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Cozying up on the couch while a fire glows under the mantle is the perfect way to spend any cold winter night. With the installation of an electric fireplace, you can make this dream a reality. An electric fireplace allows you to bypass the need for logs or a chimney. Traditional fireplaces can be a hassle to maintain, but with an electric option you get all the benefits without the downside. Most electric heaters are designed to heat a single room alone.
Knowing what to look for in an electric heater is not always easy, but with helpful advice you can make the best purchase. There are a variety of types to choose from, but the ideal electric fireplace is within your reach. The factors that you need to consider before purchasing an electric fireplace go beyond just design preferences. Heat capacity and installation requirements are also things that you need to keep in mind.
Here are just a few of the things that you should consider when making your electric fireplace purchase:
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Appearance is Key
The right electric fireplace for your home will have a design and appearance that you find appealing. Not only will your fireplace be used to provide warmth, but it will also be a style focal point of any room that it is installed in. There are a variety of style options that you can chose from including traditional mantel shaped units and even cast-iron kettle stove designs. The best way to approach your electric fireplace purchase is to view it as a piece of furniture in your home. Make sure that you choose an option that matches your existing décor and blends in seamlessly. You can choose from classic designs to more modern options depending on your style preferences. While style is not everything, it is an important factor to consider when you are looking for the best electric fireplace.
Heat Capacity
Another thing that you have to think about when purchasing an electric fireplace is the heat capacity of the unit. Most heat capacity is measured using BTUs or British Thermal Units. This means that you need to measure the BTUs against the square footage of your living space. This is the only way to determine if it will be a sufficient heating source. Most electric fireplaces can only heat one small room, but you still need to take heat capacity into consideration.
A 1 ton 12,000 BTU heater has the ability to provide heat for up to 500 square feet. If you get an electric fireplace that is too large for your living space, it will feel too warm. However, if you get one that is not large enough, it will not provide adequate amounts of warmth. This means that you need to make heat capacity a priority when you are searching for the right unit. Make sure to choose your electric fireplace based on the size of the room you are looking to heat.
Energy Efficiency Plays a Part
Different electric fireplaces offer different levels of energy efficiency. It is possible to determine the efficiency rating for your fireplace by looking at the rating. All electric fireplaces have a specified energy efficiency rating that you can compare. A Higher EER means that the fireplace has the ability to offer more heat for each unit of electricity consumed. When you are looking for the best type of electric fireplace, you should not settle for an EER that is less than 13. This should be the minimum EER that you settle for to help keep energy costs lower.
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How Does It Operate
It is also a good idea to choose the type of operation for your electric fireplace that you prefer. Some types of electric fireplaces operate through the manual use of a switch, but others can operate through the use of a timer. It is even possible to purchase an electric fireplace that can be controlled with a remote. It is best to choose the right electric fireplace for your home with these different options in mind. Better operational features add more convenience that you may come to enjoy.
Variety of Settings
Since an electric fireplace works in a different way than a traditional fireplace, you will become familiar with the setting options. Make sure that you compare settings before you decide on the best electric fireplace. Some electric options provide heat in the form of glowing logs or flames. Choose the preference and settings that you desire most. This allows for an overall appearance that you need to approve of.
Installation Requirements
The final factor that you need to be aware of involves the installation requirements of the electric fireplace that you choose. You may be somewhat limited with the type of electric fireplaces that you can install based on the design of your home.
