How To Explain Fireplace Electric Logs To A Five-Year-Old
Fireplace Electric Logs
Unlike traditional wood fireplaces that require costly construction and messy ash cleanup electric logs can add ambiance without the fuss. They're simple to set up and can be operated with or without heating.
A bundle of painted, man-made logs are placed on top of a metal grates. Plug them into an outlet and the built-in heater will blow warm air into your fireplace.
Realistic Flames
As the industry of electric fireplaces has developed the flame effects have become more realistic. In fact, many people have to look twice to differentiate them from real gas or wood fireplaces. There are several different types of flame effects on the market which include reflective glass surfaces and LED lighting projections and water vapor. Each type of flame effect has its own pros and disadvantages.
MagikFlame creates one of the most realistic flames. This system is utilized by Dimplex and includes an elongated cylinder that rotates with mirror-like tabs that reflect colored LED lights. The result is a realistic flame silhouette against an unlit background. Other companies also use similar technology. However it is important to keep in mind that reflective surfaces can collect dust and dirt over time, which may decrease the effectiveness of the flame effect.
Another type of flame effect is a chemical one. This is done with the use of a canister of Sterno fuel to create a stunning flame effect. The flame is only one point and does not have the chaotic appearance that a natural fire has. This type of flame requires a constant fuel supply, which can be messy.
A third kind of flame is a fogger, which produces water vapor. This can create a mesmerizing look, but it can be messy and difficult for the user to maintain. It is important to use distilled or filtered water because the tiny holes in the fogger can easily become clogged with calcium and minerals from hard water. Foggers can be noisy and disrupt the peace in your home.
The ember bed, though essential for a realistic fire, is also crucial. The ember bed reflects flames and can be made out of anything, including real coal, logs or even futuristic metal pipes. Some manufacturers offer faux stone as an ember bed.
Installing an insert into your fireplace is one of the best ways to create a more natural-looking fireplace. This option is more costly than a set of logs, however it can give you a more custom and realistic appearance. The heater built into the insert can help keep your warm without the need for a separate fire log burner.
No Heat
Electric fireplace logs offer the ambience of a fire without the heat. The electric fireplace logs can be connected directly into an existing fireplace or masonry opening. They include a remote to switch between the settings. There are a variety of styles for logs and fires with a contemporary design that appears as real wood with the illusion of flickering flames over bark chippings. For those who prefer a more traditional look, there are also options that feature antique brass accents.
Electric fire logs are a great alternative to gas fireplaces. Instead of having to have venting or a gas line, they plug into any normal wall outlet. They generate around 5500 BTUs of heat supplemental sufficient to heat an average-sized room. They also have a high efficiency in energy use and are a great option for homes with little space or budget.
The best way to ensure that the electric fireplace log in good working order is to perform regular maintenance. electric log stoves includes cleaning, replacement of parts when required, and following manufacturer instructions to ensure safe operation. Deodorizers can aid in reducing the smell of smoke.
There are many issues that can lead to an absence of heating in an electric fireplace, the most frequent is due to defective heating elements. These elements are responsible for creating the illusion of real fire. However, they may wear out and fail over time. Inaccuracy in thermostats and other issues that affect temperature control can result in no heat.
Certain electric fireplaces have a misting system that sprays water into the ember bed to create an appearance of steam. This is particularly useful in winter, when the air is cold and dry, and it can also provide a pleasant ambience all year long.
In addition to replacing the logs and ember bed the only other change required for an electric log set is to upgrade its power supply. This can be done by replacing the current cord with a longer or more powerful one or replacing it completely. It is essential to choose the highest-quality replacement that is compatible with the original power cord to avoid damaging other components of the fireplace.
Easy to Install
You can choose from a range of electric logs to fit your fireplace that is already masonry. Plug them in and turn them on to create instant ambience. They are typically inexpensive, and they offer an inexpensive alternative to a traditional fireplace that requires costly installation. These units also do not emit harmful gases, so your home will not smell like smoke and your furniture won't turn yellow due to smoke staining.
Electric log sets are an assortment of man-made logs on top of a metal grates that can be placed in your fireplace. Connected to a standard electrical outlet, these devices create the illusion of flames by using regular light bulbs and technology that reflects light in a three-dimensional pattern. They typically produce around 5500 BTUs, which can provide supplemental heat for up to 400 square feet of space.
Some models include an electronic remote control that lets you to control the heat, intensity and flame height as well as the color of the embers. Some models also come with a timer which can be set to switch off the logs and on for a predetermined duration of time.
You can choose between a log-only option and one with a heater unit in the center of the fireplace logs. The heater models are able to be used all year long for a cozy, comfortable room, without the hassle of chopping wood or cleaning up the ash. They're usually less expensive than a fireplace that burns wood and can be put in place within an hour or less, even by people who don't know how to construct a real fire.
Electric fireplaces do not require special ventilation like gas or wood fireplaces. They release only warm air, and don't emit harmful fumes that could irritate the nose and throat. They're simple to use, as well. Just turn them on and be awed by the flickering flames or press a button to activate the heater to create a cozy feel in your living room. You can also set them to a flame-only mode for summer parties when you're looking for a bit of atmosphere but no heat.
Style Options
For homeowners who enjoy the look of a fireplace but don't want the difficulties of burning wood or cleaning up ash, electric fireplaces and fireplace inserts offer a cost-effective and low-maintenance option. Electric fireplaces don't produce smoke or soot, unlike gas log sets, which require venting and gas pipes. The majority of options are controlled with remote controls, so you can easily switch on the fireplace and manage the flames or embers within any room.
A wide variety of options are available, ranging from a modern style with an angular frame to more traditional styles with a variety of sizes. Certain brands even provide an array of colors for the embers and flames which range that range from cool blue to a vibrant red-orange glow. The appearance of the flames may be altered, with some models projecting onto water vapor to attempt an illusion of 3D, while others featuring a livelier dance of alternating colors, which mimic coals that are smoldering.
One of the simplest ways to update an existing fireplace made of masonry is to install a fireplace log set. These consist of bundles of man-made logs that have been painted and placed on a metal grate, which can be installed within an existing chimney and plugged into a standard wall outlet. A heater and fan in the unit circulate warm air into the room while an LED "flame" is projected onto a rear panel to create a realistic look.
Another alternative is an electric fireplace insert which is designed to fit into the chimney of a traditional. These units are more realistic than log sets and can be wired by a licensed electrician. They can be plugged into a recess wall to give the room a modern, sleek look.
Both are a great alternative to a gas fireplace, which requires venting and a chimney and is susceptible to leaks from the chimney as well as inefficient heating. A log set or insert may be too large to fit in the space of an masonry fireplace. You will need to get a professional assess the space and create a custom surround for your existing hearth.