As with most things in this world, many terms have different meanings for different people and the term electric fireplace insert is no different than anything else in modern times. For some individuals, an insert is a four-sided box that can operate independently from any other item. Because of this aspect, it is incredibly versatile and can be used on its own or can be inserted into a cabinet, entertainment center, or even a wall. For other people, an insert is a set of electric logs with an adjoining bed of embers that produces a virtual flame and is used to convert an existing wood or gas burning hearth into an electric fireplace.
While these entities are very different from one another, they share similarities as well. Both insert options come ready to use and can be easily plugged into any standard electrical outlet. Neither option requires gas fittings, masonry work, holes in exterior walls, or a roofing contractor because neither unit requires ventilation. Each unit can also be operated in any season because each unit can be used with or without the heating element turned on.
Transforming An Existing Fireplace With An Electric Fireplace Insert
Adding an electric fireplace insert that resembles burning wood logs into an existing hearth or wood burning fireplace is an ideal way to transform a home into a beautiful, inexpensive, hassle and mess free place of warmth and character. Lifelike flame technology creates the look of a wood fire with a realistic flame image, electric fireplace log set, and a glowing bed of embers. The log set is factory pre-wired so there is little installation required. Simply take it out of the box, place it into a hearth or wood burning fireplace opening, and plug the unit in.
Not only is this electric log set easy to use, it is safe as well. The reason for this is that nothing is burning so no dangerous carbon monoxide particles are emitted into the air which makes for cleaner air to breathe. The log sets are also cost efficient and only take 3¢ an hour to run without the heating unit turned on and 12¢ an hour with the heat turned on. These units are remote controlled and can provide supplemental heat for up to 400 square feet. These sets come in a variety of sizes and individuals can choose between painted and carved resin logs to suit their individual tastes.
Exploring Another Electric Fireplace Insert Option
If your home does not have a traditional hearth that can be converted with an electric log set, it does not mean that you cannot have the look and feel of a fire. A four-sided firebox insert can transform an available interior or exterior wall or even a cabinet into a functional fireplace. Once the electric fireplace insert is installed, individuals can enjoy the ambiance of a flame with optional heat. Built-in units generally offer the ability to use 110 volt or 220 volt electricity and produce enough BTUs to provide supplemental heat for up to 800 sq. ft. depending upon the voltage choosen. Warmth is produced by forcing heated air into the room by a quiet fan which allows individuals to spend many hours enjoying their fireplace in comfort.
These four sided inserts are safe to use which eliminates the anxiety that can come with a burning flame and because they are cool to the touch, they are safe for children and pets to be around. While the actual flame does not exist, the realistic flame effect is incredibly life like and can be used with the heat turned on or off allowing it to be used 365 days a year.
Choosing The Perfect Fit For Your Home
Whether you choose to convert an existing fireplace opening or transform a wall or cabinet, an electric fireplace insert is an inexpensive option that will add the comfort and warmth of a fire to any home. Both insert designs are tested to make sure they meet UL standards and are specifically designed with automatic shut off features to maintain comfortable temperatures. Because of their simplicity, they require no ventilation, which means they are inexpensive to install, and the log sets as well as the fireboxes do not require maintenance of a chimney or flute. Often time's circumstances dictated what is possible and practical and what is not. An electric fireplace insert allows people to have the comfort of a dancing fire with a range of options that allows them to take their own circumstances into account and purchase the perfect fit for their homes at substantial savings.
