Why Electric Fireplaces Are Hot | HowStuffWorks - Home And Garden

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The three basic types of electric fireplaces include standalone models with a mantel and heater; custom versions that can be mounted on or built into a wall or piece of furniture; and inserts that can be placed inside an older hearth, complete with LED glowing logs and different flame effects.

Electric fireplaces use metal coils to create heat. As the coils heat, a blower motor (or fan) forces the warmed air into the room. Some electric fireplaces also use infrared technology to directly heat a room. As for those realistic-looking flames, a refractor reflects light from an LED bulb to create a realistic flicker and flame. Some electric fireplaces even have a device installed to emit a crackling fire sound.

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If you're looking for the heating power of a central-heating system, then electric fireplaces probably won't do the job. If you want to warm an immediate space, however, they're ideal. Electric fireplaces can be plugged in wherever you need heat the most; they produce an average of about 4,000 BTUs of heat, which can adequately warm a 400-square-foot (37-square-meter) room.

An added bonus? An electric fireplace's heat is 100-percent contained, unlike traditional fireplaces that lose about 50 percent of their heat via the chimney or flue.

electric fireplaces
Electric fireplaces can be installed where you normally can't have a fireplace, even into various types of furniture, such as bookshelves or entertainment centers. Sebring Design Build

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