Electric fireplaces do not produce real flames when providing heat. This is one of the reasons why they are loved by most homeowners. Dealing with real open flames is quite a hustle and bustle for homeowners. You are also able to avoid dealing with the issues of smoke and the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning.
Other drawbacks of using real flames include;
- It takes a lot of time and effort to put off the fire
- It requires constant log and wood/ kindling supply
- Leaves behind a messy pile of ash
- Increased safety risk especially in pets and children
- All year round maintenance needed
With the push of a button, you can enjoy the warmth of your house with an electric fireplace. A flickering flame creates a comfortable and welcoming feel in the house. You can therefore still enjoy the views of the flames created by an electric fireplace.
So, how does an electric fireplace really produce flames? The flames may look real but they are just an illusion created by the internal components. An LED light bulb produces light directed to a rotisserie-style silver refractor. The light then bounces off the three-dimensional patterns of the refractor to create an illusion of a randomly flickering flame.
Some electric fireplaces have advanced technology that produces crackling sounds as the refractor rotates. This adds realism to the flame.
Electric fireplaces are great options if you wish to enjoy the warmth of your house. There is a blower system used to keep the production of heat efficient. During summer, you can turn off the electric heater system while leaving the flames on. This allows you to enjoy the flame views without the extra heat.
The surfaces tend to be cool even when the appliance is heating. This makes it a safer environment for children and pets.
What are the Benefits of Having an Unreal Flame?
Here are some of the advantages that come with using an electric fireplace flame;
- Can be turned on and off instantly
- There is no need for clean up as no mess is left behind
- Pet and child-friendly
- No harmful fumes or gases are released
- In some models, the flame can be controlled using a remote
- There is no smoke production
- There are settings for different brightness
- Minimal maintenance time and costs
- No need for cleaning the chimney
- Eliminates need for smoke and carbon monoxide detectors
- Can be used in the summer without warming up the room
- The flames are not hot to touch
How does an Electric Fireplace Give Off Heat?
Electric fireplaces make work simpler. All you have to do is install it properly then plug it in on a wall outlet. There is no smoke, no real fire or gas byproducts produced. You can then turn on the appliance to enjoy.
Several heating elements are utilized like infrared technology used to convert electric energy to heat energy.
The models might operate differently. However, an electric fireplace takes in cool air, heats it, and gradually pushes it back into the room. Electric fireplaces can warm up rooms of 400 square feet or larger. An advantage is that no heat is lost through the chimney thus being more energy-efficient.
Can Electric Fireplaces Be Converted to Gas?
It is not possible to try to make a gas fireplace out of an electric fireplace because of safety concerns. Gas fireplaces require vents to run to the outside which is not provided by an electric fireplace. Thus, electric fireplaces are considered emission-free.
It is however possible to convert a gas fireplace to an electric fireplace. This is done by installing an electric fireplace insert in the space previously occupied by a gas fireplace.
How do the Other Types of Fireplace Produce Flames?
Fireplaces come in different varieties; from old-fashioned wood to electric fireplaces. Each type has its own strengths.
- Traditional wood fireplaces
Traditional wood fireplaces produce flames that everyone aims for. It is the fireplace that sets the standard of flames for other types of fireplaces to produce. It burns low, dancing through the red, yellow, and orange range of colors.
Green and blue sparks are seen when they heat a sap or something more energetic. The flames dance around seeking regions of oxygen to keep on burning. The flame of a wood fireplace sets the best ambiance.
- Wood-burning Stoves
Works much like a wood fireplace except that the flames are enclosed. You can see the flames through a small window. Some of the fireplaces use different burning materials such as pellets. People would go for these fireplaces because of heat and not the flames.
- Gas fireplaces
Gas fireplaces produce nice warm flames. A propane or natural gas flame is unique. There are two colors; blue and white. The flame flickers but does not dance around. The release of fuel is as steady as the flames.
Conclusion
Electric fireplaces are not only good in producing heat but also provide nice flames. The flames give you a feeling of a real fire that you want to enjoy. You can also use the flame during the summer without producing heat. Go for one now.
