Electric fireplaces are the first option when it comes to looking for wooden fireplaces alternatives. No maintenance and easy installation features make the electric fireplaces more desirable than traditional and gas fireplaces.
There are multiple advantages of having an electric fireplace and if you own an electric fireplace and are new to its controls, then you are at the right place.
We will guide you in detail about how to use an electric fireplace and important information related to it.
So, let’s dive in…!
Types of Electric Fireplaces
There are multiple electric fireplaces available in the market. Each one has its own style and merits. We will guide you about them in detail.
Inserts
Insert electric fireplaces are the easiest and quickest to install in a built-in vent or chimney. The inserts are further categorized on the basis of installation type. Let us enlighten you with the famous ones.
- Built-in Vs Plug-in Inserts
Built-in inserts are designed for permanent installation in the pre-existing chimney. Such units have an encased firebox with a glass door. Also, these models are either run on infrared technology or fan heat.
On the other hand, plug-in inserts can be mounted inside the wall outlet (if present) or in any pre-existing chimney. And, such models mostly use infrared technology for heating the room.
- In-wall Inserts
Just like built-in inserts, these can be installed in a vented place. Also, the distinguishing feature of such electric fireplaces is one can recess it on the wall as well to give a seamless look.
However, some of the in-wall inserts need clearance to fit accurately and some of them need zero clearance.
- Multi-sided Inserts
Multi-sided electric fireplace inserts are the latest ones with all the new with all the latest technology. Unlike other models and types of electric fireplaces, these have more than 2 viewable sides.
However, such fireplaces are a bit expensive to opt for. People having an open budget must go for this one in our opinion.
Wall-mounted
Such models are designed to be installed directly on the wall. It looks like an LED mounted on the wall and it offers high aesthetics. Such models are the easiest to install.
Log sets
In order to imitate the look of traditional wooden logs, electric log sets are also available in the market. These log sets occupy less space than inserts and wall-mounted models.
TV stands
Some of the electric fireplaces are designed in such a way that they are installed just like a TV stand. Such models are ideal for those users who don’t want to install on a wall nor on the ground.
Stoves
Similarly, electric fireplaces are available in the stove as well in order to mimic a traditional wooden stove look. People who prefer a traditional look but have a low budget can opt for such models.
Outdoor-rated
Last but not the least, some electric fireplaces are designed to be used outdoors and such fireplaces are designed with a protective cover to be used outside smoothly.
IMPORTANT NOTE: Not every electric fireplace can be used outdoors, for that, you need to look for outdoor-rated electric fireplaces.
How Does an Electric Fireplace Work?
The working of an electric fireplace is super easy and it doesn’t require a vent or chimney for proper functioning. For those who don’t know, electric fireplaces either use infrared technology or heating coils to warm up the room temperature.
The models which use fans and heating coils draw the cold air from the room and heat it up with the help of heating coils and then direct the warm air in the room via fans.
Furthermore, a user can change the flame settings as well to have a real-flame experience under a low budget.
How to Use an Electric Fireplace?
Just like the working of it, using an electric fireplace is easy as well. An electric fireplace works just like any other electric home appliance. Plug in the unit in the power outlet and turn it On. That’s it.
Also, electric fireplaces are capable of heating a room more quickly than other fireplaces. Being said that, operating and using an electric fireplace is very easy.
Furthermore, the controls can be handled via a remote control or a control panel present on the fireplace.
How Do Electric Fireplaces Make Flames?
Electric fireplaces don’t produce real flames but mimic them. This feature attracts most of the users though as the room is free from any kind of smoke and smell.
As there are no woods and pellets to burn, then how does an electric fireplace make flames? Well, let us enlighten you.
Electric fireplaces produce flames via light emitting diodes (LED). The light emitted from the diode creates a reflection in 3-dimensional patterns which mimics the real flame look.
Also, some models offer the crackling sound of burning woods as well.
How to Turn On a Built-in Electric Fireplace?
All types of electric fireplaces are turned On by plugging them in a power outlet and turning On it via remote control or control buttons. If you own a built-in electric fireplace, open its cover (if any) and look for control knobs. To let you know, Modern Gas Fireplaces also Light in the same way.
SIDE NOTE: Electric fireplaces don’t operate only with a remote control. Remote control is only for the convenience of users.
Electric Fireplace Controls
A lot of users asked us to enlighten about the controls of an electric fireplace so we decided to guide you about them in a separate section.
The position and number of controls varies from model to model and the type of fireplace (wall-mounted, inserts, etc). The controls include;
- On and Off switch.
- Thermostat switch.
- Low and high heat settings knobs.
- Flame effect dimmer.
- High heat setting buttons (optional).
What do the buttons/controls on the electric fireplace mean?
Latest and new models of electric fireplaces have labeled each and every control and their functions as well in the instruction manual.
The main switch on every fireplace turn On the flame and the flame dimmer present beside it increases or decreases the flame intensity.
In short, the fireplace controls are either for turning On and Off the unit or to intensify the flame settings.
How to Use the Remote of an Electric Fireplace?
An electric fireplace with a remote control needs to be plugged in before operating. After that, press the O/I button of the remote to turn On the fireplace.
In order to set the temperature of the fireplace, hold the temperature button on the remote until a menu displays on the screen. Set it accordingly.
Can You Use an Electric Fireplace Without Heat?
Yes! One of the interesting features of the electric fireplace is you can just enjoy the flames without getting any heat from it. That’s why most of the users prefer electric fireplaces as they require very little maintenance and ease of usage.
Also, you have the option to use heat only or flames as well to enjoy the fireplace in summers as well.
Is an Electric Fireplace Safe to Use?
We have used all types of fireplaces; gas ones, wooden, pellet ones and electric ones and as per our experience and testing of about years, one thing we can assure you is electric fireplaces are the safest options to choose.
No smoke, no vented places and no maintenance (not really much) is required for an electric fireplace. However, proper care is required nonetheless.
FAQs
Is it safe to leave an electric fireplace plugged in when not in use?
Yes, it is safe to leave your electric fireplace plugged in when not in use but it would be best to not leave it plugged in. Not necessarily but it would be best to turn it Off and and plug out the cord to be on a safer side.
How to turn On the heat up on an electric fireplace?
Just plug in your electric fireplace and turn it On. The fireplace will instantly start heating up the room or place via infrared technology or fan eating mechanism.
What are the advantages of an electric fireplace?
There are multiple advantages of having an electric fireplace, here are a few of them.
- Budget-friendly as compared to traditional stoves.
- Requires low maintenance only.
- Offers high aesthetics.
- Super easy installation.
- Safe to use.
- It offers longevity.
- No smoke and no fumes to harm the environment.
Final Words
We hope this piece of information has been invaluable for you. If you are contemplating which fireplace to choose when looking for the safest and zero-maintenance option, opting for an electric fireplace would be the best option.
And, if you own an electric fireplace and are looking for a guide to help you how to use it, then this piece of information will help you a lot. Still, if you need to know anything related to the electric fireplaces, feel free to ask away.
