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| Alternative-Heating-Info.com |
Electric Fireplace Space Heater FAQ's
(see also: Sam's Guide to Electric Fireplaces
(see also: Sam's Guide to Electric Fireplaces
An electric fireplace space heater, or fireplace
mantel as they're sometimes called, is an
easy and cost effective way to add welcome
additional heat and a touch of elegance to
any room.
What you won't be getting is the smoke,
potentially deadly CO2 fumes, and the mess
associated with a conventional fireplace.
Prices for an electric fireplace start at $299
and can skyrocket to $2,300 for a
combination fireplace/home entertainment
center.
The compact design of an electric fireplace
makes it well suited for smaller homes,
apartments, condos and even RVs.
mantel as they're sometimes called, is an
easy and cost effective way to add welcome
additional heat and a touch of elegance to
any room.
What you won't be getting is the smoke,
potentially deadly CO2 fumes, and the mess
associated with a conventional fireplace.
Prices for an electric fireplace start at $299
and can skyrocket to $2,300 for a
combination fireplace/home entertainment
center.
The compact design of an electric fireplace
makes it well suited for smaller homes,
apartments, condos and even RVs.
The heating unit/electric insert includes the blower, log set and controls. Depending on
the model, heat output varies from 1,350 to 1,500 watts. This is enough power to
comfortably heat 130-150 square feet.
The electric insert accounts for roughly $250 (retail) of the total price. So whatever you
end up spending over $250 will be for the decorative mantle, not additional heat.
(The standard electric fireplace mantel insert should not be confused with "Built In"
electric fireplaces costing hundreds of dollars more).
Electric Fireplace Styles
In addition to the standard fireplace design, corner units are available to make
excellent use of wasted space. Other models offer enhancements such as book
shelves, curio cabinets or home entertainment centers. The mantel piece itself can be
constructed of finished wood, wood with tile inserts, or expensive cast marble.
Electric Fireplace Sizes
Electric fireplace heaters are usually advertised in three sizes: 33", 28" and 23". This
measurement represents the width of the metal "firebox" insert enclosed by the
mantel piece. The larger the insert, the larger the log set and the accompanying flame
display. The 33" fireplace is also advertised as a "Full Size Fireplace."
In general, the larger the insert, the larger the mantelpiece. But different combinations
of inserts and mantels are also available to match the size and scale of your room.
Quality of Construction
When you shop online for an electric fireplace space heater you're forced to judge the
quality of the merchandise by examining a photograph.
One way to judge the quality of a fireplace is by its shipping weight. All things being
equal, you could reasonably assume a fireplace weighing 210 pounds is built to a
higher standard than one weighing 120 pounds.
Electric Fireplace Heat Output
The majority of electric fireplaces, log sets, and inserts plug into an 120 volt outlet
which limits the heat output to 1,500 watts or 5,100 BTU. However, built in fireplaces
that install into a wall have the option to be hard wired to a 240 volt circuit which
increases the heat output to 2,700 watts or 9,200 Btu.
Cost to Operate
The cost to operate an electric fireplace will vary according to local rates. Using the
nationwide average of $0.11 per kWh, a standard electric fireplace would cost 16 1/2
cents per hour operating at the high 1,500 watt setting, and 11 cents per hour at the
lower 1,000 watt setting.
Standard Features and Extras
Standard features on most electric fireplace heaters include the mantel, electric insert,
2 speed blower, on/off remote control and log set. All models plug into standard 120V
receptacles and are completely portable. Also, the flame feature can be enjoyed at
any time of the year with or without the heater.
Some of the available extras include hand carved glowing logs, deluxe trim, bi-fold
glass doors, dimmer control and thermostat.
No matter which electric fireplace space heater you finally decide to buy, it's important
to read the complete product description to find out exactly what's included in the
price and what's going to cost extra.
the model, heat output varies from 1,350 to 1,500 watts. This is enough power to
comfortably heat 130-150 square feet.
The electric insert accounts for roughly $250 (retail) of the total price. So whatever you
end up spending over $250 will be for the decorative mantle, not additional heat.
(The standard electric fireplace mantel insert should not be confused with "Built In"
electric fireplaces costing hundreds of dollars more).
Electric Fireplace Styles
In addition to the standard fireplace design, corner units are available to make
excellent use of wasted space. Other models offer enhancements such as book
shelves, curio cabinets or home entertainment centers. The mantel piece itself can be
constructed of finished wood, wood with tile inserts, or expensive cast marble.
Electric Fireplace Sizes
Electric fireplace heaters are usually advertised in three sizes: 33", 28" and 23". This
measurement represents the width of the metal "firebox" insert enclosed by the
mantel piece. The larger the insert, the larger the log set and the accompanying flame
display. The 33" fireplace is also advertised as a "Full Size Fireplace."
In general, the larger the insert, the larger the mantelpiece. But different combinations
of inserts and mantels are also available to match the size and scale of your room.
Quality of Construction
When you shop online for an electric fireplace space heater you're forced to judge the
quality of the merchandise by examining a photograph.
One way to judge the quality of a fireplace is by its shipping weight. All things being
equal, you could reasonably assume a fireplace weighing 210 pounds is built to a
higher standard than one weighing 120 pounds.
Electric Fireplace Heat Output
The majority of electric fireplaces, log sets, and inserts plug into an 120 volt outlet
which limits the heat output to 1,500 watts or 5,100 BTU. However, built in fireplaces
that install into a wall have the option to be hard wired to a 240 volt circuit which
increases the heat output to 2,700 watts or 9,200 Btu.
Cost to Operate
The cost to operate an electric fireplace will vary according to local rates. Using the
nationwide average of $0.11 per kWh, a standard electric fireplace would cost 16 1/2
cents per hour operating at the high 1,500 watt setting, and 11 cents per hour at the
lower 1,000 watt setting.
Standard Features and Extras
Standard features on most electric fireplace heaters include the mantel, electric insert,
2 speed blower, on/off remote control and log set. All models plug into standard 120V
receptacles and are completely portable. Also, the flame feature can be enjoyed at
any time of the year with or without the heater.
Some of the available extras include hand carved glowing logs, deluxe trim, bi-fold
glass doors, dimmer control and thermostat.
No matter which electric fireplace space heater you finally decide to buy, it's important
to read the complete product description to find out exactly what's included in the
price and what's going to cost extra.
