| The effect an electric fireplace will have on one's | | | | As an alternative to installing a costly traditional |
| home can be amazing; however, choosing the | | | | masonry fireplace, a built-in unit is perfect for |
| perfect one for your home will be dictated by the | | | | renovation or construction projects because it |
| space that is available and your economic realities. | | | | comes in a variety of designs and widths ranging |
| There are many models to choose from, and | | | | from 33 inches to 45 inches. These designs |
| they range from built-in to electric fireplace | | | | include details such as glass doors, trim kits, |
| inserts. | | | | remote controls, wall thermostats, and plug-in kits. |
| Transforming A Traditional Fireplace With An | | | | Heating elements can range from 4,692 to 9,200 |
| Electric Fireplace Insert | | | | BTUs and provide warmth to almost any size |
| Electric inserts fall into two distinct categories. One | | | | room when required. However, keep in mind that |
| type of electric fireplace insert is a four-sided box | | | | the unit can be operated without the heating |
| with logs on a grate that exists as a complete | | | | element being turned on, so one can enjoy the |
| unit. They come in a variety of shapes and sizes | | | | coziness of a fire even in the warmest months of |
| and are typically included with a mantel or an | | | | the year. |
| entertainment center package. This item is a | | | | Selecting The Perfect Fit for your Application |
| plug-in unit and, because it functions as a piece of | | | | An electric fireplace insert is generally ready for |
| furniture, the insert slides in and it can be placed | | | | operation and can simply be plugged in. If the |
| anywhere in a room where there is an electrical | | | | buyer already has a traditional masonry surround |
| outlet. | | | | and hearth, they might want to convert it into an |
| The second type of electric fireplace insert is the | | | | electric fireplace by utilizing the electric log insert |
| electric log insert set. It is placed into an existing | | | | set. If one does not already have a traditional unit |
| masonry firebox or wood burning stove and can | | | | and does not want to incur the expense of |
| transform its new home into a beautiful, | | | | installing one, they can consider an electric insert |
| inexpensive, hassle and mess-free place of | | | | that is part of a mantel or an entertainment |
| warmth and character. The electric log insert | | | | center package. This unit includes shelves for TV |
| requires access to an electric outlet. The unit is | | | | and media players and places for CD and DVD |
| factory pre-wired, so installation is simple. All one | | | | storage. Electrical fireplace models are tested to |
| needs to do is place it into a fireplace or wood | | | | make sure they meet UL standards and are |
| burning stove, and plug the unit in. There are no | | | | specifically designed with automatic shut off |
| gas fittings, no masonry work, no holes in | | | | features to avoid overheating issues. Not only do |
| exterior walls, and no roofing contractor | | | | they include these safety features, but they are |
| necessary, because this unit does not require | | | | also very inexpensive to operate. On average, an |
| ventilation. | | | | electric insert costs two cents per hour when |
| Choosing A Built-In Fireplace As An Inexpensive | | | | using the flame only and 14 cents per hour when |
| Alternative To Installing A Traditional Fireplace | | | | the heating element is turned on. Models also |
| A built-in fireplace is a permanent installation to a | | | | include a thermostat that can be set to individual |
| home or office and can be placed anywhere; on | | | | comfort levels. If you are already planning on a |
| an inside or outside wall, above or below ground, | | | | home renovation or construction project, a built-in |
| and even in corners. It is constructed of good | | | | fireplace may be a practical alternative to a |
| quality, sturdy materials and is quickly and | | | | traditional one. Because they have no ventilation |
| inexpensively installed. Typically, these built-in units | | | | requirements, they are far less expensive to |
| are dual voltage and can be wired out of the box | | | | install and do not require maintenance of a |
| for 110 volts, which is the normal household | | | | chimney or flue. They can be placed anywhere in |
| voltage, or 220 volts, which is the voltage used | | | | a room and only require standard household |
| by a washer or dryer. A 220 volt installation will | | | | power supply. |
| roughly double the potential heat output of the | | | | Oftentimes, circumstances dictate what is |
| unit. They are safe to use, which eliminates the | | | | possible, practical and what is not. Electric |
| anxiety that can come with a burning flame. While | | | | fireplaces, as an electric fireplace insert or as a |
| the actual flame does not exist, the realistic flame | | | | built-in one, provide a range of options that allow |
| effect is incredibly lifelike and, as an added bonus, | | | | individuals to take their application and preferences |
| can be used with the heat turned on or off, | | | | into account and purchase the perfect fit for their |
| allowing for its use 365 days a year. | | | | homes at substantial savings. |