The electric fireplace is becoming more common among modern households because it is safe and convenient. Thus, it still gives off the heat and coziness that keep people warm on colder days.
As this device gets more popular, more questions about how this device works arise. One popular question is whether electric fireplaces need to be vented like non-electric fireplaces. The answer is no, and you can find out more details with the information below.
Why Doesn’t An Electric Fireplace Need To Be Vented?
Since traditional fireplaces burn with gas, wood, or fuel, the burning process will produce heat, light, smoke, and other potential contaminants. Hence, these fireplaces need to be connected to a chimney or an adequate venting system. This makes sure that all the unwanted byproducts produced by the burning process get vented out. Thus, this venting system also makes your home environment clean and safe.
However, an electric fireplace produces heat when electricity activates its built-in hot air fan. The fire and flame you see in the screen of electric fireplaces are produced by a system of light bulbs placed strategically on a rotating rod. Essentially, there is neither a burning process nor a polluting process going on with an electric fire. Hence, this fireplace does not need to vent out anything.
Why Should You Get An Electric Fireplace?
Adding to the fact that electric fireplaces do not need to be vented, the electric fireplace is also safe and family-friendly, making it a good investment.
- Energy efficiency: Since nothing is vented out when the fireplace works, there is neither lost energy nor lost efficiency when it comes to this device, making an electric fireplace energy-efficient and cost-effective. All the heat produced by the electric fireplace will be fed directly to your room.
- Safe from fire hazards: Since nothing is burning inside an electric fireplace, there will be no sparks of fire emitting and no chances of nearby objects catching fire. Hence, you can place anything you want near the fireplace without the potential fire hazards of traditional fireplaces.
- Safe from dangerous contaminants: Again, nothing is burning inside the electric fireplace, and the heat is entirely produced by electricity and a built-in fan that blows hot air. Hence, unlike other fireplaces that burn with wood or gas, this fireplace will not emit smoke or dangerous contaminants like carbon monoxide, making your indoor environment clean and healthy.
- No complicated cleaning process: An electric fireplace doesn’t produce ashes because it doesn’t burn with wood, coal, and fuel. Hence, you don’t need to clean the fireplace often.
- Family-friendly: With an electric fireplace, you will not have to constantly worry about your baby or pet approaching the fireplace out of curiosity. The fireplace screen displaying the image of fire is not hot and safe to the touch. As a réult, your family can enjoy the cozy atmosphere of a fireplace without any significant dangers.
Precautions When Using An Electric Fireplace
- Turn it off when you don’t use it: Although it is safe to leave your electric fireplace on overnight, you should turn it off when no longer using it. Yet, it is ok if you forget to turn it off once in a while. An electric fireplace will automatically shut off by itself when it starts to overheat, which protects the fireplace itself from overheating and protects your home from fire hazards.
- Power source: You should never use an extension cord when connecting your electric fireplace with the power source. The energy transferred through the cord connecting to an electric fireplace can be powerful enough to melt down low-quality cords. Hence, you should plug your electric fireplace directly into a wall outlet. Thus, it is recommended that you use your electric fireplace with its circuit since this device has a built-in heater that can reach up to 1500 watts and is incompatible with the common 1200 volt circuit.
- Electrical error: Since the electric fireplace is an electronic device, although it protects your family from fire hazards, it can have some possible errors that bring you inconvenience. The fireplace screen can fail to display fire, or the fireplace can keep shutting off. In case of electrical errors, you should get your fireplace examined and fixed by experts for the best result. In the case of the fire image, you can try changing the light bulb inside the fireplace with the guide.
FAQs
Are electric fireplaces allowed in apartments?
Yes. You don’t need any permit to purchase and install an electric fireplace wherever you live because it is safe in any indoor environment. Thus, the electric fireplace is the ideal device if you live in an apartment because it does not require a vent or a chimney. Electric fireplaces only need the standard electrical supply to run.
Can I convert my existing traditional fireplace into an electric fireplace?
Yes, you can easily convert your traditional fireplace into an electric one by putting the electric firebox into your existing fireplace. This change also means that you will no longer need your chimney to vent out smoke when the fireplace operates.
Does an electric fireplace use a lot of electricity?
The electric fireplace uses about the same amount of electricity as the regular space heater. It uses 120 volts to power its internal heater. Hence, the answer is no. The electric fireplace does not use a lot of electricity.
Conclusion (Do Electric Fireplaces Need To Be Vented?)
Now you have had everything you need to know to answer the question of whether or not electric fireplaces need to be vented. It does not need a venting system at all because it produces no contaminants or smoke that pollute your living environment. Despite the possible electrical errors, the electric fireplace is a great investment for your home because it is safe and convenient.
