Electric fireplaces are a relatively newer concept compared to wood and gas fireplaces. However, with the improvements in designs and functionality over the years, electric fireplaces have become an attractive alternative to standard fireplaces, helping keep homes warm and ambient.
Electric fireplaces do away with the mess, safety risks, and high maintenance needs of a standard fireplace, which many homeowners appreciate. But they are not without drawbacks.
So, if you are considering getting an electric fireplace, look at both sides: the good and the bad.
In this article, we’ll unpack the electric fireplace benefits and drawbacks.
Electric Fireplace Pros
This section walks you through the numerous reasons why an electric fireplace might suit your home.
1. Energy Efficiency and Cost Effective
The fact that electric fireplaces convert nearly 100% of the electricity they use into heat is a compelling reason to get one. Also, since they don’t lose heat through a vent or chimney, the energy generated goes into heating the room.
Most electric fireplaces are equipped with features for adjusting heat. This way, you can adjust the heat output and temperatures, thus preventing overconsumption and heat wastage.
In addition, electric fireplaces facilitate zoned heating, meaning you don’t need to turn on the central heating if you want to warm up a single room. Targeted heating can substantially lower your energy bill.
2. Cheaper To Install
An electric fireplace is an excellent choice if you are working with a limited budget— it is more affordable to buy and install than gas and wood-burning fireplaces. A freestanding electric fireplace costs $200-$500, while a wall-mounted electric fireplace costs $300-$2000.
On the other hand, an electric fireplace insert can cost you about $400. Installation is pretty straightforward, as most models work with standard electrical outlets. You can do the installation yourself.
You will need an electrician if you decide to hard-wire your electric fireplace unit or convert an existing fireplace into an electric one. Still, this cost considerably less than installing a gas or wood-burning fireplace.
3. Low Maintenance
Since electric fireplaces don’t produce smoke, fumes, soot, embers, or ashes, they are nearly maintenance-free. Therefore, you can sit back and enjoy your fireplace without worrying about scooping ashes, cleaning the chimney, and annual inspections.
Sounds heavenly, right? There are a few tasks to complete, though. Clean the glass display and wipe the exterior surfaces from time to time. You’ll also have to swap out components like LED lights and built-in fans at some point, but they are made to last several years.
4. Provides Heat Instantly
An electric fireplace will warm the room instantaneously—push some buttons or press a couple of switches. You don’t have to patiently wait for the fire to burn steadily or keep tending to it as you would with a wood-burning fireplace, so you don’t need to keep getting up from your cozy seat.
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5. Remote Control Capabilities
Aside from not having to tend to an electric fireplace to keep it burning, another way this fireplace is convenient, comfortable, and user-friendly is through remote control capabilities. You can control most electric fireplaces from a distance, including:
- Turning it on and off.
- Adjusting the heat and temperature settings.
- Customizing the color, brightness, and intensity of the flame.
- Setting a timer.
Some electric fireplace models offer smart home integration, so you can control them through a smartphone or voice assistant.
6. Placement Flexibility
You are not limited to placing an electric fireplace where a chimney is or where you can install it because it doesn’t need it. Want a fireplace in your bedroom, basement, kitchen, or even the bathroom? No problem; an electric fireplace has you covered.
7. Suitable for Apartments and Condos
Wood-burning and gas fireplaces are not typically feasible for condos and apartments; they are even forbidden in many urban areas. Central heating is more prevalent in these settings. Unfortunately, it can be expensive. So, what’s the alternative? An electric fireplace.
Since electric fireplaces typically feature plug-and-play, you can introduce it to your condo or apartment without major renovations. This is quite beneficial to renters.
8. The Greenest Fireplace
An electric fireplace is far superior for those of us aiming to be environmentally conscious. Electric fireplaces are cleaner and more environmentally friendly than wood or gas-burning fireplaces since they don’t produce smoke, carbon dioxide, or harmful byproducts.
Electric fireplaces also don’t run on fossil fuels or wood. Electricity is generated from renewable resources like water, solar, and wind. Note that electricity from coal is not clean.
9. Safe
Electric fireplaces are a lot safer than gas and wood-burning fireplaces since no combustion or real fire is involved. Therefore, there’s no risk of causing fires through embers or sparks. Moreover, there’s no risk of gas leaks or the emission of harmful gases such as carbon monoxide.
Also, most electric fireplaces are designed with cool-to-the-touch exteriors, so they are safe for households with kids and pets. They also have an automatic shut-off that automatically turns the fireplace off if it gets too hot to prevent fire hazards.
10. Portability
Electric fireplaces are suitable for long-term and temporary heating solutions. If you need to transfer your unit to a different room, perhaps the office, bedroom, basement, or living room, just move it from its current location to the new one.
Moreover, you can bring it to your new home if you relocate.
11. Year-Round Use
Fireplaces are used more during cold seasons, but like gas units, their electric counterparts can also be used during warmer months, offering year-round use. Beyond keeping spaces warm, the realistic-looking flames of electric fireplaces provide ambiance.
Turn on the flame effect during warm days for a relaxing ambiance without making the room too hot. You can adjust the flame’s color and brightness.
12. It Doesn’t Compromise Air Quality
An electric fireplace is healthier for you and the family because it doesn’t negatively affect the air quality since it is free of emissions. It doesn’t produce soot, smoke, unpleasant odors, carbon monoxide, or chemical emissions. This makes it particularly perfect for individuals with asthma or allergies.
13. Elegant Aesthetics
An electric fireplace can become the room’s highlight piece. Electric fireplaces offer multiple design options, such as traditional, chic, modern, rustic, and minimalist. For instance, some models are frameless, sleek, and fitted with LED accents and stylish glass fronts.
14. Realistic-Looking Flame
Modern electric fireplaces have lifelike flames thanks to technological advancements. The realism of these flames may appeal to individuals who enjoy the feel and look of real flames. Besides the flame, electric fireplaces also come with log sets that remarkably resemble real wood.
Electric Fireplace Cons
Now, the drawbacks.
a) Less Realism
Although the flames of today’s electric fireplaces look a lot like the real thing, they lack the sensory experience you get from a wood-burning fireplace. For instance, electric fireplaces cannot replicate the warmth, calming scent, and crackling sounds of burning wood.
b) Limited Heating Capacity
You won’t be able to heat your entire home with an electric fireplace. This is because electric fireplaces with infrared heaters heat up to 1000 sq ft, while those with conventional fan heaters are limited to 400 sq ft. This makes electric fireplaces better for small spaces or to supplement your primary heat source.
Aside from not heating large spaces, electric fireplaces have lower heat output than wood-burning fireplaces.
c) Running Costs
Using an electric fireplace frequently or leaving it on for prolonged periods can increase your energy bill. It is also a lot less cost-effective if you rely on it as your primary heating source.
Also, some electric fireplaces, mainly those with advanced features, require more power to run than basic models.
d) Electricity Dependency
Without electricity, an electric fireplace is entirely useless. This can be a massive problem if you live in an area prone to power outages, especially if it goes out during those cold, freezing days when warmth is a necessity.
This dependence on electricity makes electric fireplaces a poor choice as a primary source of heating.
e) Shorter Lifespan
Electric fireplaces don’t last as long as wood-burning or gas fireplaces. They are made of several moving mechanical and electrical parts that can break. Unfortunately, many of these parts are challenging or impossible to service or replace.
Even if you could repair your electric fireplace unit, replacing it may be more economical, especially if the damage is too severe or the unit is nearing the end of its lifespan.
f) Require An electric Outlet
Although electric fireplaces are flexible in terms of placement, you must put them near an electric outlet. Do not plug an electric fireplace into an extension cable. The electric outlet should ideally have a dedicated circuit to prevent overloading breakers.
You may need to upgrade an existing outlet or install a new one.
To Wrap Up,
Electric fireplaces are excellent inventions with tons of benefits, as outlined above. However, it is not suitable for everyone. This fireplace isn’t a good fit for individuals looking to use a fireplace as the primary source of heat, craving a real fire, or in places that experience power outages frequently. Decide how you plan to use an electric fireplace before getting one.
Hi! I’m Susie, the creative mind behind Cozy Castle 101. I love sharing easy and simple ideas to make home and garden spaces cozy and inviting. From simple DIY projects and fun crafts to family-friendly recipes, I’m all about creating a warm, welcoming home where memories are made. Join me as I explore ways to add a bit of creativity and charm to everyday life!