Is an Electronic Fireplace Good for You West Hollywood

Local Chimney Cleaning West Hollywood — Electric fireplaces are rising in popularity amongst homeowners. Does that mean one is right for you? Here are the advantages (and, don’t worry, we’ll go into the disadvantages as well):

They are perfect for people who wish to add the warmth and style of a fireplace without erecting a permanent unit (whether wood-burning or gas), which includes the labor and cost of installing a chimney or venting to the outside. The electric units do not steal CO2 or release potentially harmful gases because they are not actually burning anything (they merely simulate flames). You simply connect an electric fireplace into a typical 120-volt socket and flick the switch to turn it on.

These units can be constructed into a fireplace surround with mantle and the complete works or they can just stand against a wall, a scenario that implies no tools are necessary for installation. Many electric fireplaces come with surrounds and mantels to give them a realistic look with minimal effort. Many homeowners are drawn to these appliances because of their simplicity and ease. Also, they can be installed in places traditional fireplaces or wood-burning stoves cannot. It’s no trouble to install an electric fireplace in a trailer or a high-rise apartment, for example.

Let’s talk about the drawbacks of electric fireplaces, lest I come across as a pushy salesperson. For starters, these fireplaces are essentially space warmers. You might buy a modest heater for far less if all you want is warmth and you don’t mind paying an electricity bill to get it. Electric fireplaces are purchased for the atmosphere and focal point they can provide in a room. They do certainly work as heaters though. The majority of contemporary versions include a built-in thermostat that turns off the heater automatically when the room reaches the specified temperature.

One con of these fireplaces is that they have a bad reputation in that they do not look realistic. After all, nothing is really burning in there, so it’s not going to look like a snapping and crackling wood fire. However, the technology is improving, and a lot of today’s electric fireplaces use randomized filtering of lighting to simulate glowing embers and flame patterns that are reminiscent of the real deal. The best thing to do is visit a dealer and see a number of units turned on before you make a decision.

Let’s look at the possibilities now that we’ve covered the benefits and drawbacks. Built-in fans distribute the heat more evenly, air filtration systems purify the air as it is heated, a heatless option if all you want is the look of flickering flames, and most of these devices come with remote controls are all features found in today’s electric fireplaces (heaven forbid, we have to get off our couches to turn on the fireplace).

Ok, but what about the price, you ask? Electric fireplaces are cheaper than gas fireplaces, and you can get a pretty decent model for about $500 (even cheaper models are available, though they tend to have fewer perks and less realistic flames).