How to Choose and Install an in Wall Electric Fireplace
A wall-mounted electric fireplace can bring both visual appeal and heat to any room. They also come with an easy installation, which makes them a great option for renters.
You can pick from a variety of styles. Some can be totally or partially recessed to create an integrated look. Here's how to select the best one for your home.
Styles
There are a myriad of styles to consider when you are choosing the perfect electric fire space for your home. A wall mount with recessed design is among the most sought-after choices. This type of unit is easy to install, using a plug-in design that doesn't require hardwiring. This style is a great choice for those who want to add the look of a fireplace to their room without the difficulty of cutting into the wall and installing chimneys.
Another option is a built-in fireplace. This kind of fireplace needs some more effort to put in than a recessed unit. This is due to the wall recess requires more skills in carpentry. This lets you customize the wall to fit your interior decor. This type of electric fireplace is often used to divide walls between two rooms.
Certain manufacturers, like Amantii offer a wide variety of electric fireplace models in a variety of designs and finishes. Some even include smart home automation for fireplaces which lets you control your fireplace from your smartphone or tablet.
It is crucial to think about the wattage of your electric fireplace as well as its capacity to produce heat when choosing one for your home. This will impact your operating costs and the degree of warmth you can expect your living space to be. It is also important to think about the style and finish of the fireplace as it will determine how well it will fit into your current interior design.
Electric fireplaces that are the most effective feature multiple flame and color settings, as well as a variety of effects like the video loop or fake log. Many manufacturers use LED lights to create these effects. LED lights are much more energy efficient than standard incandescent bulbs. They also last much longer and are safe to handle.
Choosing an electric fireplace for your home can be a difficult process. You'll have to decide whether you would like your fireplace to provide warmth or just be an accent piece. If you're looking for a fireplace that can provide both flames and heat be sure to choose one with separate controls that allow you to adjust the intensity of the flame and heat in accordance with the seasons or your personal preferences.
Optical illusions
Electric holes in the wall fire places rely heavily on optical illusions. Different models employ different techniques to make flames appear more realistic. These range from basic ones like adding more logs to holographic displays which create an impressive illusion without taking up much space.
Modern electric fireplaces look more realistic than older models that make use of LED screens or rotisserie lights to create the illusion of flames. Most electric fireplaces have an elongated reflector that spins in three-dimensional patterns to mimic the light reflections from real fire. Some even make crackling sounds to increase the realism.
Electric fireplaces don't require venting or chimneys. They also don't release any pollution or smoke. Some have an adjustable remote control that can be used to alter the flames and heat levels. Electric fireplaces don't require gas lines or chimneys. They can be mounted on the wall, or even on a concealed mount.
A great choice for those who want to keep things simple Simplifire Allusion is a good entry-level model that features an electric log set and clear crystal ember bed media. It's available in a range of colors for the front face and comes with a large remote. For greater customization, upgrade to driftwood log sets or ceramic stones.
The Dimplex Revillusion insert is available as a standalone log set. The holographic display is placed between the log set and the flames, creating illusions of more logs than there are. The design might not appear like the real thing as the other alternatives, but it's still an excellent alternative for those looking for an older-fashioned look.
Other manufacturers, like Magikflame and Magikflame, have gone a step higher than the Dimplex Revillusion with a design that makes use of touchscreens instead of mechanical buttons. The backlit touchscreen is easier to operate, and it's self-illuminated to allow you to see the icons even in a dark room. This kind of control panel is more appealing and will enhance the modern style.
Easy to Setup
In comparison to built-in fireplaces, which require an entire section to be removed from the wall, an electric wall fireplace is much simpler to install. If the studs are suitable behind the wall, you can fix your fireplace to the wall with the bracket that is included. A lot of models come with an illustration of where on the wall to position the bracket. Mark the holes using a spirit-level and pencil. After you've made the holes, you can fit hanging screws into them. You can also put in rawl plugs and leave them atop the wall by 5-10mm to give a more discrete appearance.
The fireplace can be screwed into place. Make sure it is completely encased within the opening. It is possible to do this by hand or using an electric drill, based on your preference and your previous experience. After your fireplace is installed, make sure that the grate or heat vents are free of any combustible material. Keep your fireplace at 400mm from anything that can catch fire.
Some prefer having their fireplace at eye level. This can be achieved by placing the fire in the middle of the space. This is also the ideal location for TVs, though you should ensure that the fireplace isn't too close the screen, as this could cause it to overheat.
You'll also have to consider the dimensions of your electric fireplace when deciding on a location. You should also be aware that an electric fireplace's heater element, located at the front and bottom of the fire, must be kept at least 400mm from any combustible materials. This includes fabric.
Before you proceed to install your electric fireplace, you need to make sure that everything functions correctly. Connect the fireplace, play around with the LED lights and heat, and if it works as it should, you can move on to installation. You should always hire a qualified electrician for any electrical task, including installing an electric fire place.
Installation
When deciding to install an electric wall fireplace there are a few important things to consider. The first is size. It is crucial to ensure that the fireplace will fit in the space you want it to This is done by measuring the area and checking against the dimensions of the unit. Some manufacturers offer an online guide to make this process much easier and allows you to choose the right model to meet your needs.
Then, it is worth noting that the fireplace needs to be placed near an electrical outlet. Get an electrician to place a plug socket on the wall close to the location you're planning to put your fireplace. This will make it much easier to conceal the power cable, and your installation will look more professional and clean.
It is also essential to keep combustibles within three feet away from the electric fire. This will decrease the risk of a fire, and also protect your furniture, curtains or clothing from burning. It is also a good idea not to block the filters so that air flows freely through the heating element.
Another important step prior to mounting is to test the fireplace before it goes up on the wall. It is a good idea to take a few minutes before starting to remove all packaging and plug the fire into the wall to make sure it works. This will ensure that you have everything in place and you don't encounter any issues later.
After the tests are complete and you are confident that everything is working as you was expected, it's time to prepare the location for the fireplace. Use the instructions provided by your manufacturer to prepare an opening that can be framed in the wall, and make use of blocks to ensure that it is securely attached to the studs. Then, simply secure the fireplace to the wall using screws.
When the job is complete then you can relax in your fashionable and practical new electric fireplace. It's a great method to add warmth to your home and will create a cozy atmosphere that will be sure to delight your guests.