Converting Your Wood or Gas Fireplace to an Electric Fireplace

There are a lot of benefits to using an electric fireplace to warm your home. No more hauling wood, and you'll see a drastic reduction in your heating bills compared to gas. If you don't have one already, it's actually quite simple to convert a gas or wood fireplace into an electric one. Here's how.

Why Change Your Existing Fireplace?

There's no denying that your current fireplace offers just as much warmth as an electric fireplace. Why would you want to go to the trouble of changing it? The fact is that electric fireplaces are so much easier to maintain. This is especially true of wood fireplaces, as they need regular cleaning to remove the ashes that build up. It's an involved job, one you'll have to call in professionals for. Switching to electric will save you a lot of time and money. With wood fireplaces, you also have to think about where to keep the wood. You'll need a dedicated storage spot for it, that's dry, covered, and easy to get to when you need more fuel. While gas fireplaces don't need cleaning, they still require proper maintenance. If you don't take care of them, they can be dangerous. Plus, they don't distribute heat as well as other types of fireplaces, leaving some areas of your home cold.

How to Replace Your Fireplace with An Electric Model

You'll be glad to know that it's actually quite simple to convert to a linear electric fireplace. The hardest part will be removing the old model that's currently in your home. Wood fireplaces are easy to remove, but a gas fireplace takes more steps as you're working with natural gas. In these cases, you'll want to get a professional to help you.

To convert your fireplace, you're going to need an electric fireplace insert. These are self-contained fireplaces that have everything you need to heat your home. You can install them in the existing fireplace to get that new electric fireplace quickly and easily. Here are the steps to take to install your new electric fireplace: Step 1: Insert the fireplace: You'll need to insert your new fireplace, sliding it back until it's sitting exactly where you want it to go. Step 2: Attach the flue liner: You'll need to do this if you're replacing a wood burning fireplace. Slide the new flue liner down the chimney and attach it to the flue collar adapter on the fireplace insert. Step 3: Situate your panels: Use chalk to mark where your fireplace is sitting, then move it back slightly. You'll then attach the panel using the pre-drilled holes, as instructed. Step 4: Caulking: Now, you'll need to caulk the seams in between the fireplace and the inserts. You'll also need to caulk the seams around the panels, as well. Step 5: Attach insulation: You'll have been provided with insulation strips for your fireplace. Add them to the back of the inserts, and then move the fireplace into position. Your electric fireplace heater is now installed. Sit back and enjoy the warmth this winter.

Benefits of Using an Electric Fireplace

There are a lot of reasons why you'll want to replace your wood or gas fireplace with an electric fireplace. These include:

• They're cheaper to run, with some models costing only 3 cents an hour to keep running.

• They offer more consistent heat than wood or gas fireplaces, so you can keep your whole house warm.

• No more moving wood logs to keep your fireplace running.

• They're better for the environment, as you're not releasing harmful gases into the air.

• You can still get realistic flames with your fireplace, so you don't have to give up a crackling fire on a crisp morning if you don't want to.

There are all kinds of reasons why you'd want to replace your fire with an electric fireplace. They look amazing, are cheap to run, and are very easy to install. Electric fireplace inserts come in all kinds of styles and shapes, and you can find the right one that suits your home.