Electric fireplaces are quite an impressive innovation. They tick almost every box in terms of their design, utility, functionality, safety, efficiency, and convenience.
Electric fireplaces are just the perfect substitute for energy-guzzling traditional fireplaces as they are really energy efficient. In addition, the luxury, they offer, of having warmth indoors without the inherent risk of having real fire indoors is just fantastic.
And when it comes to safety, no other fireplace comes close to electric ones. However, an electric fireplace is only safe to use if you adhere to its safety guidelines.
In this article, we have highlighted essential dos and Don’ts when using an electric fireplace to make sure your unit not only operates safely but also optimally.
Dos of using an electric fireplace
- Use it in the right space
And by ‘right space’ we mean a suitable room size and environment. Electric fireplace heaters are designed to be used indoors for that reason you should only use them inside the house and not outdoors.
With regard to size, electric fireplaces are meant to be used in small spaces. This is because, unlike their counterpart, traditional fireplaces, electric ones do not produce enough heat for large spaces. The only time you should use an electric fireplace in large spaces is if you are using it for supplemental heating.
- Plug it into a standard outlet
The basic requirement with electric fireplaces is that you should plug them directly into a standard home outlet. This is because you cannot plug it into an extension cord or surge protector. Later on, in this article, we have expounded on this.
- Hardwire the electric fireplace.
If you are not for the idea of plugging your electric fireplace into a standard outlet for safety concerns or any other reason, then hardwiring it is the best solution. Hardwiring your electric fireplace is beneficial since:
- It gives the fireplace a cleaner finish and eliminates the need for cable management since the wires are placed inside the wall.
- It improves the fireplace’s safety by eliminating the possibility of tripping over cords and wires or kids and pets accidentally unplugging the unit. This is a result of the wires not being in the open.
- Finally, it prevents the possibility of having loose wires or connections
- Unplug the fireplace when not using it
This simple action will serve as a safety measure and a cost-saving technique. When you unplug the fireplace when not in use, you will end up using less energy to run the fireplace. This directly translates to a lower electricity bill hence saving you some money.
- Regularly clean the electric fireplace
You should periodically clean the electric fireplace to ensure it remains in perfect working condition. Dust and dirt pile up may cause the unit to malfunction or even trigger your allergies. Fortunately, electric fireplaces do not require loads of work to clean. You simply need to wipe the front screen with a wet cloth and use a blower to remove dust from the internal parts.
Don'ts when using an electric fireplace
- Never leave the electric fireplace unattended when it is running
Electric fireplaces are safe to operate but they are still electric appliances. For that reason, you should never leave your electric fireplace running unattended. When running unattended, electric fireplaces are at risk of malfunctions occurring and spiraling out of control since no one will be around to react to them early.
- Don’t plug an electric fireplace into an extension cord,
You should never plug your electric fireplace into an extension cord, surge protector, or similar appliance. Here is why:
- First of all, with the cord on an extension, there is a risk of tripping on it.
- Secondly, an extension cord cannot handle the electricity watts required by an electric fireplace.
- Finally, the high electric current drawn to the extension cord can cause it to blow and lead to a fire.
- Don’t place the electric fireplace near flammable objects
- Never cover the electric fireplace
Electric fireplaces require proper ventilation to function safely. Hence, you should never cover electric fireplaces as that will prevent proper air circulation into and out of the unit. When airflow is hindered electric fireplace overheats and may cause a fire.
You should therefore ensure that the unit’s inlet and outlet are not covered at all times and the unit is at least one meter away from the walls
- Don’t modify the electric fireplace
You should never modify the electric fireplace or use non-recommended appliances. When you alter the design of the electric fireplace you will be increasing the risk of the unit malfunctioning and causing a catastrophe.
Instead of modifying an electric fireplace, you should focus on its back wall and make it complement the design of your unit. However, if your electric fireplace requires necessary modifications or repair work always consult the manufacturer or a professional.
- Don’t ignore the instructions manual.
This is a common mistake by electric fireplace owners. It is important to note that when you go through the manufacturer’s instructions manual, you will find out all you need to know about the unit, including how to use the electric fireplace safely.
- Avoid touching the unit’s outlet
You should never touch the electric fireplace air outlet to avoid getting burnt. The front glass and most parts of an electric fireplace stay cool during operation but the outlet tends to get hot from the hot/warm air being blown out to the room.
Conclusion
Electric fireplaces are a safe fireplace option but that does not mean they come without risks. Luckily, there are a number of actions you can take to minimize the chances of a fire or accidents occurring because of your electric fireplace. That said, by adhering to the Dos and Don’ts outlined in this article you will be significantly improving the safety in using your unit.
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