How to Choose and Install an in Wall Electric Fireplace
A wall-mounted electric fireplace can bring visual interest as well as heating to any room. They also have a simple installation, which makes them a great option for tenants.
They're available in a wide selection of styles, and some can even be partially or fully recessed for a built-in look. Here's how to select the best one for your home.
Styles
There are a myriad of styles to consider when selecting the best electric fire location for your home. One of the most popular choices is a recessed wall mount. This unit is easy-to-install, because it has a plug style that doesn't require the installation of a hardwire. This type of design is ideal for those who wish to bring the look and feel of a fireplace to their living space without cutting into the drywall or add an chimney.
Another option is a built-in fireplace. This kind of fireplace is somewhat more difficult to build than a recessed one. It is because the wall recess requires more skill in carpentry. But, it also allows you to customize the new wall to match your existing decor. This type of electric fire is typically used to divide walls into two bedrooms.
Certain manufacturers, like Amantii offer a wide range of electric fireplace models in a variety of designs and finishes. Some models include smart home automation for fireplaces that allows you to operate your fireplace from your tablet or smartphone.
When choosing an electric fireplace for your home, it is crucial to consider the energy output and wattage. This will impact the operating cost of your fireplace and the degree of warmth you can expect your living space to be. The style and the finish will also determine how well the fireplace matches your interior design.
The best electric fireplaces feature multiple options for flame and color settings along with various effects, such as a simulated log fire or the video loop of an actual wood burning fire. These effects are created by many manufacturers using LED lighting, which are more energy-efficient than conventional incandescent lights. They also last much longer and are safe to touch.
Choosing an electric fireplace for your home is an overwhelming process. You will have to decide if you want your fireplace to be a heating element or purely decorative. If you're looking for a model with both heat and flames then choose a model with separate controls. This will allow you to adjust the heat and flames in accordance with the seasons or personal preferences.
Optical illusions
optical illusions are a key element that makes holes in the wall electric fireplaces so efficient. Different models use various tricks to make the flames look more realistic, from simple ones such as adding extra logs to holographic displays that create an impressive illusion of embers without taking up space.
Modern electric fireplaces look more realistic than older models which use LED screens or rotisserie lighting to create the illusion of flames. The majority of them have a spinning refractor with three-dimensional patterns that resemble the light reflections of real fire. Some even produce a crackling noise to enhance the realism.
Contrary to wood-burning or gas-burning fireplaces, electric fireplaces don't require venting or chimneys, so they don't emit any smoke or pollution. Certain models come with an adjustable remote control that allows you to alter the flames' intensity and heat. The absence of venting or gas lines means that there's no need for a flue, and it's easy to put your electric fireplace into an interior wall or recessed mount.
Simplifire Allusion, an excellent entry-level option for those looking to keep it simple It features an electric log bed as well as crystal clear ember media. It's available in a range of front face colors and comes with a large remote. Upgrade to driftwood logs or ceramic stones for more personalization.
The Dimplex Revillusion insert is also available as a stand-alone log set. The holographic display, which is placed between the flames of the log set and the insert gives the illusion of numerous logs. This design is not as realistic looking as other alternatives we have reviewed however it is an excellent choice for those who prefer a more traditional appearance.
Other brands, like Magikflame has gone beyond the Dimplex Revillusion with a design that makes use of touchscreens instead of mechanical buttons. The backlit touchscreen is easier to operate, and it's self-illuminated so you can easily see the icons even in a dark space. This kind of control panel is also more appealing and will enhance the modern style.
Easy to Setup
In contrast to built-in fireplaces that require the removal of a section from the wall, an electric in wall fireplace is much easier to install. If the studs fit behind the wall, you can attach your fireplace to the wall using the bracket that is included. Many models include a diagram that will show the best place to put the bracket on the wall. Mark the holes using the help of a pencil and a spirit-level. Once you've drilled the holes, you can insert hanging screws into them. Rawl plugs can be used to conceal the finish. They are placed 5-10mm above the wall.
The fireplace can be snagged into place. Make sure that it is fully embedded in the opening. It is possible to do this by hand or using the power drill, based on what you prefer and your experience. Once your fireplace has been installed, make sure the grate or heat vents are free of any combustible material. You should also keep your fireplace at a minimum of 400mm from anything that could catch fire.
Some prefer having their fireplace at eye level. This can be achieved by positioning the fire in the middle of the space. This can also be the ideal location for TVs, though you'll want to make sure that the fire isn't too close to the screen, as this could cause it to overheat.
You'll also have to take into account the dimensions of your electric fireplace when deciding on the best location for it. You should also be aware that the heater element, which is situated on the top and front of the fire, must be kept at a minimum of 400mm from any combustible materials. This includes fabric.
Before you proceed to install your electric fireplace, it's important to ensure that everything is working properly. If everything works as it should, plug into the fireplace, play around with the LED lights and then continue with the installation. It's worth mentioning here that you should always hire a qualified electrician to complete electrical work, like installing an electric fireplace.
Installation
There are some things to be aware of when selecting and installing a wall mounted electric fireplace. The first is size. It is crucial to ensure that the fireplace can fit within the desired space This can be accomplished by measuring the space and comparing it to the dimensions of the fire unit. Some manufacturers provide an online guide to make this process easier and helps you choose the right model to meet your needs.
It is also worth noting that the fireplace needs to be situated near an electrical outlet. Request an electrician to put an outlet for plugs near the wall the location you're planning to put your fireplace. This will allow you to hide the power cord and give a clean and finished appearance to your fireplace installation.
You should also ensure that any combustible items are kept at least three feet away from the electric fireplace, as this will reduce your risk of fire and shield yourself from burns to your furniture, curtains or clothing. It is also a good idea to not to block the filters to ensure that air flows freely through the heating element.
Another important step prior to mounting is to test the fireplace before it goes up on the wall. Before you begin, it is an ideal practice to remove all the packaging and plug from the fireplace to verify that it works. This will ensure that you have everything in place and do not encounter any issues later on.
Once the tests have been completed and you are confident that everything is working as you was expected, it's time to set up the place for mounting the fireplace. Follow the instructions given by your manufacturer to prepare an opening that can be framed in the wall. You can use blocks to ensure that it is securely attached to the studs. Then, simply secure the fireplace to the wall with screws.
When the job is complete, you can enjoy your stylish and practical new electric fireplace. It's a great way to add some warmth to a space and creates a warm and cozy ambience that will delight your guests.