Wood-burning…

Some electric fireplaces are approved for outdoor use, while others are not. You can install any electric fireplace indoors, but not all electrics can go outside. If your electric fireplace model is approved for an outdoor application, there are certain requirements necessary to protect it from rain and snow. Check the owner’s manual for the…

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…

There are usually several options available when accessorizing an electric fireplace. They all have do to with the aesthetics of the unit. These options can highlight your lifestyle and interests and will customize the fireplace to your liking. Popular decorations and options include: different styles of log sets, colored fire-glass beads or chips, pebbles, stones…

The majority of electric fireplaces will come with a remote control. Remote controls work on a radio frequency, similar to your garage door opener. Remote controls send a signal to a receiving unit on the fireplace to turn it on and off, adjust lighting effects and turn the heat function on and off. Thermostatic remotes…

There are lots of pros and cons when it comes to electric fireplaces. The most significant boil down to heat output, price and details with the installation. Hopefully, this chart sheds additional light on comparing the advantages and disadvantages of an electric vs. gas fireplace.   ELECTRIC FIREPLACE GAS EQUIPMENT Heating Capacity Low Moderate to…

This is another question where the answer could be, it depends. The main 3 variables here are: Your electric rates. The current cost of gas. How much do you use your fireplace monthly? Remember that BTU’s are what it takes to heat your home or warm up a room. Gas fireplaces produce significantly more BTU’s/hour…

You will likely spend less money on an electric fireplace than a similar size gas model. A gas fireplace is a more complicated piece of equipment with an ignition system, adjustable gas valve, gas pressure and air to fuel adjustments, an insulated firebox and a coaxial venting system. The flames and lighting effects on an…

This is one of those questions where the best answer is, it depends! It depends on your wants and needs. Both fuels come in lots of traditional and linear sizes. Both have several media options for a unique and customized look. But, are you looking for much heat? If the answer is yes, go with…

The short and direct answer to this question is: absolutely not! Never try it, it would be extremely hazardous. There are several reasons for this: 1) Gas appliances must be vented; electric fireplaces do not. 2) Clearance requirements are necessary for gas units, as they produce significantly more heat and get much hotter than an…

A GFI (Ground Fault Interrupter) circuit or receptacle must protect an electric fireplace in a bathroom. Fireplaces are not watertight, and you must protect them from water ingress. For this reason, you must install electric fireplaces away from tubs and showers. For this reason, we do not recommend wall mounting a fireplace in a bathroom.…

Anyone can plug an electric fireplace into an existing wall outlet. However, hard-wiring an electric fireplace is a different story. Depending on local codes, hard-wiring an electric fireplace is a project that a competent DIY’er might tackle. If regulations allow it and you have experience and knowledge of electrical practices and basic construction skills, go…

Most electric fireplaces come pre-wired with a 72" (1.8M) cord and a grounded plug. For planning, see if your electrician prefers the line on the unit's left or right side. Depending on circumstances, some fireplaces simply plug into a wall outlet. The only issue with plugging into an existing wall outlet is the possibility of…

This is a tricky question because it's based on individual preferences. There are so many sizes and shapes of electric fireplaces that you can install one nearly anywhere in your house! First, think about these points before the installation: 1) Allow for proper wall and ceiling clearances. 2) Avoid direct exposure to the sunlight or…

An electric fireplace insert is intended to be put inside an existing wood-burning fireplace. You install an electric wire into the hearth by running it up the clean-out chute in a masonry fireplace. If yours is a zero-clearance fireplace, you can install the electrical supply directly through the steel side wall of the existing fireplace.…

Once you’ve decided on the type of installation, the owner’s manual will have specific details for framing, securing the unit, wiring, and clearances. Most electric fireplaces come with a plug on a six-foot cord. Depending on the installation, many fireplaces are hard-wired. A qualified electrician will remove the corded connection and wire the appliance directly…

There are a few ways to install an electric fireplace, depending on whether you plan to wall mount, built-in, or flush mount it. Some models can hang on the wall with special mounting brackets, much like a picture or mirror. Although sometimes a challenge, it’s always a good idea to hide the electric cord as…

The short answer to this question is: yes, you certainly can! And many people do just that!  Much has been said about the spectacular effects of today's electric fireplaces. The colors, media options, and the inexpensive costs to enjoy the light show are reasons enough to keep your fireplace stay on all the time! Some…

An electric fireplace could reasonably be expected to heat an insulated room up to a couple hundred square feet of space. Think of the heat from an electric fireplace as "supplemental" to your primary heat source. Many homes have been designed and built to heat with electricity. However, heating with an electric fireplace should complement…

Heating your home with an electric fireplace is not realistic. At about 7,675 BTUs, it would take four or five electric fireplaces in your home to equal the heat output from one gas fireplace. Not surprisingly, even more than a larger wood-burning stove or fireplace. Heating a home is all about BTUs. Many modest size…

Although electric heat from a fireplace is 100% efficient, it is worth noting that much of our electricity is supplied from generation sources such as hydro, coal, gas, or oil. Most of this electricity production turns about 1/3 of the fuel’s energy potential into electricity. Because of the generation and transportation losses in transmission lines,…

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…

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.

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.

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…

Electric rates vary considerably around the country.  The answer to this question has everything to do with your specific rate.  Electric rates are based on kilowatt hours (KWH) of usage.  A kilowatt hour is 1000 watts of power, used for one hour. Check your latest electric bill and find the rate closest to the chart…

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…

Unlike the glass on a wood burning fireplace or a gas model, the glass on an electric fireplace will not get hot.  Even with the heat on, the glass will stay relatively cool to the touch and should not cause any safety concerns.  Since there’s no actual fire in the firebox, if the heat is…

No, it does not.  This is one of the appeals of an electric fireplace.  If you want a bit of heat, turn the heat on.  If you want just the effects afforded by an electric fireplace, without any heat, just leave the heat off.  This will allow you to enjoy that special feeling and atmosphere…

Many variables affect how much space an electric fireplace will heat. House age Type of construction Condition and size of windows and doors Sidewall and ceiling insulation levels Southern Orientation Prevailing winter winds Etc. And obviously, a home in Northern Canada will have different heating requirements than a house in the Carolinas. Many people use…