An electric fireplace is an alternative to a traditional wood-burning hearth, it not only decorates the home, but also heats it quickly and safely. Electric fireplaces are installed in a pre-prepared niche or portal in compliance with ventilation gaps and connected to a household electrical outlet, and models equipped with smoke simulation are also connected to a water source.
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Dimensions of electric fireplaces
The sizes of electric fireplaces are presented on the modern market in a wide range, from compact fireplaces for a small office to artificial hearths that occupy an entire wall. The choice depends only on your needs and financial capabilities. At the same time, the recommendations of designers should be taken into account: the area of \u200b\u200bthe facade of the fireplace should not exceed 1/50 of the area of \u200b\u200bthe room, otherwise the hearth will look very cumbersome.
If you follow this advice, then for an office or bedroom with an area of \u200b\u200bless than 15 square meters, electric fireplaces, dimensions which do not exceed 600x500 mm.
Would look great in a large living room electric fireplace, dimensions which is more than two meters, a small hearth, on the contrary, will be lost in such a room.
Electric fireplaces can be:
- Decorative, performing only the function of illumination;
- Heating, heating the room by means of thermal radiation;
- Universal, combining both functions.
According to the installation method, electric fireplaces are:
- Floor, installed near the wall or in the center of the room;
- Hinged, fixed on anchor bolts on the wall;
- Built-in, for the installation of which a niche in the wall or a box of drywall or other material
What an electric fireplace with a ready-made portal and imitation of a flame will look like - video:
Heating elements and lighting are installed inside the firebox of the electric fireplace, and the firebox itself is closed with a protective casing or glass. Fireplace activation and modes are controlled from the control panel or remote control.
What you need to know to choose the right one electric fireplace? Dimensions, installation method, power consumption, features you need and price category. It is also important to decide whether you want to purchase an electric fireplace with a ready-made portal, or make his own hands.
How to install an electric fireplace?
How and where to install a fireplace usually becomes clear at the design project stage. Traditionally, a wood-burning fireplace is not placed in front of a window - this avoids drafts and excessive draft. Drafts are not terrible for an electric fireplace, but direct sunlight will reduce the beauty of its “flame”. Therefore, in a room with natural light, it is better to install a fireplace on one of the side walls.
One of the mandatory requirements when installing a fireplace is to connect it to the electrical network, so the wiring and socket for connecting it must be provided in advance.
Outdoor fireplaces look better in rooms without tall furniture: cabinets, shelving. The best option is a bedroom or living room.
Wall-mounted and built-in electric fireplaces will decorate the study, office. In a home with small children, a wall-mounted fireplace is also more practical and safer.
Fireplaces assembled with a portal are, of course, more expensive, but they allow you to give the hearth a complete and harmonious look, fit it into the style of the room without unnecessary design research. As a rule, several portal design options are suitable for one hearth model, and you can order the one that best suits the style of your home.
Calculation of the power of an electric fireplace
Depending on the model, fireplaces can have one or two heating modes with a power of 1 or 2 kW. The household electrical network is able to withstand this load without additional modernization, however, make sure that no other powerful appliances are connected to the outlet other than the electric fireplace.
The heating power of an electric fireplace of 2 kW is enough for additional heating of a heated room up to 20 square meters. Using an electric fireplace as the sole source of heating is impractical due to the high price of electricity.
Functions
Electric fireplaces, depending on the model, can only perform a decorative function or have one or more heating modes, with or without lighting.Imitation of smoke is carried out by heating water to a state of steam - such "smoke" is odorless, does not leave marks on furniture and the fireplace itself, and is absolutely safe.
An electric fireplace may have additional functions, such as humidification and air filtration. Some models are equipped with a remote control as well as automatic programming.
Approximate cost of a good model.
The price of electric fireplaces depends on the functionality, design, power and manufacturer. The budget version of the electric fireplace is an imitation of a hearth with a simple backlight, with or without heating, and costs no more than 10 thousand rubles. The price of designer models with a portal and decorative trim can exceed 100 thousand rubles. The choice of model directly depends on your desires and possibilities.