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Mantel Package Pros & Cons
An electric heater that mimics the look and feel of a real gas or wood fire, an electric fireplace is becoming more and more the modern alternative to the mess and stress of a conventional fireplace. But a lot of people are doubtful with how real they look and how easy they are to install so let us ease your mind with a little cost benefit analysis.
Advantages of Electric Fireplaces
Energy Savings and Cost-Cutting
With winter bringing about the dreaded heating bill, electric fireplaces are a great way to cut costs, save money and save energy. They allow you to heat only the areas of your home that you use the most and turn down the central thermostat. Additionally, they cost only pennies an hour to run.
Use them Year-Round
With the heat and flames operating separately (it is an illusion after all, basically a light show), you can use your electric fireplace from the dead of summer to the height of winter. Set the mood, no matter what the season.
Plug and Play
Requiring just a standard 120v wall outlet, electric fireplace installation could not be easier. You can have them up and running within minutes of unpacking the box.
Safe for Condos, Apartments, Everywhere!
Due to fire bans, a lot of urban areas forbid gas or wood fireplaces in small spaces, but if you have electric, no problem! If you’re a big city dweller and refuse to forgo your fireplace for the suburbs, problem solved. The same goes for renters who don’t want to worry about remodeling a home that isn’t theirs. They’re even safe for dorms and kids rooms as they stay cool to the touch.
Disadvantages of Electric Fireplaces
They Don’t look Real
One of the main arguments against electric fireplaces is that they look cheesy or fake. Maybe, but only if you have an outdated model. The new Dimplex Optymist technology is so real it has 3D flames and even makes smoke via a hidden water chamber. There are even crackler sound systems to mimic the auditory effects. But we’ll admit, there is nothing like the smell of a real fire. Cleaning the soot out afterwards though, is it really worth it?
They Don’t Generate As Much Heat as a Real Fire
This is a common belief about electric fireplaces, which is somewhat true simply because they’re only meant to warm one room at a time, usually up to 400 sq.ft. This is actually a benefit of zone heating, not a solution if you’re looking to heat your entire house. If you consider the flip side though, that chimneys lose on average 60% of their heat generated, the argument gets a little murkier.
By this list, it’s pretty clear to see which side we stand on the issue. What are you waiting for? Upgrade your gas or wood fireplace today!
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Top Electric Fireplaces, Inserts & Log Sets for Any Home
Ready to enjoy the pros without the mess? Here are three easy ways to add an electric fire, from a budget log set to a complete mantel package.
Free shipping on all orders. Check the room size a unit is rated to heat before you order. Browse all electric fireplaces or electric log sets.