A fireplace is a heating structure, which, in addition to its main function, is a decorative element of the interior. Most often, solid fuel fireplaces are typical for country houses. A century ago, even apartments in large settlements were heated with solid fuel stoves; today, stove heating has almost completely disappeared in cities. At the same time, the fireplace as an element of decor and interior decoration has not lost its importance; bright hearths with flames continue to be used by designers and ordinary citizens when decorating their apartments. It’s just that structures operating on solid fuel have been replaced by electric fireplaces operating from the electrical network.
We will tell you what to look for when choosing an electric fireplace in this article.
Features of electric fireplaces
According to modern Construction Norms and Rules (SNiP), the placement of heating devices operating on solid fuel in an apartment is allowed only under certain conditions. The apartment must be on the top floor. The tenant must take care of the construction of a chimney, which cannot be combined with the general building ventilation system. Moreover, any redevelopment of the apartment requires permission from the inspectorate for the supervision of the redevelopment of premises in dwellings.
Electric fireplaces are essentially a simple household heating device, like a regular heater, so installing such a device in an apartment will not require any additional permits or remodeling of the walls of the house. There is also no need to stock up on fuel (wood or coal), since the electric fireplace works from an outlet.
The operation of an electric fireplace is not associated with the combustion process, so there is no smoke, burning or sparks. Fire hazards associated with hot coals falling onto the carpet are excluded.
Guarantee
The standard warranty is issued for one year from the date of purchase of the product. Trading companies provide extended warranties for their products up to 18 months.
Warranty service is provided by a network of authorized service workshops. A list of centers with addresses is attached to the warranty card.
When purchasing an electric fireplace, check the warranty card for information about the seller, the seal of the selling company, whether it is filled out correctly, and check the date of purchase.
Guaranteed obligations become invalid in the following cases:
- damage associated with mechanical, electrical, thermal effects;
- damage resulting from non-compliance with the operating instructions;
- ingress of foreign objects (insects, animals) and chemicals;
- use of abrasive cleaning powders, chemical compounds, organic solvents;
- unauthorized opening or repair by the manufacturer;
- careless handling;
- operation without an equipped ground loop;
- damage caused by non-compliance with the rules and regulations of cable networks;
- melted thermal insulation;
- damage caused by force majeure circumstances (fire, flood, lightning).
Products that have been cleaned from dirt and dust and with drained liquid will be accepted for warranty repair.
Install wisely
| A wall-mounted front fireplace always becomes the compositional center of the room |
There are a large number of varieties of electric fireplaces, depending on dimensions, shapes and installation methods. The choice should be made based on the size of the room where the heating device will be installed.
“When choosing an electric fireplace, it is necessary to take into account the design project and the overall idea that must be implemented in the interior composition. The fireplace should occupy a central place in the room, it is where all the attention of the guests will be focused, so it is very important to choose the right place in the room.”
| Finding a place for a corner electric fireplace is not difficult even in a small apartment |
Wall-mounted installation is the most common installation option. The main condition is that there should be an outlet nearby so as not to pull the wire through the entire apartment. According to their shape and location in the room, wall-mounted fireplaces are divided into two types: frontal and corner.
— Frontal ones can be installed in the central part of the wall.
— Corner ones have a shape that follows the corner of the room. A corner electric fireplace in the interior is well suited for small rooms with a lack of free space. There are symmetrical and asymmetrical types of corner portals. The latter have an elongated rectangular shape. In symmetrical ones, the walls most often converge at right angles.
| The multimedia electric fireplace is suitable for placing all audio and video equipment. |
— Under the TV (multimedia) there is a whole cabinet with shelves for audio and video equipment (DVD and Blue-ray players and game consoles). On top there is usually a place to install a TV.
Wall-mounted - usually have small dimensions. The portal together with the fireplace is most often sold assembled as a single device. The main feature of such fireplaces is their small thickness. The electric fireplace is hung on the wall, like a picture or LCD TV.
| A wall-mounted electric fireplace is perfect for a modern interior in a minimalist style. |
Built-in models usually consist of only a hearth or have a small decorative frame. A built-in fireplace can be installed in special niches. Depending on the weight of the fireplace, a niche can be made in the wall or in a special plasterboard box on a steel or wooden frame.
— A double-sided built-in fireplace can be visible from different rooms. There are different ways to implement such a design. In some cases, the hearth is built into a plasterboard box located in the center of the room, and the hole for the hearth is made through.
| Choosing a design for a built-in fireplace opens up wide scope for creativity. |
— Island location — has gained great popularity as part of the development of the Swedish minimalist style in interior design. The fireplace is located centrally in the center of the room; above the firebox there is usually a chimney, which in the case of electric fireplaces plays a decorative role.
| The island design of the fireplace places high demands on the realism of the fire, so only the most modern electric fireplaces with steam are suitable for this installation method |
Exploitation
- Before connecting, check the condition of the electrical wiring. A prerequisite is the presence of a grounding loop. The current parameters are indicated by the manufacturer in the product passport.
- Do not place devices opposite window openings or light sources. This reduces the brightness and contrast of the visual effect.
- When installing, make sure there is space and a clear approach for maintenance. The source should be easy to remove.
Installation of an electric fireplace with a 3D hearth
Heaters with a 3D screen are installed in specialized portals, mounted in plasterboard structures, and built into furniture.
When attaching to the wall, the building material from which the partition is made is taken into account. If necessary, the wall is strengthened, the device is fixed with rivets in the corners.
Care
Before cleaning, unplug the appliance and let it cool:
- Regularly wipe the body and decorative fuel with a damp cloth.
- Clean the air intake grille with a vacuum cleaner.
- Wash the protective screen or glass with soap and water using a soft cloth.
Do not use abrasive cleaning powders, glass cleaning chemicals, or organic solvents.
Electric household units with a steam generator:
- fill with distilled water to prevent scale formation;
- remove scale regularly;
- change the water once a day;
- When not in use, drain the water.
Electrical devices with halogen lamps require lamp replacement if they burn out.
Varieties of elements
Fireplace kits (hearth with portal) are electric fireplaces that consist of two elements: a hearth and a portal. Usually you can purchase a ready-made fireplace kit right away or select the components yourself.
A portal is a decorative frame, most often U-shaped, which plays a decorative role. A fireplace is installed inside the structure. Portals are most often designed for wall placement and differ depending on the installation method: corner and front.
Electric hearth is the central part of an electric fireplace; usually this element is responsible for simulating fire and all functional features depend on it. There are several types of outbreaks.
— Fireplaces for portals are usually purchased according to the dimensions of a specific frame. The overall parameters of the fireplace must match the dimensions of the portal niche, otherwise there will be a gap between the walls of the fireplace.
| The cassette hearth is suitable for almost any installation method, you just need to choose a suitable niche or portal for it. |
— A cassette fireplace (hearth-basket) is a rectangular structure with a dummy of firewood. Such fireplaces can be placed either in a portal niche or placed in the center of the room. Most often, fire in them is simulated using a steam generator.
| Small fireplaces can be installed on a table. |
“It is also possible to divide electric fires into closed and open. However, the only differences are in the fire simulation technology. In open fireplaces, where the dummy fire is not separated from the viewer in any way, the requirements for realism are much higher.”
Mini-fireplaces (floor-standing) are a type of electric fireplaces in which the portal with the hearth is inseparable from each other. Due to their small dimensions, it is very easy for them to find a place in the room. Some can even be placed on the table. The light weight of the device makes it easy to move around the room.
Electric stoves (fireplace stoves) - in terms of characteristics, this type is similar to mini-fireplaces. At the same time, in appearance, these devices are more reminiscent not of classic fireplaces, but of potbelly stoves or Franklin stoves. The external finish resembles cast iron, and the firebox itself is mounted on four legs. The flame can be observed through the firebox door with glass.
| The decoration of fireplace stoves imitates cast iron, and most often lightweight materials such as wood, MDF or plastic are used for production. |
“Not all small-sized models of electric fireplaces can be placed against the wall. Some models have ventilation holes on the back side and the space around the device must be free to ensure ventilation.”
Malfunctions
If the warranty period has expired, you can do troubleshooting and troubleshooting yourself at home. If such work causes difficulties, contact a specialist.
Unstable operation of the device
- turn off the device, let it cool and clean it from dust;
- blow out the electric heater;
- check the presence of voltage in the electrical network;
- check the connecting cord, socket, plug;
- Check the condition of the fan blades.
Repair of circuit elements
You will need a probe with a tester equipped with a warning light.
Thermostat. When turned off, its contacts are closed. Check by connecting the tester probes to the terminals. Clean the carbon deposits and cut off the shells. Wipe the contacts with a soft cloth soaked in alcohol.
If the contacts are open due to plate deformation, return them to their original position.
Power regulator. Repairs are carried out in the same order as the thermostat.
Power off buttons. Set all buttons to the “on” position and check the conductivity in order with a tester. Clean burnt contacts.
When performing work, protect your hands with gloves. Follow the rules and requirements for working with electrical equipment.
Artful Illusion - Basic Hearth Technologies
The fire in an electric fireplace is a clever imitation. In reality, no wood is burned in the firebox, and the flames are most often a trick of the light. Initially, electric fireplaces were technologically very simple devices, and the realism of the flame simulation left much to be desired. A major contribution to the evolution of the “fire illusion” technology was made by the Irish company Dimplex, which in the 80s introduced its then-advanced Optiflame technology.
“The first electric fireplaces appeared in the middle of the last century. Initially, the birthplace of such devices was England, where people have always been famous for their adherence to traditions, so they could not part with such a familiar element of the interior as a fireplace.”
— “Patchwork” imitation of fire is a technology for creating an artificial flame, when strips of fabric or foil are used as flashes of fire, which oscillate under the influence of the rotation of a fan. The color tone is set by special orange lighting lamps. The image of the flaps is projected onto a mirror surface, thereby creating the illusion of flames. In some models, instead of flaps, a drum with notches is used, which also creates reflections on the mirror backdrop.
“For the buyer, there is no fundamental difference in what kind of design (pieces of fabric or drum) are used in the fireplace. Most manufacturers call the technology differently."
— Fire on the screen is the easiest way to simulate fire. Instead of a fireplace, a liquid crystal screen is built into the electric fireplace, on which an image of a flaming firebox is displayed. If you look at such a hearth from an angle, the artificiality of the fire becomes obvious. However, the advantage of simulating fire using the screen is the ability to display other images. For example, you can turn an electric fireplace into an aquarium with fish.
| Electric fireplaces with steam - realistic fire that does not burn |
— Imitation of fire using steam - the technology for simulating fire has appeared on the market quite recently. The illusion of flame is achieved when light hits clouds of steam that are created using a steam generator. Such a fireplace has a lower compartment into which water must be periodically added. In this case, the flame, firebox and firewood turn out to be truly three-dimensional, but you cannot get burned by such a fire.
“An important component of the realism of fire simulation is not only the visual side, but also the sound side. To achieve this, many fireplaces have the ability to reproduce the sound effects of crackling firewood.”
Advantages and disadvantages of electric fireplaces with a living flame effect. Pros and cons.
There are a number of factors that speak in favor of purchasing electric fireplaces:
· Lack of additional preliminary approvals for installation.
To install this device, you do not need to draw up any project, install a chimney pipe, comply with the norms of thermal insulation and waterproofing work, think about how to distribute the already considerable weight of the fireplace, as well as other complex and time-consuming things.
· There are no restrictions on the premises in which installation is intended.
There are almost no rooms in which it would not be possible to install an electric fireplace. The only critical factor may be increased humidity, but, obviously, installing such a device in a swimming pool or, for example, in a sauna would still not be a very smart idea.
· No need to stock up on fuel and consumables.
Every year, owners of wood-burning fireplaces and stoves have to either order or prepare firewood themselves. In one case, you spend a significant part of your income every year, and in the other, not only your energy, but also your invaluable time. Of course, this does not mean that electricity is a free resource. Additionally, you may want to keep a few bottles of distilled water at home as the best option for your fireplace, which will also cost something. But all these things included will not outweigh your costs for maintaining a classic fireplace. By the way, you can also use filtered and softened water without any problems, although not all cities can boast of high-quality plumbing.
· Relatively low weight (depending on the cladding)
Electric fireboxes can have relatively small dimensions and weight, so you will not need to somehow reinforce the floor or pour a foundation, thereby creating a space near the fireplace that is not exposed to fire. Of course, if you want to make a fireplace from brick or natural stone, or even order a finished one from cast iron, then you can forget about installing such fireplaces in apartments, because According to regulations, the maximum permissible load on floors in apartments should not exceed 150 kg per m2.
· No combustion products
You can forget about creosote, soot, soot and generally any dirt that can get into your home when wood is burned. Additionally, not having the smell of burning wood can also be a big plus for some people.
· Almost complete fire safety
The only heating element in electric furnaces is the spiral, and, due to the specific design features, it almost does not heat the body of the electric furnace. The only way to start a fire using an electric fireplace is to deliberately damage the installation and completely violate all operating rules. In addition, such devices usually have several levels, and the flame is absolutely safe. In general, this device is no more dangerous than an iron or coffee grinder.
· Easy to use
The device is relatively simple in terms of maintenance, and if you regularly follow the manufacturer's instructions, the electric fireplace can serve you for many years.
As for the shortcomings, there are practically none, except for the fact that an electric fireplace, with all its manufacturability, is unlikely to be able to exactly repeat all the sensations that a classic gives. At a minimum, this concerns the smell of wood and the process of igniting it. In other cases, everything depends on your requests and capabilities, as well as aesthetic preferences, which can be fully embodied in your own project, with which our designers can help you. At the same time, some people have a number of prejudices against electric fireplaces, which will be discussed below.
Electric fireplace as a heating device
In addition to its function of creating coziness in a room, an electric fireplace can also be a heating device. The heating capabilities of the device should not be taken as the main criterion when choosing, but it is still worth knowing about them. A heating element (tubular electric heater) is most often used as a heating element; in some models a wire heater is used. The last option is less reliable, so it is used less often. For directional heating, radiators of various shapes are used, most often they are made of steel or aluminum.
Most models of electric fireplaces have a power of no more than 2 kW. This is enough to warm up a room of 20 - 25 square meters. Some models have a smooth change in heating power, but most fireplaces can usually operate in three modes.
— Without heating - only the decorative functions of the electric fireplace to simulate a flame work. This results in significantly lower energy consumption.
- Heating at half power - provides sufficient energy savings, while the power is enough to feel the heat emanating from the fire
— Heating with full power – allows you to use the full potential of the hearth as a heating device.
“Electric fireplaces equipped with a thermostat can independently turn the heating on or off. Also on some models you can turn on the heating for a certain time using a timer.”
Problems
Most of the features are not used by users for two reasons:
- Inconvenient management. Even with a remote control, some of the functionality is enabled from the panel on the device.
- Difficult to control. Operation is possible after careful study of the instructions.
The lack of oxygen caused by the constant operation of an electric fireplace has a negative impact on people's health. High-quality ventilation will help mitigate the risks.
Implicit disadvantages:
- the slight hum of a fan heater produced by electromechanical devices;
- as rotating parts wear out, the noise increases;
- flat image of fire.
Models without a brightness adjustment option tire your eyes. The range of LED lamps is not rich in color and can also cause eye fatigue.
Style selection
| Classic-style electric fireplaces are often decorated with antique columns and stucco moldings with monograms. |
The stylistic variety of electric fireplaces is very rich. The choice of design is best made based not only on personal preferences, but also on the interior design of the room.
Classic style - combines many design trends. Most often this is the style of living rooms in Western European countries (England and France). The portals of such fireplaces are most often finished in wood or marble.
— Classicism (English classic fireplace) – have strict straight outlines and are not overloaded with decorative elements. In some cases, reliefs in antique style are used in decoration.
| An electric fireplace in a baroque style will look good in the appropriate interior. |
— Baroque – lush fireplace sets, richly decorated with various decorative elements. To decorate electric fireplaces in the Baroque style, motifs from ancient mythology can be used.
— Empire is an imperial style that embodies royalty and solemnity. The design may contain bright gilded decorative elements. An electric fireplace in this style will add majesty and presence to the interior.
| Interior in Art Nouveau style with fireplace. |
Modern is a style characterized by the rejection of an excessive number of decorative elements. The main means of expressiveness are line and form, which are characterized by smoothness and undulation. Art Nouveau style is inspired by natural motifs.
Country - country house style, the main motives are simplicity and naturalness. The most commonly used finish is untreated stone or wood, sometimes brick is used. At the bottom of the fireplace there is often a hole for firewood.
| Electric fireplace in country style in the interior of a rural house. |
Hi-tech is a modern interior style that personifies the era of high technology. This design direction is characterized by an almost complete absence of decorative elements. The portal can be finished in glass, plastic or metal. Glossy reflective coatings are often used. Most high-tech electric fireplaces are wall-mounted.
Safety tips for working with an electric fireplace. Precautionary measures.
As we briefly mentioned earlier, an electric fireplace is truly safe as long as you follow the instruction manual. Speaking of safety, it's worth taking a look at some general tips for owners of these wonderful home appliances. Yes, we know we said that owning an electric fireplace is safe, and it really is, but mostly these tips are more of just common sense that people sometimes forget.
- The heating element of an electric fireplace, while it is turned on, is at a high temperature, sufficient to cause a burn. Be careful not to touch it while it is turned on and for some time after that. Also, do not leave small children or pets alone near the fireplace.
- Try to remember to unplug your fireplace when not in use.
- Never connect the device to a damaged or faulty outlet.
- Do not install electric fireplaces in bathrooms, saunas, or even garages and sheds. The electric furnace should not be exposed to wetness, so that the wiring does not short out.
- Do not lay the cord under furniture or other appliances. Try to find a place in your home to place the fireplace near an outlet so that you are not tempted to run the cord through high-traffic areas or use an extension cord, which is also not recommended due to the high wattage of the appliance.
- Never throw objects into the device while it is plugged in, as this may result in electric shock, fire, or damage to the device.
- Never make any changes to the device. Not only will it void your warranty, but it can also be dangerous.
Additional functions
| A black and laconic electric fireplace in a high-tech style is an excellent choice for an interior in a modern style. |
An electric fireplace can be equipped with a large number of additional functions, which depend on the fireplace model.
— Remote control – allows you to control the device remotely from anywhere in the room.
— Flame brightness – on many models it is possible to change the brightness of the flame. On fireplaces with steam generators, this is achieved by changing the intensity of the steam supply; on models with screens, the picture simply changes. Some devices can even change the color of the flame.
— The effect of flickering and smoldering firewood - in most electric fireplaces, firewood is a dummy made of plastic or ceramic. The smoldering effect is achieved by installing LEDs in the interior of firewood or coals.
— Replaceable fuel – on some models it is possible to change the decorative fuel. Instead of logs or coals, you can put stones.
— Sound effects complement the picture and make you believe in the reality of fire.
— Air humidification is usually provided on fireplaces with a steam generator; during operation of the device, the air humidity in the room increases, which has a healing effect on residents and plants in the apartment.
Which ones are better
The best choice is to purchase a fireplace kit:
- with automatic temperature control;
- with heating power adjustment;
- with brightness adjustment and the ability to turn off the backlight;
- with humidification and air purification functions.
Conclusion
When choosing an electric fireplace, it is important that it matches the surrounding interior. For small rooms, wall-mounted models or mini-fireplaces are suitable. When choosing a classic wall-mounted fireplace set, it is important to decide where the fireplace will be placed - in the corner or in the center of the room. For the most realistic effect of simulating a flame, fireplace models with a steam generator are suitable. The ease of use is significantly influenced by the additional functions of the fireplace: the presence of a thermostat, control from the remote control, control of flame intensity, etc.
Prerequisites for installation
Some models of fireplaces with a flame effect are quite simple to install and connect to the electrical network. In other situations, some preparatory work may be necessary. In any case, no special permission is required to install the equipment.
Layout of the fireplace in the room
What all devices have in common is the absence of the need to build a separate foundation and chimney, unlike brick options. The main thing in the preparatory stage is monitoring the compliance of the electrical wiring and the fireplace, the power of which is indicated in the technical data sheet.
Sometimes, if the equipment contains extremely powerful heating elements, it is necessary to lay a new cable and replace the power supply device. If there is no outlet on the nearest wall, it is advisable to connect the wiring to the back of the fireplace - this will avoid confusion with a bunch of extension cords.
Creating a pedestal and frame
The first step is to cover the entire wall adjacent to the fireplace with fireproof material. Often asbestos sheets are chosen for this purpose.
The renovation begins with the installation of a pedestal for the portal. To do this, you can use a part of the MDF table top that has a protective laminated layer on the surface. The advantage of this material is its resistance to high temperatures and moisture.
Metal profile electric fireplace frame
The second stage is the manufacture of the frame. The ideal material for this is plasterboard; it is absolutely environmentally friendly and can withstand temperature changes well.
To install the frame, you can use two types of metal profiles:
- rack-mount – 50x50
- guide – 50x40
They are fastened with special self-tapping screws - “bugs”.
Internal organization
Knowing how an electric fireplace works will help you understand how it works. First of all, it is worth noting that this device consists of two components: the hearth and the portal. The hearth is the place for the firebox, that is, the main part of the fireplace, and the portal is its outer frame.
The hearth can be built-in or replaceable. Built-in ones are usually made for a specific portal, so installing it is quite simple. The replaceable one can be of almost any size, and therefore the portal for it is selected in each specific case separately.
Electric fireplace diagram
If the portal serves only as a decoration for the fireplace, then the hearth performs at least two functions: heating and lighting.
An indisputable advantage of the device is the ability to use it in the summer heat. To do this, you need to turn off the heating, leaving only the lighting.
