How to Choose and Install an in Wall Electric Fireplace
A wall-mounted electric fireplace can add visual interest and the ability to add heat to any space. Renters will also appreciate their ease of installation.
They're available in a wide variety of styles, and some can even be partially or fully integrated for a seamless look. Here's how to choose the best one for your home.
Styles
There are a variety of different styles to help you pick the ideal electric fireplace for your home. One of the most popular options is a wall mount. This type of mount is easy to install since it utilizes a plug style that does not require hardwiring. This is a great option for those who want to bring the look of a fireplace to their living space without the hassle of cutting through drywall and installing a chimney.
A built-in insert is a different option. This kind of fireplace needs some more effort to construct than a recess-based units. This is due to the fact that it requires a little more carpentry skill to build the wall recess. This allows you to modify the wall to fit with your interior decor. This kind of electric fireplace is typically used to divide walls into two rooms.
Some manufacturers, such as Amantii offer a wide range of electric fireplace models in different designs and finishes. Some even include smart home automation for fireplaces that lets you control your fireplace from your smartphone or tablet.
It is essential to take into consideration the wattage of your electric fireplace and its heat production capacity when selecting one for your home. This will impact your operating costs as well as how warm your living space will be. The style and finish will also determine if the fireplace is matched to the interior design.
Electric fireplaces that are top of the line feature multiple flame and color settings, as well as a variety of effects like the video loop or simulation log. Many manufacturers use LED lights to create these effects. LED lights are much more energy efficient than standard incandescent bulbs. They last longer and are safe to handle.
It isn't easy to decide on an electric fireplace for your home. You will have to decide whether you want the fireplace to be an element of heating or just decorative. If you're looking for a model with both flames and heat make sure you choose a fireplace with separate controls. This allows you to alter the heat and flames according to the time of year or personal preferences.
Optical Illusions
optical illusions are a key element that makes holes in the wall electric fireplaces so effective. Different models use a variety of tricks to make the flames appear more realistic, from basic ones such as adding extra logs to holographic displays that create an impressive illusion of embers without taking up space.
A lot of older electric fireplaces employ LED screens and rotisserie lights to create an illusion of flames, however modern designs have evolved to become much more realistic. The majority of them have a rotating refractor that has three-dimensional patterns that resemble the reflections of light from real fire. Some even make crackling sounds to increase the realism.
Electric fireplaces do not require venting or chimneys. They also do not emit any smoke or pollution. Some have remote controls to control the heat and flames. The lack of gas lines or venting also means that there's no need for a flue, and it's simple to install your electric fireplace into the wall or on a recess mount.
Simplifire Allusion, a great entry-level choice for those wanting to simplify their lives, features an electric log bed and Fireplacesandstove.com crystal clear ember media. It comes in a variety of colors on the front face and comes with a full-size remote. To further customize you can upgrade to driftwood log sets or ceramic stones.
Another option is the Dimplex Revillusion insert and standalone log set. The holographic display, placed between the flames of the log set and the insert creates the illusion of numerous logs. This design is not as realistic as the other alternatives we have reviewed, but it is an option for those who prefer a more traditional style.
Magikflame is a manufacturer that has gone beyond Dimplex Revillusion by using a touchscreen design instead of mechanical buttons. The touchscreen that is backlit is easier to use, and is self-illuminated, which means you can easily see the icons even in dark rooms. This kind of control panel is also more attractive and will complement a modern design.
Easy to Setup
In comparison to built-in fireplaces, which require a section to be removed from the wall, an electric wall fireplace is much simpler to set up. If the studs are suitable behind the wall, you can fix your fireplace to the wall with the bracket that is included. A majority of models include a template that shows you where to place the bracket on the wall. Use this along with pencil and a spirit level to mark holes. After you've made the holes, you can fit hanging screws into them. You can also choose to install rawl plugs and leave them atop the wall by 5-10mm to give a more discreet finish.
The fireplace can be fixed by screwing it into the wall. Make sure it's completely encased within the opening. It is possible to do this either by hand or with a drill, depending on your preferences and previous experience. Once your fireplace has been installed, ensure that the grate or heat vents are free of any combustible materials. You should also keep your fireplace at least 400mm away from anything that could catch fire.
Some people like to have their fireplaces situated at eye level. This can be accomplished by putting the fireplace in the middle of the room. This is also a good spot for television, but you'll want to ensure that the fire isn't too close to the screen since this could cause it to overheat.
When deciding on the location for your electric fireplace, you'll need to consider its size and dimensions. It's also worth bearing in mind that the heating element - which is located at the bottom and front of an electric fire must be at least 400mm away from any material that is combustible, including fabric.
It's important that you test your electric fireplace before installing it. If everything works as it should, plug in the fireplace, test the LED lights and then move on to the installation. It is recommended to seek out a qualified electrician for any electrical work, including installing an electric fireplace.
Installation
When deciding to install an electric wall fireplace, there are a few important aspects to take into consideration. The first is size. It is crucial to make sure that the fireplace will be able to fit into the space you desire, and this can be done by measuring the area and checking against the dimensions of the unit. Some manufacturers also offer online guides that can make this process much easier and help you select the ideal model to meet your needs.
It is crucial to remember that the fireplace must be placed near an electrical outlet. Get an electrician to place a plug socket on the wall near where you plan to mount your fireplace. This will make it easier to hide the power cable and give an elegant and polished appearance to your installation.
It is also essential to keep combustibles within three feet from the electric fire. This will lower the possibility of a fire and also protect your furniture, curtains or clothing from being burnt. Also, it is recommended to make sure that filters are not blocked to ensure that the heating element has the ability to circulate air.
Before putting in the fireplace, it is essential to test it. Before you begin, it's a good practice to remove all the packaging and plug from the fireplace to ensure that it is working. This will ensure that everything is in place and don't encounter any issues later.
After the tests are complete and you are satisfied that everything is functioning as was expected, it's time to set up the location for the fireplace. Follow the instructions from your fireplace manufacturer to create an opening that is framed and secure it to the studs with blocks. Secure the fireplace to the wall with screws.
When the job is complete then you can relax in your fashionable and practical new electric fireplace. It's a great method of adding extra heat to any space. It will also create an inviting atmosphere that will amaze your guests.