How to Choose and Install an in Wall Electric Fireplace
A wall-mounted electric fireplace can add both visual appeal and warmth to any room. They also offer easy installation, which makes them an ideal choice for renters.
You can pick from a variety of styles. Some are even totally or partially recessed to create an integrated look. Here's how you can choose the best one for your home.
Styles
There are many different styles available to help you choose the ideal electric fireplace for your home. One of the most well-known choices is a recessed wall mount. This kind of mount is easy to install, with a plug-in style that does not require hardwiring. This design is ideal for those who want to add the appearance and feel of a fireplace to their room, without having to cut into the wall or install chimney.
Another option is a built-in fireplace. This type of fireplace is somewhat more difficult to build than a recessed one. This is because the wall recess requires more skill in carpentry. This lets you customize the wall to fit your decor. This kind of electric fire is commonly used to separate walls between two separate bedrooms.
Certain manufacturers, like Amantii offer a wide range of electric fireplace models in different styles and finishes. Some models include smart fireplace home automation which lets you control your fireplace from your smartphone or tablet.
It is important to consider the wattage of your fireplace's electric and its heat production capacity when choosing one for your home. This will affect the operating cost of your fireplace and how warm you can anticipate your living space to be. The design and finish of the fireplace will also determine how well the fireplace will fit into the interior design.
The top electric fireplaces have various flame and color settings, along with various effects, such as a simulated log fire or an audio loop of a real wood burning fire. These effects are created by numerous manufacturers using LED lights which are more energy efficient than standard incandescent lamps. They also last for a longer time, and are safe to handle.
It isn't easy to select an electric fireplace for your home. You will need to decide if you would like your fireplace to provide warmth or simply a decorative element. If you want a unit with both flames and heat choose a model with separate controls. This will allow you to adjust the flames and heat levels in accordance with the seasons or personal preferences.
Optic Illusions
Optical illusions are an important element that makes holes in the wall electric fireplaces so efficient. Different models employ a variety of tricks to make the flames appear more realistic, from basic ones like adding additional logs to holographic displays which create an impressive illusion of embers without taking up space.
Many older electric fireplaces use LED screens and rotisserie-style lights to create the illusion of flames, however modern designs have evolved to become more realistic. Most electric Stone Fireplaces have an oscillating reflector that has three-dimensional patterns that mimic the reflections of light from real fire. Some also emit crackling sounds to enhance the realism.
In contrast to wood-burning and gas-burning fireplaces, these electric fireplaces don't require venting or chimneys, so they don't emit any smoke or polluting. Some models come with an adjustable remote control that allows you to control the heat and flames. The absence of venting or gas lines means there's no need for a flue and it's easy to install your electric fireplace in the wall or on a recess mount.
A great option for those who want to simplify things Simplifire Allusion is a good entry-level model that features an electric log set as well as clear crystal ember bed media. It's available in a range of colors for the front face and comes with a large remote. Upgrade to driftwood logs, or ceramic stones for more personalization.
The Dimplex Revillusion insert is also available as a separate log set. The holographic display is placed between the log set and the flames, giving illusions that appear to show more logs than there are. The design might not appear more realistic than some of the other alternatives, but it's an ideal choice for those who want an older-fashioned look.
Magikflame is a manufacturer that has gone beyond Dimplex Revillusion by using a touchscreen design instead of mechanical buttons. The touchscreen that is backlit is easier to use, and is self-illuminated to allow you to read the icons in a dark room. This type of control panel can also enhance a modern interior design.
Easy to Setup
In comparison to built-in fireplaces that require the removal of a section from the wall, an electric wall fireplace is much simpler to install. If the studs behind the wall are suitable it is easy to attach your freestanding fireplace to the wall with the bracket. Many models include a diagram that will show the best place to put the bracket on the wall. Mark the holes using the help of a pencil and a spirit-level. After the holes are dug, you can place hanging screws. Rawl plugs can be used to conceal the finish. They are placed 5-10mm above the wall.
Then, you can put the fireplace in the opening, making sure that it is fully inserted into the opening. You can do this manually or using the power drill, based on what you prefer and your previous experience. Once your fireplace is set ensure that the heat vents and grate are free of any combustible material. Keep your fireplace at a minimum of a 400mm distance from anything that could catch fire.
Some people prefer to have their fireplace at eye level. This can be achieved by positioning the fire in the middle of the room. This is also a great spot to place a television, however you will want to make sure that the fireplace isn't too close to it as this can cause the screen to overheat.
When choosing the best location for your electric fireplace, you'll need to think about its size as well. It's also important to keep in mind that the heating element - which is located in the front and bottom of an electric fire should be at a minimum of 400mm away from any combustible material, including fabric.
It is essential to test your electric fireplace before installing it. Connect the fireplace, test the LED lights and heat, and if it works correctly then you can move on to installation. You should always hire a qualified electrician for any electrical work, which includes installing an electric fireplace.
Installation
There are a few aspects to consider when deciding on and installing a wall mounted electric fireplace. The first is the size. It is important to make sure that the fireplace will be able to fit into the space you desire and this can be done by measuring the area and comparing it to the dimensions of the fire unit. Some manufacturers also provide online guides that will make this process much easier and help you select the ideal model for your needs.
It is crucial to remember that the fireplace needs to be situated near an electrical outlet. Ask an electrician to install an outlet for plugs on the wall close to the location you're planning to put your fireplace. This will make it much easier to hide the power cable, and your installation will look more professional and clean.
It is also important to make sure that any combustible material are kept at least three feet away from the electric fireplace as this will reduce the risk of fire and protect yourself from burns to your furniture, curtains or clothing. It is also a good idea not to block the filters so that air flows freely through the heating element.
Before mounting the fireplace, it is essential to test it. It is recommended to spend a few minutes prior to starting to remove all packaging and plug the fire into the wall to ensure that it works. This will ensure that you are prepared and there are no issues later.
After the tests are completed and you are satisfied that everything is functioning as was expected, it's time to plan the location for the fireplace. Follow the instructions given by the manufacturer to make a framed opening in the wall. Then, use blocks to ensure that it is securely fastened to the studs. Secure the fireplace to the wall using screws.
After the installation is complete after which you'll be in a position to enjoy your new fashionable and functional electric fireplace. It's a great method to add heat to any space. It will also create an inviting atmosphere that will delight your guests.