With the availability of many fireplace choices on the market recently, most folks are not sure about how each function or the one that would best suit their needs. Unlike gas or traditional fireplaces, electric fireplaces offer more flexibility, and they are suitable for providing warmth during cold winter’s nights or an ideal option to replace a gas or wood-burning fireplace. So what is an electric fireplace?
Electric fireplaces are heating units designed to make your life simple. They are heating elements that resemble a gas or traditional wood-burning fireplace, but they do not require any professional installation or venting of any kind.
Pros and Cons of Electric Fireplaces
If the cost, maintenance, or even the likelihood of installation of actual fireplace trouble you, there are other appropriate options you can consider. An electric fireplace provides the same advantages of normal fireplaces with some extra bonuses. Here are some of the common pros you’ll notice from utilizing an electric fireplace.
1. Cost-Cutting and Energy Saving
With winter being the main factor triggering the dreaded heating bill, using an electric fireplace is a great trick to save energy, cut costs, and save money. An electric fireplace allows you to turn off the central thermostat as it provides a cheap option to heat those specific locations of your house that are used the most.
2. Easy Installation
You don’t necessarily have to perform heavy remodeling or knock out a wall just to install an electric fireplace unit. In many instances, it is possible to plug your electric fireplace in and leave the device up against any wall of your home. The installation is clearly that simple.
3. Plenty of Design Options
With an extensive array of designs and options, you cannot miss an electric fireplace device to suit your specific personal style. Whether you are the type to select modern, traditional, or contemporary styles, it’s a guarantee that you will get a fireplace unit to fit your tastes or the design of your home.
4. Durable and Long-Lasting
Electric fireplaces can surprisingly last a long time and serve you for many years if not decades. Unlike other fireplaces and heaters, an electric fireplace is less susceptible to issues like rust or corrosion. Even after using it for years, the device has the potential to function and look like it’s brand new.
Though an electric fireplace provides a plethora of advantages, just like other fireplaces and heaters it has its own side of disadvantages. Here are some cons you’ll likely encounter from using an electric fireplace.
1. Limit your Exploration
Wood fireplaces are fun to use since they offer a chance to explore. For instance, with a wood fireplace, you can turn the wood being burnt or even poke the fire. You cannot do such things with your electric fireplace since the device requires you to use a remote to control heat.
2. Appears Fake
An electric fireplace produces burning frames that are not actual but fake. With electric fireplaces, you don’t experience the sensation of watching the actual frames burning.
Wrap Up
Though an electric fireplace has several disadvantages in its functionality, you cannot ignore the reality that its advantages shatter the disadvantages. Electric fireplaces provide extra heat and are safe for any home with kids and pets since they don’t produce poisonous gases. If you opt to buy an electric fireplace, it is advisable you take all these aforesaid points into consideration and make the right decision for yourself and your home.