The Ultimate Guide To Electric Fireplaces: Everything You Need To Know

Electric fireplaces are a great way to add ambiance and warmth to your home without the hassle of burning real wood or gas logs. They’re also safe for kids and pets, they come in all shapes and sizes, they’re easy to install, and they’re affordable—not bad!

In this guide, you’ll learn everything you need to know about electric fireplaces so that you can choose the best one for your space. I’ve broken down this information into sections based on topics like safety concerns, installation tips and more:

TOP 5 Best Electric Fireplace of 2023 [ Buyer’s Guide ]
Takeaways
Electric fireplaces are becoming increasingly popular, and for good reason.
There are many benefits to using an electric fireplace, including energy efficiency, affordability, and safety.
When choosing an electric fireplace, make sure to consider factors such as size, style, and heating capacity.
Installing an electric fireplace is typically a straightforward process, and most models require little to no maintenance.
To get the most out of your electric fireplace, be sure to read and follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully.

They Deliver Ambiance And Warmth

An electric fireplace is the perfect way to create an inviting and comfortable atmosphere in your home. They’re easy to use and can be used for both heat and ambiance. You can turn them on or off with a remote control, so you don’t have to get up from your cozy chair by the fire!

Electric fireplaces are also a great source of light during the day because they have bulbs built into them, making their glow adjustable depending on how much light you need in the room. Some models even come with dimmer switches so you can manage how bright they are depending on what time of day it is.

When it comes down to it, electric fireplaces offer many benefits over traditional wood-burning ones:

Electric fireplaces can offer you many benefits that you may not have thought before. Our article on 15 Reasons Why Electric Fireplaces Are the Future of Home Heating explains why these fireplaces are the way to go and what makes them so popular.

They Come In All Shapes, Sizes And Styles

You can find electric fireplaces in a variety of styles, colors and finishes. There are also many different sizes available so you can choose the perfect one that fits your space. They come in traditional designs or a more modern style to fit your home decor.

They’re Affordable

Electric fireplaces are also a great option for those who don’t have the budget for or don’t want a traditional fireplace. While you can usually find electric fireplaces under $100, some of them go as high as $10,000. It’s important to be aware of how much you’re willing to spend on your fireplace so that you don’t overbuy or settle on something that isn’t right for your space.

The best thing about electric fireplaces is they’re affordable enough to fit into any budget!

If you’re looking to buy an electric fireplace, you’re certainly on the right track to make your home more stylish and comfortable. Check out our guide on Where Can I Buy Electric Fireplaces Explained to learn more about where to buy electric fireplaces and what to look for.

They’re Easy To Install

Electric fireplaces are easy to install. Many electric fireplace manufacturers provide simple instructions and templates to make the installation process as painless as possible. They’ll even send a professional installer if you’re not comfortable with the task yourself!

If you’re installing an electric fireplace at home, it’s best to have someone help lift the unit into place and hold it there while you connect all of its wires. 

You can use a friend or hire a professional electrician for this step if needed. It’s also worth noting that many electric fireplaces can be installed without having to make any modifications to existing structures—meaning no costly remodeling!

TypeInstallation Process
Wall MountQuick and easy installation, just mount on the wall.
InsertSimple installation, typically involves sliding the unit into a prepared opening.
FreestandingRequires minimal assembly, and just needs to be plugged into an electric outlet.
TV StandsSetup is simple, just attach the electric fireplace insert to the TV stand.
Electric Fire Pit TablesEasy installation, requires minimal assembly and just needs to be plugged in.

Electric fireplaces are generally easier to install than traditional fireplaces, and the table above highlights the ease of installation for different types of electric fireplaces.

Whether you choose a wall mount, insert, freestanding fireplace, TV stand, or electric fire pit table, you can enjoy the benefits of a cozy fireplace without the hassle and expense of traditional installation methods.

They’re Safe For Kids And Pets

Since electric fireplaces are completely safe with no glass or open flames, you don’t have to worry about your kids or pets accidentally touching them. Plus, you can place them anywhere in your home without worrying about the safety of your family members.

You Can Run Them Without Heat.

You can use your electric fireplace to heat your home, or to heat a specific room.

  • For example, if you have an electric fireplace in the living room, you could use it to heat that area of the house and keep everyone comfortable during cold weather.
  • On the other hand, if you have an area that needs extra warmth on a regular basis (for example, your bedroom), then you could run an electric fireplace there instead of running central heating for all of your home’s rooms at once—and this would be especially useful if only one or two rooms were being used regularly at any given time

Have you ever thought about transforming your fireplace into a dazzling display that will make your 2023 New Year’s Eve party unforgettable? If so, you should check out our article on 15 Fireplaces That Will Make Your 2023 New Year’s Eve Party Unforgettable to get some ideas and find inspiration.

They’re Energy-Efficient

The next big advantage of an electric fireplace is that it’s a good way to heat a small room. If you’re looking for a way to warm up your living room or bedroom, but don’t have the space for a traditional wood-burning fireplace (or can’t afford one), an electric fireplace might be the perfect solution for you. While gas and wood fireplaces are generally better at heating larger areas than electric fireplaces are, they still offer some benefits over typical methods of heating:

  • They use about 1/10th the power of a regular fireplace
  • They’re far more efficient than gas or wood fireplaces
  • They’re affordable

Energy Efficiency of Electric Fireplaces

TypeEstimated Energy Consumption (Watts)Estimated Cost per Hour at Average Energy Rates
Infrared1400-1500$0.14-$0.15
Forced Fan1200-1400$0.12-$0.14
Ceramic Heater900-1500$0.09-$0.15

Electric fireplaces offer an energy-efficient way to heat your home, and different types of electric fireplaces have varying levels of energy consumption and costs. Table above showcases the estimated energy consumption and cost per hour at the average energy rates for different types of electric fireplaces.

Infrared electric fireplaces have the highest energy consumption and cost per hour, while ceramic heaters have the lowest. By choosing an energy-efficient electric fireplace, you can save money on your energy bills while keeping your home warm and cozy.

There’s No Ventilation Required

A fireplace is a great way to warm up your home, but if you have a small apartment or live in an area with smoke-free laws, the traditional wood burning type can pose some challenges. Electric fireplaces are a perfect solution because they do not require any ventilation or flues like their real counterparts.

You don’t need to worry about carbon monoxide poisoning as there is no combustion going on inside an electric fireplace—they are simply designed to mimic the look of a traditional fireplace using LED lights and heating elements.

Because there isn’t any actual burning happening, you can be sure that your electric fireplace will never catch on fire or cause damage to your walls or ceiling (or furniture!). This makes them safe for homes with children too!

Electric fireplaces are a great way to save money and energy while providing warmth to your home. Find out more about how electric fireplaces can save you money and improve your home in our article on How Electric Fireplaces Can Save You Money and Improve Your Home!

You Can Put Them Anywhere In Your Home

You can put them anywhere in your home. Traditional fireplaces are often confined to the living room or family room, but electric fireplaces are designed to be used anywhere. 

You can put them in any room of your home, from bedrooms to kitchens and bathrooms, as well as outdoor spaces like patios and backyards. You can also use them on boats or RVs if you want to keep that cozy feeling going when you’re traveling!

But do not worry if you live in an apartment or condo building that doesn’t allow real fires; even if there is no fireplace-friendly space available where you live (or if someone else already has one), there’s still a way around it: simply opt for an electric fireplace instead! They require no venting or gas hookups so they’re super easy to install anywhere

You Can Get Remote-Controlled Electric Fireplaces, Too

Remote-controlled electric fireplaces are a great option for folks who have a hard time getting up and down, or for anyone that just wants to sit back and enjoy the heat from their favorite chair. 

You’ll be able to control your fireplace from anywhere in your home via the remote control app on your smartphone. The best part about this type of fire is that you can turn it on or off without ever having to get up!

Some people love their homes so much they want them to be modernized as much as possible. If you’re one of those people then an electric fireplace is perfect for you! Electric fireplaces come in many different colors and styles so there’s sure one out there that will fit into your home perfectly (and look fashionable).

Types of Electric Fireplaces with Remote Control

TypeDescription
Wall mountOffer space-saving designs and fit well in small rooms.
InsertDesigned to fit into existing hearths and mantels.
FreestandingOffer maximum flexibility in terms of placement.
TV standsDesigned to act as both entertainment centers and fireplaces.
Electric fire pit tablesProvide warmth and ambiance to outdoor spaces.

Remote-controlled electric fireplaces offer added convenience and comfort, particularly for those who prefer to adjust the fireplace settings from a distance.

There are several types of electric fireplaces that come with remote control, including wall mount, insert, freestanding, TV stands, and electric fire pit tables. Each of these types has its own characteristics, making it important to choose the one that best fits your home’s needs.

They Emit Zero Emissions Or Pollutants Into The Air

Fireplaces, whether gas or wood, emit a variety of pollutants. They can produce an unpleasant odor and smoke, as well as ash that can get everywhere and make a mess. Additionally, many fireplaces pump carbon monoxide into the air, which is harmful to breathe in over time.

Electric fireplaces aren’t like this at all because they don’t burn anything. Instead of needing combustible materials such as wood or natural gas to generate heat and light (and resulting emissions), electric fireplaces use electricity instead. This means that there are no pollutants being emitted into your home’s atmosphere!

Choosing the right electric fireplace for your home can be an overwhelming process as there are many options available in the market. To help you make the right choice, we’ve created a guide on Why Every Home Needs an Electric Fireplace and How to Choose the Right One that explains how to choose the right electric fireplace for your home.

Conclusion

Electric fireplaces are an affordable way to add warmth and ambiance to any room in your home. They’re easy to install, don’t require ventilation and can be used without heat if you want just the look without all the other benefits. 

While they may not be as efficient as gas logs, they still offer some serious energy savings over traditional wood-burning fireplaces which require a chimney or venting system in order to work properly.

Further Reading

If you are still interested in learning more about electric fireplaces and how to choose the right one for your home, here are some additional articles to check out:

Electric Fireplace Buying Guide – This guide offers a detailed breakdown of types and styles of electric fireplaces available in the market.

The Ultimate Buyer’s Guide to Electric Fireplaces – This comprehensive guide covers all aspects of electric fireplaces and the different types, styles, and installation options available.

Electric Fireplaces Buying Guide – This buying guide will help you choose the best electric fireplace for your home, with tips on size, installation, and style.

FAQs

What is an electric fireplace?

An electric fireplace is an energy-efficient heating device that mimics the look and feel of a traditional fireplace, without the need for wood, gas, or venting.

How much does it cost to run an electric fireplace?

The cost of running an electric fireplace varies depending on the size and type of the unit, but it is generally much less expensive than traditional fireplaces or heating systems.

Can you mount an electric fireplace on the wall?

Yes, most electric fireplaces can be mounted on the wall, just like a flat-screen TV. Some models even come with mounting brackets included.

Do electric fireplaces provide heat?

Yes, electric fireplaces provide heat, but they do not produce real flames. Instead, they use infrared technology or forced air to generate heat.

Are electric fireplaces easy to install?

Yes, electric fireplaces are generally easy to install, and most models come ready to use out of the box. However, it is always best to follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully to ensure proper installation and safe operation.