How To Add Supplemental Heat With An Electric Fireplace

A traditional fireplace can be a mess to deal with

. You have to worry about keeping it clean, keeping it free from drafts, and maintaining quite a bit with these. An electric fireplace on the other hand has very little associated maintenance cost, and can provide supplemental heat to smaller rooms and living areas. If you are thinking of adding an additional form of heat to take some of the wear off your furnace, here is how you can choose the best electric fireplace for your home.

Evaluate the Space

Electric fireplaces are available in many different sizes and styles. The only way to figure out which one will work best is to measure the space you have available. You want to try to place them on a wall that does not have a window or a nearby door. You also want to think about decor that you may need to move around to accommodate the fireplace.

Think about Heating Needs

An electric fireplace can provide heat, but it will not typically be enough to heat a large area. These are great for dens, home offices, bedrooms, and other small areas where people may congregate. They are not the best idea for large living rooms, areas with vaulted ceilings, or as a whole house heating system. When you purchase your fireplace you will have to decide on the number of BTUs the fireplace is capable of producing. A good rule of thumb is 1000 BTUs per 50 cubic feet of space.

Determine the Best Type

Electric fireplaces are available in floor models, corner models, and wall hung models. You can also find pit styles for those with more contemporary tastes. A floor model electric fireplace is going to resemble a traditional fireplace in many ways. They will usually feature a mantle, and the trim can be found in a variety of materials and woods. Corner models are similar to the standard floor models, but they are designed specifically to fit in to snug corners. These are great for rooms with limited space available for a free standing unit. Wall hung fireplaces are great for areas where floor space is very limited. These are available in more contemporary designs, but some traditional looks may also be available. Pit style fireplaces are not a good idea for homes with children or pets as the flames are usually unprotected.

Be Realistic

The most important thing to remember when choosing an electric fireplace is to be realistic. While these are great for supplemental heat and ambiance, they are not designed to take the place of your furnace. Using the electric fireplace along with your furnace can be a good way to cut back on bills. You can set the thermostat to a lower setting and allow the electric fireplace to warm a chilly room. It will not provide enough heat for the entire house, and should not be used when no one is present. So the furnace is still going to be necessary.

by: Jerry Brockman

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