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Electric Fireplaces: A Legitimate Alternative to Wood or Gas Fireplaces

A wood or gas fireplace is found in most American homes. Unfortunately, most are inefficient, expensive to operate and leave owners concerned with safety issues. Most of the heat generated in a traditional fireplace that is vented, goes up the flue instead of the home. ElectricFireplacesDirect.com now offers viable alternatives that not only provide reliable supplemental heat that is inexpensive, but looks remarkably realistic.

Electric fireplaces are versatile heating systems that offer a number of benefits to homeowners and are a viable alternative to wood and gas fireplaces. Using a technique known as zone heating, electric heaters can lower energy costs. They come with standard safety features that make them safer than gas or wood alternatives. Electric fireplace inserts are extremely easy to install and come in a wide variety of designs to fit in with any home decorating style. Best of all, the ambiance of a fireplace can be enjoyed year round, even during the summer months.

Cost Savings

Zone heating is one of the most efficient methods for heating a home while reducing energy costs. The idea behind this method is that only the rooms that are in use should be heated to a comfortable temperature, while unused rooms should be heated much less. For example, during the day, the living room, dining room, and family room would all be heated directly, while the thermostat for the central system is set a lower temperature. Unoccupied rooms, like a mudroom or the bedrooms, will not use up as much heating energy in this way. Overnight, heating can be directed to the bedrooms as the family sleeps.

Zone heating with electric units allows the thermostat to be turned down without sacrificing any comfort. Electric heat is often more economical than central home systems that are fueled by gas. Electric fireplaces typically operate at about 12 cents per hour, whereas gas systems cost over 20 cents per hour depending upon local utility rates. The zone approach allows homeowners to target high traffic areas with an economic source of heat, thereby reducing overall utility expenses.

Safety Features

Electric fireplaces come in many different forms, all are extremely easy to install. You may replace existing gas or wood logs with an electric fireplace log insert that can be placed in an existing firebox. Other units take the form of freestanding stoves, complete mantel packages, entertainment centers that accommodate today or wall mount electric fireplaces. Installation is a straightforward as plugging the unit into a household electrical outlet.

Built-in electric fireboxes may be used in the same fashion as traditional wood or gas firebox would be. They are inexpensive and easy to install because they do not require a chimney or venting and do not need a buffer between combustible materials.

Outstanding Flame Realism

While electric fireplaces come in many design forms to meet any décor, they now feature the latest flame technology that provides for a very realistic fire experience.

Realistic flames, hand carved logs, glowing embers, and working glass doors with screens all provide a very genuine wood fire experience. As a bonus, the flame function can operate independent of the heat, so the fireplaces can be enjoyed year round.

ElectricFireplacesDirect.com offers the most realistic and efficient fireplaces available to provide efficient supplemental heat and a genuine fireplace experience.

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