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How to Pick the Perfect Electric Fireplace for Your Home

How to Pick the Perfect Electric Fireplace for Your Home

How to Pick the Perfect Electric Fireplace for Your Home

Picking the right electric fireplace for your home can be confusing.

For starters, there are numerous brands in the market and all have varying reviews. 

Luckily, we at Modern Ethanol Fireplaces have the expertise and knowledge on how to go about it.

You must make the following considerations to determine the best insert for you:

  • Size of room you want it in
  • Energy efficiency of the insert
  • Personal style and interior decor

To help you in making the right decision, we’ve put together this guide with all the information you need to know about electric fireplaces.

What Is an Electric Fireplace?

An electric fireplace produces heat from an element that is often located at the top of the unit. The heat is then dispersed into the room through a fan located inside the fireplace.

 

What Is an Electric Fireplace?
Dimplex Xavier 33" Brown XHD Firebox Media Console Electric Fireplace with Logs

 

Unlike traditional fireplaces, an electric fireplace requires no flue or vent since it does not emit any smoke. It also does not emit any carbon monoxide which makes it extra safe for your home.

Some people wonder if the fireplaces are worth it, but as environmental regulations on venting are getting tighter, electric fireplaces are perfect due to their cost-effectiveness and ease of installation.

Electric fireplaces have many benefits, including:

  • Keeping the home warm just like a traditional fireplace
  • There are numerous designs to suit any interior decor
  • Offer the convenience of changing color settings with a remote

Electric fireplaces bring ambiance and coziness in a home with unmatched convenience, in addition to being a cleaner source of heat.

cleaner source of heat.

Types of Electric Fireplaces

There are four types of electric fireplaces:

  • Wall mount electric fireplace
  • Electric fireplace mantel
  • Electric fireplace insert
  • Freestanding electric fireplace

The table below shows the description of each type of fireplace.

Electric Fireplace Features
Wall mount
  • They look more modern and can be directly mounted on a wall
  • They are the easiest to install
Mantel
  • These are two in one comprising a TV stand and a fireplace
Insert
  • They can be installed into an already existing fireplace
  • They give off the look of a traditional fireplace if surrounded by bricks
Freestanding
  • They are portable heaters resembling a fireplace
  • They can be moved into different rooms as needed

With many designs and brands to choose from, it’s easy to get overwhelmed. However, if you make your considerations right, you’ll find something suitable for your home.

Apart from your budget, determining the size of the room, the energy efficiency of the fireplace, and your home decor should get you on the right track.

Step 1 - Consider the Size of Room

When picking an electric fireplace, you should consider the size of the room to select the right BTU rating.

The BTU (British Thermal Unit) rating is a standard for measuring the power and heat emitted by an electric fireplace.

A higher BTU rating means more heat, which is better during the colder months or when the room is large.

 

Step 1 - Consider the Size of Room
DIMPLEX Opti-Myst® Pro 1500 Built-In Electric Firebox

 

The BTU of an electric fireplace is adjustable. Therefore, depending on your needs, you can select one that’s able to provide an appropriate range.

For example, a fireplace with a 5,200 BTU rating can keep a 1,000 ft. home warm. For a smaller room with a low ceiling or a bedroom, a  2,500–3,500 BTU is enough.

For safety, make sure that the fireplace has features such as overheat protection and automatic shut-off to prevent excessive heat build-up.

Do not confuse the wattage of an electric fireplace—the amount of energy needed for the fireplace to heat the room—for its BTU rating.

Expert Tip: When going for a fireplace, pick one with a lower wattage and higher BTU.

Step 2 - Determine Energy Efficiency

Electric fireplaces don’t need a chimney, therefore, no heat is lost and it all ends up in the room. This makes electric fireplaces more sustainable and efficient than traditional ones. 

Most electric fireplaces run off 1,500 watts and produce between 4,500 and 5,000 BTU; enough to heat a 400 sq. ft. room in minutes.

 

Step 2 - Determine Energy Efficiency
DIMPLEX Opti-Myst® Pro 1000 Built-In Electric Cassette

 

Expert Tip: Ensure that the brand you go for is compliant with the energy consumption regulations.

Step 3 - Style

Picking an electric fireplace that aligns with your home decor and preferred style will save you money and time on wall repairs.

There are various designs and all will impact the look of your living space.

 

Step 3 - Style
Touchstone Sideline 45 80025 45" Black Recessed Electric Fireplace

 

Expert Tip: To personalize and add character to your electric fireplace add custom paintings around where it’s installed.

Free Shipping and Price Match Guarantee

At Modern Ethanol Fireplaces, we retail all leading brands of electrical fireplaces, offer a price match guarantee, and free shipping.

Here’s what Gretchen had to say after buying an Opti-Myst Pro electric fireplace.

“I’m so happy that I bought this! This is honestly the most life-like electric fire that I’ve ever seen.”
Gretchen, USA 

Below are some of our top-selling brands. For more options, check our website and Amazon.

Dimplex Opti Myst Pro 1000

Can warm up to 400 sq. ft. which is perfect for a supplementary heat source

Price Check

 ameriwood home fireplace tv stand

The Tv stand comes with a 23-inch fireplace and can fit a TV of up to 70 inches

Price Check

 Touchstone Sideline Elite fireplace

Comes wifi enabled for connection with Alexa or Google Home

Price Check

For any additional questions, requests, or to make an order, contact our helpful customer care agents. We are more than glad to help you get what you need.

testimonial from Steve

Frequently Asked Questions

Do electric fireplaces use a lot of electricity?

Electric fireplaces do not use a lot of electricity. In fact, they use less energy as compared to traditional fireplaces.

What is the lifespan of an electric fireplace?

What is the lifespan of an electric fireplace?

An electric fireplace can last from 10–20 years depending on the frequency of use. Due to this, some brands offer up to a 10-year warranty.

Can you plug an electric fireplace into a regular outlet?

An electric fireplace can be plugged anywhere in the house. However, you must ensure that the socket matches the wattage requirement of the fireplace.

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