Electric Fireplaces have come a long way.......

This is a guest post from Jeanne Grier, Design Consultant, Stylish Fireplaces, www.stylishfireplaces.ca  by Huntington Lodge.  With the colder weather approaching I thought it was a timely article to add to my blog and Jeanne agreed .  Many of us remember the electric fireplaces of back in the day that were not so great looking nor efficient.  Well, they have come a long way and are a great addition to any space especially when you may wish to change the location, something you cannot do with wood burning or gas. Electric Fireplaces offer so much more flexibility in placement as well as they look great these days.  Please enjoy the article..... and for more information and ideas click on the link provided at the end of the post.

What’s New with Electric Fireplaces?
Today’s electric fireplaces are more stylish and realistic than ever, offering homeowners, and their builders and designers, a wealth of options for every lifestyle.  Before I share some of the latest designs, let’s review the basic features and benefits of an electric fireplace: 

• Zero-clearance design allows installation into, or on, any material.  This means that you do not need to have a fire-proof surround, because there is nothing burning inside an electric fireplace.  If you wish to install in drywall or wood cabinetry, you may do so.
• No combustion means no venting required.  Because there is nothing burning inside an electric fireplace, there is no need to vent it as you would with gas or wood fireplaces.  This means that you do not need to limit installation to an outside wall.
• Plugging into a regular 120 volt outlet means easy installation.  There is no special connection required, and some models offer the option for direct-wired installation and 240 volt connections, for added flexibility.
• Operation with or without heat means a more comfortable environment.  The flame effect in an electric fireplace may be operated with or without heat, as the heater is a separate element that does not have to be turned on when the flames are turned on.  This means that you don’t have to turn off your fireplace because the room is too hot; you simply turn off the heater and continue to enjoy your fire. 
• Flame generation by light bulbs means greater efficiency.  The flame effect in an electric fireplace is created with light bulbs, either incandescent or LED.  It costs from less than a penny an hour, up to 3 cents per hour, to operate an electric flame without the heater.  With the heater turned on, an electric fireplace will use a maximum of only about 18 cents per hour, far less than a gas fireplace.  Plus, there is no standing pilot light required in an electric fireplace, for even greater savings. 

Now that you understand how easy it is to work with an electric fireplace, let’s take a look at the newest innovations.   
The latest Optimyst insert from Dimplex, shown here in the Thompson mantel, uses ultrasonic technology to turn cool water into mist.  When light hits the mist, it creates a realistic burning effect unequalled in the industry.  This insert is designed to fit into existing wood-burning fireplace openings, so you can easily retrofit almost any fireplace.

 

The fastest growing category in electric fireplaces is wall-mounted. These fireplaces are contemporary in styling, and are designed to mount on the surface of the wall, rather than mounting into the wall. This model, with a curved glass front, is from Amantii. It comes with crystals in multiple colours, as well as white stones, so you can style it to suit your décor. It has the option for heat, as with most electric fireplaces.

 

 

Linear fireplaces have become extremely popular over the past few years, perhaps in answer to the popularity of wide, wall-mounted TV’s. Very wide designs are popular in the wall-mounted category, as well as for in-wall models. This Synergy fireplace, from Dimplex, is currently the widest electric fireplace capable of being flush-mounted into all wall, while still offering a heat option. It is 50” wide by 20” high, and fits into 2x8 construction. 

Because of their zero-clearance design, electric fireplaces lend themselves to media cabinets. With a place for the TV and its components, as well as storage for DVD’s, these cabinets offer an all-in-one solution for many family rooms and basements. They come in a host of wood finishes; only this one, the Portobello from Dimplex, comes in a light painted finish. The heat from the fireplace is blown out the front vent, and will not affect the TV above. 

Presented by Jeanne Grier, Design Consultant, Stylish Fireplaces by Huntington Lodge
jgrier@stylishfireplaces.ca
www.stylishfireplaces.ca