Heating Up Your Space: Exploring Electric Fireplace Options

Posted: October 23, 2023

Electric fireplaces are perfect for adding warmth and ambiance to homes during autumn and winter — and the electric fireplaces available today are more realistic and powerful than ever before. With no emissions, no logs, and no cleanup required, they provide warmth and comfort with little upkeep.

There’s a wide variety of electric fireplaces to choose from. It’s never been easier to find the one that’s best suited for your home. Take a look at some of the options and considerations to keep in mind as you shop for your ideal electric fireplace.

Placement

Electric fireplace inserts are great for those who already have a traditional fireplace in their home. Installation is easy — just place the insert inside your fireplace and plug it into a wall socket. There’s no need for venting or any tedious maintenance tasks.

Wall-mounted electric fireplaces are more suitable for smaller living spaces or those with no existing fireplaces. They’re installed much the same way a wall-mounted flat-screen TV is. You will just need to find an area on your wall that’s unobstructed by furniture or fixtures so the heat can pass through.

You can also choose a fireplace that’s built directly into a wall. This option is more time- and labor-intensive, but it instantly improves your room’s aesthetic appeal. A built-in unit can be a stunning addition to your living space as long as there’s an outlet in easy reach.

Freestanding electric fireplaces can go anywhere in the room. Some models are specifically designed for corner spaces and tabletops. Installation is fairly straightforward since there are no modifications needed to any existing spaces in the room.

Heat Levels

Electric fireplaces come in a wide range of different heat levels, most typically between 500 and 5,000 British Thermal Units (BTUs). The higher the BTU level, the hotter the fireplace. 

In addition to what level of heat you’re most comfortable with, the square footage of your living space is another facet to consider. Smaller rooms can be effectively heated with fireplaces that produce between 1,500 to 2,500 BTUs of heat. 

Rooms that are bigger than 350 square feet may need units that produce over 4,500 BTUs to get effectively warm.

Flame Style and Settings

Most electric fireplaces replicate “real” flames with a combination of LED effects and mirrors. The flames are programmed to duplicate the changes in color, shape, and intensity that you see in a traditional fireplace. Some electric fireplaces use fiber optics lights to simulate real fire.

You can change the settings on your electric fireplace to get the custom effect you want. Using a remote control or smartphone app, you can adjust the flame size and heat level. Some electric fireplaces can even be set to start at a certain time or prevent children from turning them on.

Control Settings

Remote controls have been used to manage electric fireplaces for decades. The rise of smartphones and internet technology has produced mobile apps that also serve as remote controls. Voice-controlled electric fireplaces are on the market as well, allowing you to change settings mostly without a device.

Wall-mounted thermostats are also still an option. They use timers and sensors to turn the fireplace on and off, which can make a big difference in your monthly electric bill.

Warranties

Even though they’re usually low-maintenance, electric fireplaces do occasionally need repairs. Most electric fireplace manufacturers offer warranty periods to cover care for malfunctions or other problems that may arise. 

Generally, these warranties are effective between one and two years from the date of purchase. Retailers like Aqua Quip not only sell the product but are able to service if ever needed. 

Ready to Find the Perfect Electric Fireplace for Your Home?

These are just a few of the options and ideas first-time buyers have when choosing an electric fireplace. A home specialist can offer more possibilities depending on the unique needs of your home and living space. Some may offer maintenance plans that extend care beyond the manufacturer’s warranty. Aqua Quip has a range of high-quality, affordable electric fireplace units that can add character to your living space. We’ve proudly kept Pacific Northwest homes warm since 1959. When you’re ready to make the move to an electric fireplace, visit us online or stop by your nearest location to get started.