If you have a traditional fireplace in your house, more likely than not, you are tired of the smoke when the wood is burning, loads of maintenance work, an increase in your carbon footprint, and constant safety concerns when kids are around. If that is the case, then an electric fireplace insert is a lifesaver for you. An electric fireplace insert allows you to convert your traditional fireplace to an electric one without loads of construction work. However, an electric fireplace insert is only helpful if you pick the right one.
In this piece, we have highlighted essential components to guide you in choosing the right electric fireplace insert for your home. Before we enlighten you on that, we shall first briefly touch on what an electric fireplace insert is, its different types, and why they are undoubtedly a valuable addition to any home.
So what is an electric fireplace insert?
A simple definition for an electric fireplace insert is, an electric fireplace unit designed to fit within entertainment center builds or wood-burning fireplaces to convert them into energy-efficient electric fireplaces.
However, some electric fireplace inserts can be used in new construction works and fitted into walls or cabinets, and not only in existing fireplaces. Generally, electric fireplace inserts operate using similar technology to log sets.
Why opt for electric fireplace inserts?
Energy efficiency
Typically, electric fireplace inserts are known to improve a room’s ambiance, but unbeknown to many, they reduce energy waste in a home. How so?
Well, traditional wood-burning fireplaces lose loads of heat through their vents. In contrast, electric fireplaces can be considered 100% energy efficient because they convert all the energy they consume to heat. Furthermore, electric fireplace inserts do not require venting; hence do not lose any heat through vents or chimneys.
Easy installation
Generally, electric fireplace inserts are by a mile the most straightforward fireplace to install. If you DIY the installation project, you need to plug it into a power source or charge the battery and insert the log set into your fireplace for a cordless fireplace insert.
Nonetheless, if you build a new fireplace and insert a firebox instead, the installation project will be bigger. But even considering that, installing an electric fireplace insert remains cheap, fast, and easy compared to other fireplaces.
Unmatched convenience
One of the most significant selling points of electric fireplace inserts is their convenience. You can control the temperature level, and flame settings on your electric fireplace insert on the remote control. Other models also go the extra mile by offering complete control of your electric fireplace insert on your smartphone. They require zero maintenance services to add to the ‘high-convenience feature’ of electric fireplace inserts.
Reduce air pollution/ improve air quality
It is evident traditional electric fireplaces negatively impact the air in your home and outdoors. Wood-burning fireplaces release smoke, carbon monoxide, and soot, all of which have numerous health implications, including asthma, allergies, and cancer in extreme cases.
Fortunately, a better alternative, in electric fireplace inserts, exists. Electric fireplaces do not operate with a real flame and hence have zero harmful emissions. In addition, some electric fireplace insert models have an air filter to ensure the air around your room is better quality/ cleaner.
Assured design perfect match
Electric fireplace inserts come in a thousand-and-one style, looks, and finishes. That guarantees you will find an electric fireplace insert that matches, complements, or completes the design of your home.
Safety
If you have always wanted a fireplace in your home but the fear of having a hot and dangerous fireplace kept you at bay. An electric fireplace allows you to have a fireplace in your home without fearing for your kids or pets. That is because electric fireplaces remain cool to the touch even during operation. Additionally, since no combustion is involved with electric fireplace inserts, you do not need to fear sparks flying out to cause a fire.
Electric fireplace insert options
Electric fireplace inserts come in different types, which include the following:
- Plug-in inserts
Typically, plug-in electric fireplace inserts are units that must be plugged into a power outlet and can be installed into an existing fireplace, cabinet, or entertainment center.
- Log sets
On the other hand, electric log sets are units typically installed in the firebox of an existing fireplace and plugged into a power source. However, they tend to be smaller and therefore do not cover the whole opening of an existing fireplace.
- Built-in inserts
Finally, built-in inserts, compared to typical plug-in units, are more permanent options. This unit can be installed in existing fireplaces or walls. Importantly, built-in inserts must be hard-wired rather than be plugged into an electrical outlet.
How to choose an ideal electric fireplace insert for your home
- Check on cost
Generally, electric fireplace inserts are affordable. Nonetheless, the numerous options of electric fireplace inserts available in the market mean that their prices differ. That said, you should choose an electric fireplace within your budget. The acquiring cost of an electric fireplace is only part of its total cost, which includes installation (depending on the installation method one opts for) and running costs.
- Determine the location of installation and intended use
The site of installing an electric fireplace correlates to the intended use of the fireplace insert. The location one establishes an electric fireplace insert determines whether it will be the center of their design or just an accent feature. Where you place an electric fireplace insert will help you decide on the size for which to go.
- Match your home’s design
The electric fireplace you go for should enhance the existing design. Therefore the existing décor, trim, and finishes in your home will guide you on the ideal electric fireplace to pick
- Determine the existing fireplace’s dimensions.
Electric fireplace inserts come in sizes from minor to massive ones. Getting an electric fireplace insert that fits right in your home is essential. Hence, you should pick n electric fireplace insert based on the size of your existing fireplace.
To determine the size of your existing fireplace, begin by measuring the fireplace’s height (the distance between the floor and the roof of the firebox) and width (the distance between one side of the fireplace and the other). Then proceed to measure its depth (the distance between the opening and back wall of the fireplace) and that of the hearth as well. A key factor to remember when taking height and width measurements is to follow throw with the measure at the opening up to the back of the fireplace to ensure you get an optimal fit.
- Pick a suitable fireplace insert.
As mentioned earlier, electric fireplaces come in numerous sizes. It is, therefore, paramount to opt for an electric fireplace that suits the dimensions of your fireplace. Measure the height, length, and depth of an electric fireplace insert to ensure it will properly fit the existing space.
6. Establish your heating requirements
Electric fireplace inserts have differing heating capabilities; hence choose a unit capable of efficiently heating your space. To identify an electric fireplace insert able to heat your space, find out the area of your room in square feet and choose an electric fireplace that provides sufficient BTUs (British thermal units) to heat the space. After getting the size of your room, multiply the figure by 20 to determine the minimum number of BTUs sufficient to heat your room. For instance, if the area of your space is 400 square feet, it will require an electric fireplace insert capable of generating at least 8000 BTUs.
Frequently asked questions
Are electric fireplace inserts worth the hype?
Well, they are, without a doubt, worth every penny. A well-designed electric fireplace adds to the visual appeal of your home. Electric fireplaces do more than that. To mention a few f what electric fireplace inserts offer, they help reduce your electricity bill, have lower maintenance work than other fireplaces, and lower your carbon footprint.
Do electric fireplace inserts require venting?
No, electric fireplaces do not need to be installed with a vent. That is because, unlike wood-burning and gas fireplaces, electric fireplace inserts operate without a real flame, meaning they do not release any emissions that will require venting.
Do electric fireplace inserts give off heat?
There are electric fireplace inserts that give off heat, while other units only provide realistic flame effects. When shopping for an electric fireplace insert, it is essential to check whether the insert gives off heat or not to ensure you get an insert with the heating feature if you intend to use it for heating.
Conclusion
If you are thinking of remodeling or improving your existing fireplace, an electric fireplace insert is the best fit. You can install an electric fireplace insert in your existing fireplace, an entertainment center, a cabinet, or a wall. An electric fireplace insert reduces your carbon footprint, eliminates the possibility of inhaling toxic emissions like a traditional fireplace, and is a safer and cheaper option than any other fireplace.
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