When it comes to heating your home, there is a wide range of options available from gas furnaces, wood furnaces, and electric fireplaces.
Some of these options are more viable than others depending on a number of circumstances.
For example, a wood furnace requires significant changes to the infrastructure of the house. Renovations may include adding a vent to disperse the toxic fumes released from the burning fuel. Secondly, a wood furnace is only a viable option if the fuel is readily available.
Another heating option is a gas furnace which consumes either natural gas or propane for fuel. They require either a propane storage tank or a natural gas line from a utility provider.
Linear Electric Fireplaces
This fireplace derives its name from the word line. A linear electric fireplace has an elongated shape, like a straight line, and generates heat by passing an electrical current through a metal coil. As the coil heats up a fan blows air through the heated coil and distributes it around the room through convection currents. Eventually, the convection currents warm up the room uniformly. Modern linear electric fireplaces are designed to appear like they are actually burning. This imaginary flame is created using LED bulb technology. Manufacturers place a reflective material above the LED lights in such a manner that it appears to be a flame. Linear electric furnaces are available as standalone or wall-mountable pieces.Infrared Electric Fireplaces
Infrared electric fireplaces are highly efficient and much more affordable to run than standard electric fireplaces with a cost to run them ranging between 12 and 15 cents per hour. If you find that your room is warm enough, these heaters have a feature which allows you to turn the electric heater off and still run the LED flame only. The electricity consumption of the LED flame is very low but gives you an attractive display that is enjoyable to watch.Electric Fireplace TV Stands
If you have space constraints in your home, these are the best option as they are small enough to be part of the TV stand but still effective enough to provide warmth to a small living room.Cost of Running an Electric Fireplace
Electric fireplaces do consume electricity, so your utility bill for electricity will definitely increase when you use an electric fireplace. However, you only run electric fireplaces when you need them which means that you can easily manage the cost of running it, by only turning it on in the room that you want to warm up. Additionally, maintenance and installation costs of an electric furnace are far lower than those of a gas furnace.Advantages of Electric Fireplaces
Electric fireplaces have many attractive advantages including:- You can pick a style that suits your interior decor. Electric fireplaces are available in all kinds of colors shapes and sizes allowing you to pick a style that suits your design aesthetic.
- Most electric fireplaces come with remotes for temperature and flame control.
- Electric fireplaces bring a modern and contemporary look to your home and are a great alternative to traditional looking fireplaces.
- Wall mounted electric fireplaces are fashionable and affordable. They are available in a variety of dimensions and can be installed at eye level or as a fireplace insert.
Tips on Electric Fireplaces
- Ensure that the vents around the electric heat are not blocked.
- When handling electric fireplaces, make sure the surface is not hot to avoid burns.
- Regularly check the power cords of the electric heater in case they are worn out.
- Regularly supervise children to ensure that they do not insert objects into the vents of the electric heater.
- Never place the electric fireplace outdoors where it can be rained on or in places where it can come into contact with water indoors.
February 27, 2019
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