DIY Builds
Photo by Max Vakhtbovych Pexels Logo Photo: Max Vakhtbovych

Do electric fireplaces give off heat?

HOW MUCH HEAT DOES AN ELECTRIC FIREPLACE GIVE OFF? Electric fireplaces typically give off 4,600 BTUs of heat. However, some models can be wired to 220/240 volts and will have a heat output of up to 8,900 BTUs. And infrared fireplaces produce approximately 5,200 BTUs of heat.

Does shed floor need joist hangers?
Does shed floor need joist hangers?

The best shed-floor framing is simple and sturdy If the joists are set atop a plate (see picture) then you won't need joist hangers to reinforce...

Read More »
Do I need furring strips under metal roof?
Do I need furring strips under metal roof?

If you're updating your home with a sleek metal roof, you may wonder if you should add wood stripping under the new roof. Furring strips bolster...

Read More »

Archives Archives Select Month December 2022 September 2022 August 2022 July 2022 June 2022 May 2022 April 2022 March 2022 February 2022 January 2022 December 2021 November 2021 October 2021 September 2021 August 2021 July 2021 June 2021 May 2021 April 2021 March 2021 February 2021 January 2021 December 2020 October 2020 September 2020 August 2020 June 2020 May 2020 April 2020 March 2020 February 2020 January 2020 December 2019 October 2019 September 2019 August 2019 July 2019 June 2019 May 2019 April 2019 March 2019 January 2019 December 2018 November 2018 October 2018 September 2018 August 2018 July 2018 May 2018 April 2018 March 2018 February 2018 January 2018 December 2017 November 2017 October 2017 September 2017 August 2017 July 2017 June 2017 May 2017 April 2017 March 2017 February 2017 January 2017 December 2016 November 2016 October 2016 September 2016 May 2016 April 2016 March 2016 February 2016 January 2016 December 2015

Author: Burning Log Categories: Electric Fireplaces

Answers to Your Electric Fireplace FAQs

We’re always asked about the different types of fireplaces, their benefits, features, and safety concerns. And since a fireplace with an electric fire is a newer concept than traditional gas or wood-burning fireplaces, there tend to be a lot of questions about electric fireplaces. Compared to gas and wood-burning fireplaces, electric fireplaces are more energy-efficient and customizable. They come equipped with additional features, and they are cheaper to operate, easy to maintain, and extremely safe. To help give you a better idea of what electric fireplaces are all about, here are answers to common electric fireplace FAQs.

HOW MUCH HEAT DOES AN ELECTRIC FIREPLACE GIVE OFF?

Electric fireplaces typically give off 4,600 BTUs of heat. However, some models can be wired to 220/240 volts and will have a heat output of up to 8,900 BTUs. And infrared fireplaces produce approximately 5,200 BTUs of heat.

WHAT SIZE ROOM CAN AN ELECTRIC FIREPLACE HEAT?

Electric fireplaces can heat various room sizes. Many will comfortably heat a small- to medium-sized rooms up to 400 square feet, while others can heat larger rooms up to 1,000 square feet. Since the heating power differs for each model, be sure to read the instructions and specs to find an electric fireplace suitable for your room size.

HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO HEAT A ROOM?

Electric fireplaces start heating rooms immediately once you turn on the heater. Instead of taking the time to build a wood fire that will start producing a decent amount of heat with some work, you can switch on your electric fireplace and start enjoying the heat instantly.

WHAT ARE ELECTRIC INSERTS?

How much can you cut off an exterior door?
How much can you cut off an exterior door?

Manufacturers typically allow wood doors to be trimmed by 1⁄2 in. at the top and 1-1⁄2 in. at the bottom. You can cut more away from the bottom...

Read More »
Do coffee grounds repel rats?
Do coffee grounds repel rats?

Do Used Coffee Grounds Keep Rodents Away? The answer to this question is yes, use coffee grounds as a natural rodent repellent. The coffee's bitter...

Read More »

Electric fireplace inserts provide the same heat and ambiance as a standalone electric fireplace, except they are placed inside the opening of a fireplace hearth or a TV stand instead of resting on the floor. Electric fireplace inserts are often used to convert gas or wood-burning fireplaces into electric fireplaces by replacing the firebox with the insert.

ARE ELECTRIC FIREPLACES EXPENSIVE TO OPERATE?

No. Electric fireplaces are overall cheaper to operate than other types of fireplaces. They are less expensive to install, and electric fireplace maintenance is much easier and cheaper than maintenance for gas and wood-burning fireplaces. You don’t need to hire a chimney sweep or gas fireplace inspector for annual inspections. Nor do you need to purchase firewood. Electric fireplaces also allow you to make use of zone heating to supplement your home’s main heating source. So instead of heating all the rooms in your home that you aren’t using at the time, you can turn down your thermostat and heat the room you use most often with your electric fireplace. While the cost of electricity varies by region, on average, it costs only about 3 cents per hour to operate the flames and 9 cents per hour to operate both the flames and a heater set to turn off automatically based on a thermostat. Otherwise, to run the fireplace non-stop with the heater set to maximum, it would cost about 18 cents per hour to operate, compared to 30 cents per hour for a gas fireplace. And the average annual cost to operate an electric fireplace is $100, compared to $200 to $500 per year for gas fireplaces.

DO ELECTRIC FIREPLACES USE A LOT OF ENERGY?

Electric fireplaces are more energy-efficient than other types of fireplaces since they don’t waste energy. They use an electric heater to produce warmth instead of burning a fuel source. And since there are no vents or chimneys, these fireplaces don’t lose heat. Energy-efficient electric fireplaces shut off the heater once the ideal set temperature is reached on the thermostat, so there is no risk of overheating the room and wasting energy. With wood-burning fireplaces, much of the heat is lost through the chimney. Heat is also lost through the vents of gas fireplaces. The supplemental zone heating from electric fireplaces also allows you to use less energy to heat your home, reducing your energy consumption and heating bills.

WHAT’S THE LIFESPAN OF AN ELECTRIC FIREPLACE?

Electric fireplaces can last up to 20 years. And the light bulbs will need replacing every two years or so Electric fireplaces tend to have longer lifespans than gas and wood-burning fireplaces. To determine the quality and lifespan of electric fireplaces, consider the length of their warranties.

What is the underside of a roof overhang called?
What is the underside of a roof overhang called?

Soffit What Is a Soffit? Your roof by necessity, will often times extend over the walls of your home. This overhang can go by a few names, such as...

Read More »
Do you need a drip edge on a shed?
Do you need a drip edge on a shed?

Shed roof drip edge is essential in keeping your structure watertight. However, there are tons of ways to mess up a drip edge installation. For...

Read More »
Can I build my own shed?
Can I build my own shed?

Yes, with the right plans you can build your dream shed.

Learn More »

WHAT OTHER FEATURES DOES AN ELECTRIC FIREPLACE HAVE?

Can Be On without Heat

Since electric fireplaces use LED lights to illuminate the artificial flames, you can turn on the flames without the heat. LED fireplaces allow you to enjoy the ambiance of a fireplace without the heat so you can use it even in the summer.

Can Be On with Colours

Electric fireplaces are available in a variety of styles with a variety of flames. You can opt for realistic flames or flames in different colours.

Can Emanate Heat without the Flames or Colours

Just as you can turn on the flames without the heat, you can also turn on the heater without the flames. This is an ideal option if you want heat, but you don’t want the extra light in the room (e.g., for sleeping or watching a movie).

Stays Cool to the Touch

Although the fireplace emits heat, the fireplace itself and the glass face do not heat up. The heater produces heat outside of the display case, so if you touch your fireplace box or glass, you won’t burn yourself. This added safety feature makes electric fireplaces safer for use in small areas and homes with children and pets.

Can Be Operated With a Remote Control or From Your Smartphone

While all-electric fireplaces have manual controls on the units, most will also come with a remote control to turn the fireplace on and off. And some models will have a remote control that can adjust the flames and temperature. New smartphone technology also allows you to control your electric fireplace with the use of an app on your phone. For help answering more of your electric fireplace questions, or questions about any type of fireplace, contact your local fireplace experts. They will be happy to provide you with all the answers to help you choose the best type of fireplace for your home.

How many squares 12x16 shed?
How many squares 12x16 shed?

Multiply the product by the flat roof area and divide by 100:- our 12×16 shed square footage with overhangs is 252 sq ft, so 1.118 x 252 = 282...

Read More »
What size log cabin can I have without planning permission?
What size log cabin can I have without planning permission?

Keep under 2.5m at that 2m point, most log cabins from several suppliers have an eaves height less than that so you're fine and within permitted...

Read More »
Does Wickes cut doors to size?
Does Wickes cut doors to size?

Unfortunately, Wickes doesn't provide wood cutting services. The retailer doesn't mention this service on its website, nor does it advertise it in...

Read More »
Why dont Florida homes have gutters?
Why dont Florida homes have gutters?

However, a huge portion of homes still have little to no guttering. The fact that Florida has a sandy soil and most moisture is absorbed quickly...

Read More »