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Electric Fireplace
Electric
fireplaces are the most popular choice this season for creating an
attractive and cozy atmosphere and providing optional heat that you may
only expect from a wood burning stove or natural gas fireplace. With
the flick of a switch, the fireplace (powered by
electricity) turns on
and instantly transforms your chilly family room or living area into a
warm and relaxing space. You will be able to find a wide variety of
styles and sizes to suit any room in your home and enhance your decor.
An electric fireplace helps create the perfect ambiance as the logs and
ember flames look so realistic and add such warmth to the room.
Options that are available on many new electric fireplace models
include:
- A hand held remote control that allows you to adjust the brightness
of the flame and control the heat output and temperature. This is
particularly useful when you want the fireplace on to create romantic
ambiance without the heat in the summer months or all year long. Most
models have a built-in blower to provide circulating heat only when you
need it. Other models may have a hidden panel on the side of the
fireplace unit for easy on/off with adjustable thermostatic controls.
- Fireplace mantles and the surrounding cabinet and facing on the free
standing electric fireplaces range from simple and contemporary to
decorative and elaborate. Both the fireplace mantles and facing are
available in various finishes and sizes which allows you to purchase a
unit that best suits the room you are putting it in.
- Free standing cabinet style fireplaces are moveable and can be placed
against any wall to allow for easy remodelling and redecorating. Free
standing corner fireplace units are shaped to fit into a corner of the
room yet are not oversized to take up too much floor space. Free
standing electric fireplace are lightweight so they can be moved
easily. Corner units are best suited for smaller rooms within
apartments, condominiums, cottages and can be moved from corner to
corner.
- Wall mounted electric fireplace units are a relatively new technology
looking similar to a flat screen plasma television. These fireplaces
have a smaller hearth size but still offer a realistic looking flame
and log design. These units are easy to install and do not require
venting out of any exterior walls of your home. This allows you to
choose any wall in any room of your home- the only requirement is a
standard electrical outlet. Most electric fireplaces are powered
between 110V and 240V. The heat output of many electric fireplace
models is less than 5,000 BTU’s therefore it should not be
used as a central heating source. Electric fireplaces offer zone
heating similar to an electric space heater, though far more attractive.
- Electric fireplace inserts are a wonderful alternative for wood
burning stoves without the hassle of chopping and storing firewood.
Wood stoves and wood burning fireplaces require constant attention to
maintain even and consistent heat. The smell from a burning fire is
second to none, however, and the heat that radiates out of a roaring
fire can heat a room of approximately 500 square feet and larger
depending on how the size of the hearth and efficiency of the fire.
Electric fireplace inserts can easily be installed into an existing
wood fireplace. It is plugged into the closest electrical outlet or can
be wired into the insert within the wall. Fireplace inserts are ideal
for homes that have limited space like apartments, condominiums, and
cottages as well.
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