As soon as it got crisp this year, I immediately I thought back to last year’s gas bill. Sigh! Our house has two fireplaces–one for the main floor and basement and one of the upstairs. The one upstairs we’ve fixed a few times and it keeps on breaking. In denial about an impending new heater, we found ourselves looking to some sort of fireplace. While the idea of a traditional wood-burning hearth was romantic, the convenience and eco-friendliness of an electric fireplace ultimately won us over. In this blog post, we’ll walk you through the journey of how we chose our new electric fireplace, highlighting the key factors that influenced our decision.
- Aesthetic Appeal
One of the primary motivations behind our quest for a new fireplace was to enhance the visual appeal of our living space. We wanted a fireplace that could serve as a focal point, adding warmth and charm to our home. In fact, our house has a chimney, which is a main focal point of the exterior, but no chimney inside. Once we got our hands on the original house plans, we saw that it was planned to have a fireplace–not sure what happened with the follow through.
Electric fireplaces come in a wide range of designs, from classic to contemporary. We carefully considered our interior décor and personal preferences before narrowing down our options. Ultimately, we chose this lovely mustard one from the Novogratz collection. It looks classic but much more interesting in that lovely shade. It’s even better in person.
- Heat Output
The ability to provide sufficient heat was a crucial factor in our decision-making process. Electric fireplaces offer various heat settings and capacities, and we needed one that could efficiently warm our living area. We measured the square footage of the room to determine the appropriate heating capacity. Most electric fireplaces provide around 4,000 to 5,000 BTUs, which was more than enough to keep us cozy during the colder months.
- Realistic Flames
For us, the flickering flames were not just about heating; they were about ambiance. We wanted our electric fireplace to mimic the look of a real wood-burning fire. Many electric fireplaces come with features like adjustable flame brightness, color options, and even log sets that create an incredibly realistic appearance. The inclusion of a “flame-only” mode was a significant selling point for us, allowing us to enjoy the visual appeal without turning on the heat. Though I do have to say that my boys love putting on all the color options with the remote.
- Installation and Placement
We were committed to a DIY installation, so we needed a fireplace that was relatively easy to set up. Electric fireplaces are known for their simple installation process compared to traditional ones. Our wall-mounted unit came with clear instructions and all the necessary hardware. Plus, there was no need for a chimney, flue, or gas connection, which made the installation even more hassle-free. We also considered the fireplace’s dimensions to ensure it would fit perfectly in our chosen location, which was a crucial aspect of our decision. It fit perfectly on our living room wall–major bonus.
- Energy Efficiency
One of the advantages of electric fireplaces is their energy efficiency. They don’t produce any emissions or require fuel like gas or wood. We were pleasantly surprised to discover that our electric fireplace was 100% energy-efficient, meaning that all the electricity it consumed was converted into heat. This not only reduced our carbon footprint but also lowered our energy bills, making it a sustainable choice for our home.
- Safety Features
Safety was a top priority when choosing our electric fireplace. We appreciated the fact that these units come with built-in safety features such as automatic shut-off in case of overheating or tipping. Some models even have child lock options, which are ideal for families with young children. We were able to enjoy the warmth and ambiance without worrying about potential hazards.
- Remote Control and Convenience
The convenience of controlling our fireplace with a remote was a significant selling point. It allowed us to adjust the temperature, flame settings, and timer from the comfort of our couch. We could create the perfect ambiance without having to get up and manually adjust the settings. Additionally, some electric fireplaces are compatible with smart home technology, allowing you to control them through your smartphone or voice commands.
- Cost Considerations
The cost of an electric fireplace can vary significantly depending on the brand, features, and design. We set a budget before starting our search, which helped us narrow down our choices. While high-end models offer advanced features, there are plenty of affordable options that still provide the warmth and ambiance you desire. We found that our chosen unit struck a perfect balance between cost and functionality.
- Warranty and Customer Reviews
Before making a final decision, we checked online customer reviews to gather insight into the real-world experiences of others. This gave us valuable information about the reliability and performance of the electric fireplaces we were considering. Additionally, we considered the manufacturer’s warranty, which provided us with peace of mind in case of any unexpected issues.
Conclusion
Our journey to choose our new electric fireplace was filled with research, planning, and anticipation. Ultimately, we found the perfect electric fireplace that not only met our heating needs but also added a touch of elegance to our living space. The aesthetics, heat output, realistic flames, and energy efficiency of electric fireplaces were the key factors that guided our decision. The convenience of installation, remote control, and safety features sealed the deal.
In our case, the electric fireplace was more than just a source of warmth; it became the heart of our home, providing comfort and creating cherished moments with our loved ones during the chilly winter nights. If you’re considering adding an electric fireplace to your home, take the time to explore your options and prioritize the features that matter most to you. In the end, you’ll be rewarded with not just a source of heat but a beautiful addition to your living space that enhances both your home’s aesthetics and your overall comfort.