How to Choose and Install an in Wall Electric Fireplace
A wall-mounted electric fireplace can provide visual interest as well as warmth to any room. Renters will also appreciate the ease of installation.
They're available in a vast range of designs and some of them can be fully or partially recessed for a built-in look. Here's how you can choose the best one for your home.
Styles
There are a variety of different styles to help you select the right electric fireplace for your home. One of the most popular options is a recessed wall mount. This kind of mount is simple to install using a plug-in design that does not require hardwiring. This style is perfect for those who want to bring the appearance and feel of a fireplace into their room, without having to cut into the wall or install an chimney.
A built-in fireplace is a second alternative. This type of fireplace requires some more effort to install than the recessed unit. This is due to the wall recess requires more skill in carpentry. This allows you to customize the wall to match your interior decor. This type of electric fireplace is usually used to divide walls between two separate rooms.
Some manufacturers, such as Amantii, produce a wide variety of electric fireplace models in various styles and finishes. Some models include smart fireplace home automation that allows you to operate your fireplace with your tablet or smartphone.
It is essential to take into consideration the wattage of your electric fireplace and its capacity to produce heat when choosing one for your home. This will impact the cost of operating and also how warm your living space will be. The style and the finish will also determine if the fireplace is matched to your interior design.
The most effective electric fireplaces offer multiple options for flame and color settings as well as a variety of effects, such as a simulated log fire or a video loop of the real wood burning fire. A lot of manufacturers employ LED lights to create these effects, and they are more efficient in energy use than standard incandescent bulbs. They also last much longer, and are safe to touch.
It isn't easy to select an electric fireplace for your house. You'll have to decide if you want your fireplace to bring warmth or simply be an ornamental feature. If you're looking for a fireplace that can provide both flames and heat, make sure to select one with separate controls to allow you to alter the intensity of the flame and heat in accordance with the seasons or your personal preferences.
Optic Illusions
Hole in the wall electric fire places rely heavily on optical illusions. Different models employ a variety of tricks to make the flames look more realistic, from simple ones like adding additional logs to holographic displays that create an amazing illusion of embers and flames without taking up space.
Modern electric fireplaces look more realistic than older models that use LED screens or rotisserie lighting to create the illusion of flames. They typically have a rotating refractor that has three-dimensional patterns that replicate the reflections of light in real fire. Some even produce a crackling noise to enhance the authenticity.
Electric fireplaces do not require venting or chimneys. They also don't emit any smoke or pollution. Some models have an adjustable remote control that allows you to control the heat and flames. The lack of gas lines or venting also means that there's no requirement for a flue. Also, it's simple to install your electric
fireplace in the wall or on a recess mount.
Simplifire Allusion, an excellent entry-level model for those who want to keep it simple, features an electric log bed and crystal clear ember media. It is available in a range of colors on the front face and includes a full size remote. Upgrade to driftwood logs or ceramic stones for more personalization.
The Dimplex Revillusion insert is available as a stand-alone log set. The holographic display is positioned between the log set and the flames, creating illusions that appear to show more logs than there actually are. The design may not appear as realistic as some of the other alternatives, but it's still an excellent alternative for those looking for an old-fashioned appearance.
Magikflame is a brand that has gone beyond Dimplex Revillusion by using a touchscreen design instead of mechanical buttons. The backlit touchscreen makes it simpler to use and also self-illuminated which means you can see the icons even in a dark room. This kind of control panel will enhance a modern interior design.
Easy to Set-up
In contrast to built-in fireplaces, which require a section to be removed from the wall, an electric in wall fireplace is much simpler to set up. If the wall's studs are in good condition it is easy to attach your fireplace to the wall using the bracket that comes with it. A majority of models include a template that shows the best place to put the bracket on the wall. Mark the holes with the help of a pencil and a spirit-level. Once the holes have been made, you can put in hanging screws. You can also choose to install rawl plugs, leaving them proud of the wall by 5-10mm for a more discrete finish.
The fireplace can be screwed into place. Make sure it is fully embedded in the opening. You can either do this manually or using a power drill, depending on what you prefer and your experience. Once your fireplace is set, make sure that the heat vents and grate are free of combustible materials. Keep your fireplace at least 400mm away from anything that can catch fire.
Some people like to have their fireplaces at eye level. This can be achieved by placing the fireplace in the middle of the room. This is also a perfect spot for a television, but you must ensure that the fireplace is not too close to the television as this could cause the screen to overheat.
You'll also need to take into account the size of your electric fireplace when choosing the location. You should also keep in mind that an electric fireplace's heater element, located in the front and at the bottom of the fire, should be kept at a minimum of 400mm away from all combustible materials. This includes fabrics.
It is crucial to test your electric fireplace before installing it. Connect the fireplace, play around with the LED lights and heat, and if all functions correctly then you can proceed with installation. Always hire a qualified electrician for any electrical work, including installing an electric fire place.
Installation
There are a few things to keep in mind when choosing and installing a wall mounted electric fireplace. The first is the size. It is important to ensure that the fireplace is within the desired space by measuring and comparing dimensions. Some manufacturers provide an online guide that makes this process much easier and allows you to pick the right model to meet your needs.
It is important to note that the fireplace needs to be located near an electrical outlet. Ask an electrician to install an outlet on the wall close to the location you're planning to put your fireplace. This will make it easier to conceal the power cable, and the installation will look more professional and tidy.
You should also ensure that any combustible items are kept at least three feet away from the electric fireplace as this will reduce your risk of fire and shield you from burns to clothing, curtains or furniture. It is also a good idea to ensure that the filters aren't blocked to ensure that the heating element can have a regular flow of air.
Another important step before mounting is to test the fireplace prior to it goes up on the wall. It is a good idea to take a few minutes before beginning to take off all packaging and plug the fireplace in to check that it works. This will ensure that everything is in place and you don't encounter any issues later on.
After the tests are complete and you're satisfied that everything is working as you was expected, it's time to plan the place for mounting the fireplace. Follow the instructions from the manufacturer of your fireplace to construct an opening that is framed and fix it to the studs by using blocks. Fix the fireplace to the wall using screws.
Once the work is done and you are ready to enjoy your stylish and practical new electric fireplace. It's a great method to add some extra heat to a room and it will create a warm atmosphere that is sure to delight your guests.