The Ultimate Guide To Fireplace Electric Logs
Fireplace Electric Logs
In contrast to traditional fireplaces that require expensive construction and messy cleanup of ash electric logs provide an ambience and look without the hassle. They're simple to set up and operate with or without heat.
A stack of painted, man-made logs is placed on top of a metal grates. They plug into an outlet, and a built-in heater and fan push warm air into the fireplace.
Realistic Flames
As the electric fireplace industry has evolved the flame effects have become more life-like. In reality, many must be cautious to differentiate them from real wood or gas fires. There are a variety of flame effects available on the market, including reflective glass surfaces as well as LED lighting projections and water vapor. Each type of flame effect has its own advantages and disadvantages.
MagikFlame creates one of the most realistic flames. This system is utilized by Dimplex and includes a rotating cylinder with mirror-like tabs that reflect colored LED lights. The result is real flames against the dark background. Other companies also use similar technology. It is important to remember that reflective surfaces gather dust and dirt over time, which could make it less effective.
Another type of flame effect is a chemical one. This is accomplished using a canister of Sterno fuel to create a mesmerizing flame effect. The flame, however, rises from a single point, and lacks the chaotic appearance of natural flames. This kind of flame requires a constant supply fuel which can be hazardous and messy.
A third kind of flame is a fogger, which produces water vapor. This creates a captivating effect, but it can be messy and difficult to maintain. It is important to make sure you use distilled or filtered water because the tiny holes in the fogger can easily get blocked by calcium and minerals derived from hard water. Foggers can also produce quite a lot of noise which could disrupt the peace and tranquility of your home.
While realistic flames are important but the ember bed is also important for a natural look fire. The ember bed is reflective of flames and can be constructed from anything, including real logs, coal or futuristic metal pipes. Some manufacturers offer faux stone options as an ember bed.
Installing an insert into your existing fireplace is among the most effective ways to create a more natural-looking fireplace. This is more expensive than a standalone set of logs however it will give you a more realistic and customizable appearance. The heater in the insert can also help to keep you 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 wood or masonry fireplace opening. They include a remote to change between settings. There are a variety of styles for the fire and logs, including a more modern design that looks like real wood, with the illusion of flickering flames over bark chippings. There are also options that have antique brass accents for homeowners who prefer a more traditional appearance.
In contrast to gas-powered fireplaces that require a gas line and venting, electric fire logs plug into an ordinary wall outlet. They produce about 5,000 BTUs of supplemental heat sufficient to heat an average-sized room. They also have a high efficiency in energy use which makes them a great choice for homes with limited space or budget.
The best way to keep an electric fireplace in good working order is to perform regular maintenance. This can include cleaning and parts replacement if necessary, as well as adhering to the manufacturer's guidelines for safe operation. Deodorizers can help reduce odors from smoke.
While there are stoves electric that could cause an absence of heating in an electric fireplace, the most frequent is related to faulty heating elements. These components are responsible for creating the illusion of a real fire. However, they can wear down and malfunction over time. Inaccuracy of thermostats and other issues affecting temperature control can also cause no heating.
Certain electric fireplaces feature misting systems that spray water onto the ember bed in order to create a steamy appearance. This is particularly useful in winter when the air is dry and cold, and it can also provide a pleasant ambience all year long.
The only other modification required for an electric log set apart from replacing the logs and the ember bed, is upgrading its power supply. You can upgrade the power supply by replacing the existing cord or replacing it completely. It is important to use an excellent replacement that is in line with the original power cord to avoid harming other fireplace components.
Easy to Install
There are a myriad of options for electric fireplace logs that can fit into your existing masonry fireplace. These can be plugged in and turned on for instant ambiance. These units are usually affordable and are a great alternative to traditional fireplaces which requires expensive installation. These units also do not emit harmful emissions, which means your home won't smell like smoke, and your furniture will not turn yellow due to smoke staining.
Electric log sets are an assortment of man-made logs that are placed on top of metal grates that can be installed within your fireplace. These units, which plug into a standard outlet, create the illusion of flames using ordinary light bulbs. They also use technology that scatters light in three-dimensional patterns. They produce 5,000 BTUs which is enough to create heat that can cover up to 400 square foot of space.
Some models come with a remote control that allows you to adjust the intensity, heat of the flame, and the height of the embers. Some also include an automatic timer that can be set to turn the logs on or off at a set duration of time.
You can pick a model that has a heater in the middle of the logs, or a model that is solely log-based. The heater versions are great for use throughout the year, as they don't need the user to cut wood or clean up ash. They're usually less expensive than a wood burning fireplace and can be installed within an hour or less, even by people who don't know how to build a real fire.
Electric fireplaces don't require special ventilation like wood or gas fireplaces. They produce only warm air, and don't emit any harmful fumes that can cause irritation to your nose and throat. They're simple to use, too. Simply turn them on and take in the glow of flickering flames, or press a button to activate the heater to create a cozy feeling in your living room. You can also switch them to a flame only mode for summer entertaining when you're looking to add a touch of atmosphere but no heat.
Style Options
For homeowners who enjoy the appearance of a fireplace, but don't want the difficulties of burning wood or cleaning up ash, electric logs and inserts are a low-cost and low-maintenance option. In contrast to gas log sets, which require venting and gas lines, electric fireplaces have no smoke or soot. Furthermore, the majority of them can be controlled using the use of a remote, making it easy to start the fire and control the flames and embers from any room.
A wide variety of options are available, ranging from a modern design with an angular frame to more traditional styles with a variety of sizes. Some brands even offer 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 create a 3D effect and others offering a lively dance of alternating colors that mimic smoldering coals.
One of the simplest ways to upgrade an existing masonry fireplace is to install the fireplace log set. They are made up of man-made logs that have been painted and placed on an iron grate that can be put in an existing chimney and plugged into an outlet in the wall. A heater and fan in the unit bring warm air into the room, and an LED light "flame" projecting onto the back of the panel for a realistic effect.
Electric fireplace inserts are another option. They are designed to fit in the standard chimney. These units are more realistic than log sets and can be wired by a certified electrician. They can also be put in a recessed wall for a clean, modern appearance.
Both are excellent alternatives to a gas fireplace, which may require a chimney or venting system and be vulnerable to leaks in the chimney, or inefficient heating. A log set or insert might be too large to fit into the space of an masonry fireplace. You'll need to get a professional determine the size of the room and then build a custom surround around the hearth you have already installed.