Buying an Electric Fireplace

Today one of the hottest products on the market is the electric fireplace. The electric fireplace is essentially a reinvention of a centuries old focal point in any home. These fireplaces do not require wood or matches and can be turned on at the flip of a switch. One of the great things about an electric fireplace is the easy installation, with the only requirement being an electrical outlet. Today's modern electric fireplace units feature the traditional look of a masonry fireplace, with a large viewing area in a small, easy to install package. This modern convenience has the most advanced technology, giving it a very realistic look, feel and warmth of a real fireplace.

Fireplaces are objects of both functionality and beauty. Fireplaces provide heat and ambiance to a certain place in the house. The evolution of the fireplace has taken great leaps in the recent years as we have seen the ascendancy of the electric fireplace. Today you can get a spectacular look and feel with an electric fireplace that will give you the feeling that you are enjoying a real old time fireplace.

Introduced to customers in the early 1990s, the electric fireplace became immensely popular. This was due to its ability to fit in anywhere. The portability, affordability, convenience and safety factors were all desirable qualities that encouraged people to buy these fireplaces. Today electric fireplaces are the hot item to have!

An electric fireplace can be plugged into a normal electrical outlet. It doesn't require a chimney, fuel pipelines, a venting system or any other special preparations. It can also be safely used in the bedroom, sun porch, foyer or kitchen. Besides these places the electric fireplace can be used in nurseries, senior citizens' residences, high rise office buildings and nursing homes.

Speaking of the old timer and old fireplaces, during the old days, people only had the option of having a wood-fired fireplace. As time went by, gas-powered fireplaces gained popularity as they were relatively cheaper to maintain. Today's technology is so great and the need for fireplaces which can be installed quickly and can be maintained easily is so great, that these two circumstances created the birth of the electric fireplace! The electric fireplace simulates the flames of traditional fireplaces and puts out heat as well. Literally, nothing is being burnt and the illusion of burning is achieved through the use of audio and visual effects. Electric fireplaces can be installed quickly where there is access to electricity.

The electric fireplace is very easy to install as compared to the traditional fireplaces. There are models today that can be installed in less than an hour. Electric fireplaces don't really need additional space because many of them are mounted against walls. Some of them can be installed in places where previous fireplaces are located. Electric fireplace kits come with easy-to-understand and easy-to-follow installation kits. Installing electric fireplace also require the basic tools such as screwdrivers, glass cleaners and the like.

Your electric fireplace is environmentally friendly. As compared with the traditional wood and gas- fired fireplaces, the electric fireplaces are relatively more environmentally friendly. They don't emit any fumes and additional carbon dioxide into the air because they utilize electricity. Electric fireplace are not carbon neutral though, because the electricity that is utilized by these fireplaces comes from the grid which also emits greenhouse gases. However, this fact is arguably more environment-friendly than burning wood directly in fireplaces.

Your electric fireplace will provide you great convenience. Now you won't have to put out the fire in the fireplace when you're already sleeping. Electric fireplaces usually come with remote controls. There are also models which have a built-in temperature reader. They automatically turn off when the desired temperature is reached. Some electric fireplace models today have air filtration systems and fans which distributes the heat evenly throughout the room. One can also isolate the aesthetic value of the electric fireplace from its heating function. During summer when fireplaces are not really used, electric fireplace owners can turn off the heating function of the fireplace and turn the fake flames on to be able to give the room a good glow and ambience.

Your electric fireplace will provide you with versatility and style. The fake fire can also be modified according to the taste of the homeowner. Modern designs allow owners to change the speed and color of the fire of electric fireplaces. This is important for people who would like to incorporate the look of the fireplace and the fire into the whole look of the room.

Are there any disadvantages? One of the cons of an electric fireplace is that it is basically a space heater. A second would be the utility bill. In some areas of the country electric is expensive. A standard fireplace just requires wood so those in mountainous areas of heavy tree growth would probably be financially benefited from standard units. For the rest of us convenience and a small electric bill make electric fireplaces your best option.

There are many places where you can buy your new electric fireplace. There are many great websites online that provide excellent electric fireplaces of lots of different and great designs. There are also local stores you can go too to find your electric fireplace. Don't forget to check online or in the newspapers for great deals as well!

Today one of the hottest products on the market is the electric fireplace. These fireplaces do not require wood or matches and can be turned on at the flip of a switch. This modern convenience has the most advanced technology, giving it a very realistic look, feel and warmth of a real fireplace. Good luck on finding your new electric fireplace!