Considerations When Shopping For an Electric Wall Fireplace
Electric wall fireplaces can provide an element of warmth and ambiance any space. These fireplaces look exactly like a real fire but they don't require ventilation and are easy to put in.
A lot of models employ mirrors and LED lighting to create realistic flames and ember beds. They typically have a variety of color options and a remote for ease of use.
Choosing a Fireplace
Electric fireplaces are a favorite choice for those looking to add some modern style to their living spaces. They can also provide zone or supplemental heating if needed. When looking for a new electrical fireplace, there are a few things homeowners should keep in mind to help narrow the options and find the ideal fit.
One of the most important aspects is the size of the room. Electric fireplaces are available in a variety of sizes, depending on the space available. A flat wall-mount electric fireplace is a good option for small spaces, while mantel-style units are better suited for larger apartments or homes.
The kind of flame effect you prefer is also crucial. A majority of electric fireplaces have several flame and color settings that can be altered to suit your preferences. Some models even use mirrors to create distinctive and exciting flame patterns. Other features to consider include whether the fireplace has an remote control and what the maximum wattage. The greater the wattage, more heat the fireplace can produce.
Some models need to be connected to the electrical system of your home While others can be connected to an outlet in the wall. If you opt for the alternative, ensure that there's a suitable outlet in the room in which you plan to install the fireplace. It is a good idea to ensure that the outlet is not shared with any other appliances or fixtures.
The BTU rating of an electric fireplace is important when determining how much heat it produces. It is usually stated in the product's description or on a label. BTUs are the measure of the heat generated by a device that is high, and a higher BTU rating indicates that the electric fireplace can effectively warm a room.
Another important aspect to consider is where the electric fireplace will be placed in the room. Depending on the model, it could be wall-mounted, mounted to an item of furniture such as TV or media console stand, or built into a custom cabinet. The wall's thickness can play a role here too as walls that are thin may not be able to accommodate a fireplace that is deep without being reworked or extended.
Find a Good Location
A wall-mounted electric fireplace can be a convenient method of heating your home without the expense and hassle of installing chimneys. They are usually preferred since they don't release harmful gas byproducts, and can be put in on areas where a real fireplace is difficult to install due to safety or space restrictions. However, the main concern is that these units can be easily knocked down through accident or by pets and children Therefore, it is essential to secure them properly to the wall.
This can be accomplished by following a few simple steps. The first step is to secure the fireplace to the wall using a bracket. This will prevent it from swaying or shaking when it's installed. The next step is to ensure the fireplace is properly anchored, which can be accomplished by using self-tapping screws, or heavy-duty wall anchors. These anchors are available at most hardware shops and are relatively inexpensive. In addition, the fireplace must be placed on the wall in a place that isn't prone to moisture and is away from high traffic areas such as drapes, furniture, or drapes.
Before installing the fireplace, it's crucial to consider how you plan to use it. If you're planning to hang it above your couch, you'll need to make sure the unit is tall enough to support both the fireplace and the couch. You should also be aware that the fireplace produces heat. It is best to put the fireplace higher in the room to ensure that the heat is distributed evenly.
If you enjoy sitting in front of the warm flame, it's also recommended to put the fireplace somewhere that is accessible when you're sitting on the sofa or reading an ebook. The fireplace can also provide an intimate atmosphere for gatherings of friends.
Electric fireplaces are also great for homes with pets and young children because they do not release smoke or ash in the air. It's also a great choice for those with asthma or allergies, as it will not create harmful odors that can be trapped in carpets, rugs or furniture.
Drilling Holes
It depends on the type and level of DIY experience you have. You may not be capable of drilling the holes required for an electric wall fireplace. If you have a fireplace that plugs into an electrical outlet, it will be simple to put in however, if you're planning to install a fireplace with a built-in design that requires cutting through drywall and framing directly into the wall you will need to hire an electrician.
If you are installing a wall mounted recessed fire, you'll first have to determine the location of your studs using a stud finder or by drilling an exploratory hole into the wall. Once you've identified the studs' locations and marked them on the wall with the help of a pencil. You will also need to make sure that the wall is dry, and if it is not, you will have to apply an insulation layer prior to proceeding.
The installation of electric fires that are recessed to the wall is made much easier with the template that shows you where to drill the holes. It is still required to use a spirit-level as well as pencil when marking the brackets. Make sure you take your time to do this.
It is important to use a hammer-drill with a masonry drill when drilling through brick, concrete block or stone walls. These kinds of drills are made to be used on these types of materials, therefore they will provide better results than conventional drills. It is recommended to wear a dust mask when drilling into these types of walls as they can produce a lot of dust which can be harmful to breathe.
Once holes are drilled, you can mount the electric fire onto its brackets. It is important to make sure that the fire is away from any flammable materials, such as bedding, curtains and clothing, as these items can become full report hot and ignite or even burn. You should also make sure that the fireplace is connected to a power supply close enough that it does not overheat or even burn out.
Mounting the Fireplace
The majority of electric fireplaces are positioned on a flat wall. However, it is important that the area be free of furniture and other objects that could interfere with the heating process. It is also important to ensure that the drywall, as well as other materials, are not fire-proof. This could lead to major fires when the fireplace is operating at high temperatures.
If you aren't sure whether a wall can handle an electrical fireplace, it is important to contact an experienced professional installer for help. They can offer guidance on the best type of wall you should use and the best installation. They might also be able to advise you on the different types of electric fireplaces that are available for your specific type of house.
Once you have located the ideal spot for your electric fireplace wall, it is now time to attach it to the wall. The first step will be to remove the wall mount bracket from the side of the fireplace and then mark the position in which it should be installed on the wall. You can make use of a spirit-level gauge to ensure that the wall is level and straight prior to drilling any holes.
The next step is to drill holes required for the electric fireplace to be anchored to the wall. It is important to drill holes that are the correct dimension. This is especially important if you are using a power tool to drill, as it may not be straightforward to bring the hole back to its original form once it has been drilled.
After the holes have been drilled, it is now time to fix the fireplace on the wall. It is a relatively easy task however it is vital to ensure the fireplace is securely attached to the wall. It is also important to ensure that the fireplace is placed at the right height on the wall.