Fireplaces have gone a long way since their beginnings. Traditional wood-burning fireplaces have become outdated as a result of contemporary technologies. In addition, they’re unsightly, expensive to construct, and require ongoing care.
It’s easier than you think to convert to an electric insert! An electric fireplace insert will fit into your existing firebox and plug in for quick heat if the specs are suitable.
This guide will teach you how to convert a wood fireplace to electric fireplace insert. It’s really simple and doesn’t require any additional equipment; all you need is a helping hand from a friend!
Is It Possible To Convert An Electric Fireplace?
Is it possible to make an electric fireplace out of a traditional wood fireplace? Yes, and it can be more straightforward and less expensive than you think. An electric conversion may be the answer if you desire warmth, safety, and convenience without compromising the attractive appearance of a traditional fireplace.
An electric insert for your fireplace will provide you with the atmosphere of a real wood fire, as well as an authentic-looking light and the warmth of a high-quality heater. Its heat may be used in conjunction with your existing HVAC system to keep you warm throughout winter.
Why Should You Convert A Wood Fireplace To Electric?
An electric fireplace insert that works in your existing gas or wood fireplace is hard to beat for warmth, convenience, safety, and beautiful aesthetics. The following are some of the advantages:
- Electric fireplaces have substantially improved in quality thanks to modern technology.
- These units are a great alternative to traditional fireplaces because they only cost around 10 cents per hour to run with full heat.
- With up to 5,000 BTUs, it’s ideal for zone heating.
- The heat is distributed evenly and effectively by a silent fan.
- There are no open flames within your home, and the heat is simple to switch on, off, and control.
- Stunning and realistic
Electric fireplace log sets provide a very realistic representation of a real wood fire. They shine and radiate, giving any room a genuine sense of tranquility and tranquility. (To put it another way, it’s not like turning on a space heater.)
You’ll feel like you have a classic fireplace as a centerpiece and gathering location in your house when you add a range of mantle choices and hearth designs.
How To Convert Your Wood Fireplace To Electric
It’s simple to convert a wood fireplace into an electric fireplace insert. Simply take out the current grate, clear out the ashes, and put your insert into place! Installation is simple because they’re light and portable. Yes, it’s that straightforward. That’s why they’re so well-liked!
You’ll need to plug your electric insert into a power socket. Never use extension cords. It’s better not to plug in many different gadgets on the same circuit to prevent tripping your electric box. A limited amount of amperes can be supported by each outlet.
You may buy a hardwired electric fireplace that an electrician can link to your home’s electric box to disguise the wire and give your fireplace a clean look. The cord will be hidden in this manner.
Alternatively, an electrical outlet can be built within the firebox so that the plug does not seem out of place. This will also allow you to close the fireplace doors.
Here is a brilliant video to show you step to step:
How Much Does It Cost To Convert A Fireplace To An Electric One?
Suppose you pay a professional to handle the work. In that case, you can convert your traditional fireplace that burns wood or utilizes gas logs to an electric fireplace for around $150 to $200 in labor. This is in addition to the electric insert’s price.
One of these inlays might cost anything from $110 to $1,035. This is an average figure that may vary depending on the model or manufacturer. To save money, look for deals and promos.
If you don’t already have an electrical outlet nearby where you can plug the device in, you’ll have to pay $200 to $750 to have one built.
When determining the cost to convert wood fireplace to electric, one must consider factors other than the initial price. The money you save over time with an electric unit might help you justify your initial investment.
Consider the expense of maintaining your current fireplace. Electric models will not necessitate the use of a chimney sweep to clean the chimney and flue. You won’t have to cut or purchase wood as you would with a regular fireplace or wood stove.
Using an electric fireplace instead of a natural gas fireplace also saves you time and money. There is no upkeep this time. You won’t have to bother about gas logs, a gas line, or propane, and you won’t have to worry about keeping a pilot light lit.
FAQs
What is the process of creating flames in an electric fireplace?
They do not, in fact, produce flames. Different fireplaces achieve the outcome in different ways, although the majority of them use LEDs. For example, Chromalight Technology is used in the Regency Skope electric fireplace to generate spectacular and realistic flame displays.
Is it safe to touch an electric fireplace?
Skope electric fireplaces provide heat, but the fireplace and, more crucially, the glass do not. Unlike traditional fireplaces, the Regency Skope’s heat comes from an electric heating unit that produces up to 5,000 BTUs outside the display case.
Are electric fireplaces considered tacky?
Not any longer! When electric fireplaces were initially introduced, they were low-cost and featured blatant artificial flame effects. Modern electric fireplaces, like the Regency Skope series, are meant to fit into any home and provide realistic 3-dimensional presentations. The days of inexpensive TV-style 2-dimensional electric fireplaces are long gone.
Read More:
How To Keep Wood Stove Glass Clean (4 Effective Methods)
Conclusion
Because this is a DIY project, there will very certainly be several ways to execute it. Converting an old wood-burning fireplace to an electric fireplace is fascinating. You will undoubtedly be left with a more efficient fireplace that you can use all year without the mess of firewood burning in your home and inhaling poisonous fumes, regardless of how you choose to complete this work.
