What are electric fireplace logs?
Electric fireplace logs are simply a set of fake logs located within a fireplace grate, and unlike electric fireplace inserts don’t come inside a larger unit. Log sets can be placed down on your hearth to give the look of a real fire inside your open fireplace.
Can you convert an existing wood fireplace to electric?
If you have an existing wood or gas fireplace that you’d like to convert to electric, you can actually get a log set without having to buy an entire insert. Although some of these log sets are labeled as “inserts”, I don’t consider them the same thing.
Are fireplace inserts the same as logs?
Although some of these log sets are labeled as “inserts”, I don’t consider them the same thing. Typical fireplace inserts need to match the exact dimensions of the fireplace opening and sometimes have a glass front that encloses the “fire”.
Are wood burning fireplaces bad for the environment?
Greenhouse gases are produced in large amounts of the wood burning fireplaces. BTUs heat capacity is also more significant, and they are not as cost-effective as electric fireplaces. These are dangerous gases, and they affect the balance of nature and gases in the ecosystem.
Can you put an electric fireplace in an existing wood burning fireplace?
To install an electric fireplace insert all you have to do is clean up the existing fireplace box, slide the insert in and plug it into a standard outlet. Most electric fireplace inserts come factory pre-wired which makes for a smooth installation, however with some units, a plug-kit will need to be added.
How do you convert a wood burning fireplace to an electric fireplace?
Converting a wood fireplace to an electric fireplace insert is very simple. All you have to do is remove the existing grate, clean out the ashes, and slide your insert into place! They're light and easy to move so installation is a snap. Yes, it's really that simple.
Can you put an electric fireplace in an old fireplace?
You can install an electric fireplace insert inside your existing fireplace yourself if you have some basic carpentry knowledge and already have an electrical outlet inside your fireplace.
Do electric logs give off heat?
How much heat do electric log sets and electric fireplace inserts give off? Typically, electric inserts and log sets output about 5,000 BTUs—enough supplemental heat to keep a 400-square-foot room warmed, says Kuefler. They can also be used year-round for ambiance without the heat.
How much does it cost to install an electric fireplace insert?
How Much Does It Cost to Add an Electric Fireplace? An electric fireplace costs an average of about $700. Depending on the size and type of fireplace, you could spend as little as $200. Electric fireplaces are less expensive than the cost of installing a fireplace or woodstove, which can run from $850 to $3,500.
Is electric fireplace better than gas?
Electric fireplaces generally do not waste energy and use less energy than gas units overall. Because they don't burn fuel, they also don't release particles into the atmosphere while they operate. However, you may need to run a secondary heat source due to its lower heating capacity.
Do I need to block chimney for electric fire?
When fitting into an existing fireplace, be aware that heat can be lost up the chimney, reducing efficiency, and up-draught can affect the operation of the fire. To prevent this, it's recommended that the chimney flue is blocked off – a chimney balloon is a good way to temporarily block up your chimney.
Can you plug an electric fireplace into a regular outlet?
Most electric fireplaces can be plugged into a standard 120 Volt outlet, and no dedicated circuit is required.
Are electric fireplace inserts easy to install?
Electric inserts can be easier to install compared to other types of fireplace insert because of their minimal venting and clearance requirements but you'll still need to consider a few things before and during installation.
Do electric fireplaces warm a room?
Fireplace Safety Although electric fireplaces produce enough heat to warm a room 400 square feet and up, they remain cool to the touch. Without the issue of hot metal casings, electric fireplaces are a safe alternative to a traditional fireplace for kids and pets.
Do electric fireplaces use a lot of electricity?
Do Electric Fireplaces Use a Lot of Electricity? Electric fireplaces use approximately the same amount of electricity as the average space heater. Since most fireplaces operate on a standard household outlet, they use 120 volts to power the internal heater and draw about 1,500 watts at 12.5 amps.
Are electric fireplace logs safe?
With an electric fireplace, however, there is virtually no maintenance required, and no venting or inspections are necessary. No dangerous smoke or fumes are produced, making them an ideal solution not only for the safety conscious, but also for anyone dealing with allergies or breathing sensitivities.
How real do electric fireplaces look?
Can electric fireplaces look real? Very few faux electric fireplaces can achieve photorealistic flames, but most do not. It comes down to the technology used to make the flame effect.
How do you install an electric fireplace?
1:042:57SimpliFire - How to Install a Recessed Electric Fireplace - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipBegin by constructing the wall frame. Space out your boards then place a header across the top andMoreBegin by constructing the wall frame. Space out your boards then place a header across the top and sill plate across the bottom fasten them securely with nails or wood screws.
Can you convert wood-burning fireplace to gas?
Yes, you can convert an existing wood burning fireplace to gas, but it must be that — an existing wood burning fireplace. Wood burning appliances, such as wood stoves, cannot be converted to gas.
Why do fireplaces have open fireboxes?
These types of fireplaces have an open firebox with the chimney located above to help remove waste gases and smoke from a home when having a fire . Existing open fireplace wood burning fires are generally not very efficient when it comes to generating heat.
Where is the outlet for an electric fireplace?
There’s an electrical outlet located near to the firebox that the electric fire place power cord can reach.
What is a plug in fireplace insert?
Plug-in electric fireplace inserts are a type of insert that need to be plugged into a standard electrical home outlet in order to work.
What is a fireplace appliance?
They are large appliances that are designed to fit the entire opening of an existing fireplace and sit neatly within the firebox when placed on the hearth.
What is zero clearance in fireplace inserts?
Built-in electric fireplace inserts are also typically zero clearance meaning that you don’t need to leave a gap between the back of the unit and the back of the existing fireplace. This can make built-in inserts a better solution compared to plug-in inserts when space inside an open wood burning fireplace is limited.
What is the main area of a fireplace?
We’ve explained the main parts of a real fireplace in more detail here but the firebox of an open fireplace is the main area where the fire is created. A fire is built on the hearth within the real fireplace and the whole of the firebox is lined with fire-resistant materials.
What do log sets do?
Log sets can be placed down on your hearth to give the look of a real fire inside your open fireplace. They typically provide a pulsating glow to imitate a smoldering fire and some can even project the look of flames onto the back of the open fireplace.
Preparing for the Conversion
Knowing how to turn a wood burning fireplace into electric will require a bit of preparation to ensure that the entire process is safer and less costly. You will need to know the firebox current structure and how it has been designed and constructed.
Removing the Existing Grate
Get the grate from the existing wood fireplace. This will require a bit of work, and the grate will need to be first loosened before you can remove it from the fireplace. This can be done using a crowbar or some other metal piece that you can easily insert into the space between the grate and the wall or the fireplace’s sides.
Cleaning
The second but most important step in the process of converting your wood burning fireplace into an electric fireplace is the cleaning stage. Here, you will be required to expend all your energy and effort to ensure a thoroughly clean result.
Sealing the Vents and Chimney
When the fireplace used wood as a fuel source, most of the excessive heat and smoke went out through the ventilation and the chimney. Heat also came out through the fireplace opening into the room. However, the upgrade process will no longer require these features of the fireplace.
Install the Electric Fireplace Insert
This is the final step in our upgrade process but one of the most important. It determines whether we have been successful in our adventure or we have flopped. You can use the measurements you had taken before preparing the wood-burning or gas fireplace for a replacement to determine the amount of space that the new electric fireplace will occupy.
Connect to a Source of Power
The electrical connection is the final and most crucial step as you learn how to turn a wood burning fireplace into electric. Only plug-in the electric fireplace into a circuit to avoid overloading it and not use an extension cord. The extension cord is not as safe for use as the direct plugging into the wall.
Test Run your Electric Fireplace
With the electrical connection complete, your installation is just about ready for anything that you need it to do for you. At this point, it is recommended that you try it out and play with the heat settings, get to see the ambiance and how the flame changes as you select a different scene.
What is an electric fireplace log set?
Electric Fireplace Logs Set and Inserts provide safe and comfortable heat while providing the same ambiance of a wood-burning fire. Electric Fireplace Logs Set and Inserts do not create a mess like the wood-fired insert. Also, they do not require running gas lines or chimneys, flues, or vents. The electric heat is 100% efficient is cost-efficient and current models closely resemble the real wood-burning fireplace. The electric insert allows homeowners to convert their wood or gas fireplaces to an electric fireplace log set with very little effort and cost.
How does electric heating work?
Electric heating itself has been around for many years. Rather than relying on gas or wood, heat is supplied by an electrical heating element. All the heat generated by the heating element is transferred into the room, thus none escaping up a chimney or other type of vent.
Can an electric fireplace be operated independently?
Another great feature is that the fireplace flames picture can be operated independently from the heating element thus allowing the ambiance when the heat is not required.
Is a fire screen required with an electric insert?
Heating elements are not exposed therefore allowing safe operation where children and pets exist. No type of fire screen or fireguard is required with an electric insert. And an even bigger bonus, there are never ashes that have to be disposed of.
Do electric fireplace inserts need gas lines?
Electric Fireplace Logs Set and Inserts do not create a mess like the wood-fired insert. Also, they do not require running gas lines or chimneys, flues, or vents. The electric heat is 100% efficient is cost-efficient and current models closely resemble the real wood-burning fireplace.
How much does an electric log set cost?
These electric log sets typically run between $150 and $1,000 in price, much cheaper than other types of fireplaces. Keep in mind that cheaper versions generally look less realistic.
Is Opti Myst a good fireplace?
Fireplaces with the Opti-Myst technology do cost more, but the effect is like no other electric fireplace. That’s why I think it is a good option for an open-hearth design.
Can you convert a gas fireplace to electric?
If you have an existing wood or gas fireplace that you’d like to convert to electric, you can actually get a log set without having to buy an entire insert.
Do fireplace inserts need to match dimensions?
Electric fireplace logs, on the other hand, don’t need to match exact dimensions. These units usually include ceramic-formed logs on a metal grate with molded embers underneath, ...
