Fireplace Electric Logs
Unlike traditional wood fireplaces that require expensive construction and messy ash cleanup electric logs can add an ambience and look without the hassle. They're easy to install and can be operated with or without heat.
A bundle of painted, man-made logs is set on top of metal grates. Plug them into an outlet and the heater built-in will circulate warm air through your fireplace.
Realistic Flames
As the electric fireplace industry has evolved, flame effects have become more life-like. In fact, a lot of people need to be careful to distinguish them from real gas or wood fires. There are a variety of flame effects on the market that include reflective glass surfaces and LED lighting projections and water vapor. Each type of effect has advantages and disadvantages.
One of the most realistic types of flames is developed by MagikFlame. This system is used by Dimplex and features an elongated cylinder that rotates with mirror-like tabs that reflect colored LED lights. The result is real flames against a dark background. Other companies employ similar technology. It is important to remember that reflective surfaces collect dirt and dust with time, which can reduce its effectiveness.
Chemical flames are a different type of flame effect. This is made using a can of Sterno fuel and produces a mesmerizing fire effect. The flame is only one point and doesn't display the chaotic appearance that a natural fire has. This type of flame requires a continuous fuel supply and can be messy.
A fogger creates water vapor as a third type of fire. This can create a mesmerizing appearance, but it is messy and difficult for the user to maintain. The fogger has small holes that are prone to clogging with minerals and calcium from hard water and that's why it is essential to use filtered or distilled water. Foggers can also produce a lot of noise, which could disturb the peace and quiet of your home.
The ember bed, though crucial for a real fire, is also crucial. The ember bed is the element that reflects the flames in a fire, and it can be made from anything from real logs to coal to futuristic metal piping. Certain manufacturers offer faux stone options as an ember bed.
One of the best ways to create a more natural-looking fireplace is to put an insert in your existing fireplace. This is more expensive than a set of logs but can give you a more custom and realistic appearance. The heater in the insert can help keep you warm without the necessity of a separate log burner.
electric stove heaters give you the warmth of a fireplace without the heat. The electric fireplace logs can be plugged directly into an existing wood or masonry fireplace opening. They have a remote that can switch between the settings. There are a variety of options for the fire and logs as well as a contemporary option that resembles real wood but has the illusion of flickering fires over bark chips. For homeowners who want a more traditional look there are options with 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 can produce 5,000 BTUs, which is enough to heat a room of average size. They also have a high efficiency in energy use and are a great choice for homes with small space or budget.
Regular maintenance is the best method to ensure the longevity of your electric fireplace log set. This could include cleaning, replacement of parts when needed, and adherence to the manufacturer's instructions to ensure safe operation. Using a deodorizer can also help to reduce smoke odors.
While there are several problems that could cause an absence of heat in an electric fireplace, the most common is related to faulty heating elements. They are the ones responsible for generating the warmth that creates the illusion of a real fire, but they can also wear out and break down over time. Thermostat inaccuracies and other issues that affect temperature control can result in no heat.
Certain electric fireplaces have misting systems that spray water into the ember bed to give the appearance of steam. This is particularly useful in winter, when the air is dry and cold and can create a relaxing atmosphere all year long.
Apart from replacing the logs and ember bed the only other change required for an electric log set is to upgrade the power supply. You can upgrade the power supply by either replacing the current cord or replacing it completely. It is crucial to select an excellent replacement that is in line with the original power cord in order to avoid damaging other parts of the fireplace.
Easy to Install
There are a variety of options for fireplace electric logs that fit in the existing masonry fireplace. These can be plugged in and switched on for instant atmosphere. These fireplaces aren't expensive and are a great alternative to traditional fireplaces that require expensive installation. They also do not emit harmful gases, so your home won't smell like smoke, and your furniture won't yellow from smoke staining.
Electric log sets are a bundle painted man-made wood logs that are placed on top of metal grates that can be put within your fireplace. These units that plug into a standard outlet, create the illusion of flames by using regular light bulbs. Recommended Reading make use of technology that allows light to be reflected in three-dimensional patterns. They produce 5,000 BTUs which can heat up to 400 square foot of space.
The logs can be moved around to change the appearance of the flames. Additionally, some models have a convenient remote that allows you to adjust the flame's heat, height, intensity and the color of the ember bed. Some models also come with an automatic timer that can be set to automatically shut off the logs and on for a predetermined amount of time.
You can select a model with a heater located in the middle of the logs or an all-log model. The heater versions can be used all year round to create a cozy, relaxing room without the hassle of chopping wood or cleaning up the ash. They are usually less expensive than a traditional wood-burning fireplace and can be installed within an hour, even for those who don't know how build a fire.
Contrary to wood and gas fireplaces, which require special ventilation, electric fireplaces do not. They release only warm air and don't emit dangerous fumes which can cause irritation to the throat and nose. It's easy to use. Simply turn them on and take in the glow of flickering flames or press a button to activate the heater for an extra-cozy feel in your living room. You can set them to flame only mode for summertime entertaining when you're looking for a bit of atmosphere but no heat.
Style Options
For those who love the appearance of a fireplace, but don't want to deal with the difficulties of burning wood or cleaning up ash, electric logs and inserts are a low-cost and low-maintenance option. As opposed to gas log sets which require venting and gas lines, electric fireplaces have no smoke or soot. The majority of them are controlled via remote controls, so you can simply turn on the fireplace and manage the flames or embers of any room.
A wide variety of options are available, including everything from a modern style with a angular frame to more traditional styles with a variety of sizes. Some brands also offer the option of choosing 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 an illusion of 3D, while others featuring a livelier dance of alternating colors that simulate coals that are smoldering.
A fireplace log set is among the easiest ways to modernize an existing fireplace made of masonry. These consist of bundles of man-made logs that have been painted and placed on an iron grate that can be installed within an existing chimney and plugged into an outlet in the wall. A heater and fan in the unit push warm air into the room, and an LED light "flame" projects onto the back of the panel for an authentic look.
Another alternative is an electric fireplace insert, which is designed to fit in the chimney of a traditional. They are more realistic than log sets and can be wired by a qualified electrical contractor. They can be put in a recess wall to give it a contemporary, clean look.
Both are excellent alternatives to a gas stove which could require a venting or chimney system, and could be susceptible to leaks from the chimney or inefficient heating. A log set or an insert could be too big to fit into the space of an masonry fireplace. You will need to engage a professional to assess the space and create a custom surround around the hearth you have already installed.