Electric Fireplace

           An electric fireplace is considered one of the best alternatives to a traditional fireplace, as they provide significant advantages throughout the fireplace’s ownership.

            The first advantage comes when installing the electric fireplace. It requires no prior work to install except for a flat surface and a nearby electrical outlet. The electric fireplace mantel is also easy to install. If it goes over the actual fireplace, it just needs to be pressed up against the wall, and if the mantel is part of the electric fireplace, it just needs to be set down in the appropriate area and plugged in. The hardest part is usually assembling the mantel.

            Electric fireplaces are also very effective at heating up a room. The average btu rating for an electric fireplace is 4,500, and one can heat up a room up to 400 square feet in area. While most electric fireplaces do not produce an actual flame, they do provide a reasonable simulation. This ranges from red foil on ceramic logs to a flickering light mounted behind a translucent plastic molded woodpile, or a backdrop that simulates rising flame.

           Electric fireplaces are not perfect. They have been criticized for their energy inefficiency, and the fact that they draw their power from power plants, most of which use fossil fuels. Still, people appreciate their effectiveness and convenience.