Comes winter, and we all realize the need for a reliable heat source. There are many options available to homeowners, from central heating systems to gas- or wood-based fireplaces. But there is an option that is increasingly becoming popular and that you cannot set aside: electric fireplaces. And rightly so—they are convenient, stylish, and efficient. However, many might wonder: Do electric fireplaces give off heat, or are they just installed for aesthetic purposes?
The short answer is: Both.
Let’s talk about this in more detail in our today’s entry.
Do Electric Fireplaces Give Off Heat?
Yes, electric fireplaces provide heat. Similar to regular electric heaters, they use electricity to heat a coil of wire that then warms the surrounding air before being circulated around the room using built-in fans in the fireplace. You can control how much warmth is delivered using adjustable settings on most electric fireplaces.
How Do Electric Fireplaces Give Off Heat?
The simple answer is electricity. Electric fireplaces use electricity to generate heat through their heating element—usually either coils or ceramic elements—which, when switched on, are responsible for creating warmth in a room via built-in fan or blower systems.
Here is a step-by-step process of how an electric fireplace works:
- The user plugs the electric fireplace into an electrical outlet and turns it on.
- The electric fireplace’s heating element begins to heat up.
- A fan blows air over the heating element.
- The heated air is blown out of the fireplace and into the room.
- The thermostat on the electric fireplace turns off the heating element when the desired temperature is reached.
How Much Heat Does an Electric Fireplace Give Off?
The amount of heat that an electric fireplace give off depends upon its power, model, and the heating element used. Most emit between 1,500 to 5,000 British Thermal Units of heat, enough to warm a small to medium-sized room adequately. For instance, the electric fireplaces that VEVOR manufactures are 1500W and can produce up to 5,120 BTU of heat.
The heat output is an important factor to consider when choosing an electric fireplace for your home. If you have a large room to heat, you will need an electric fireplace with a higher BTU output.
Here are some factors that affect the heat output of an electric fireplace:
- Size of the fireplace: It’s simple—larger fireplaces have a higher heat output.
- Type of heating element: Different types of heating elements have different heat outputs. For instance, infrared heating elements have a higher heat output than nichrome wire heating elements.
- Efficiency of the fireplace: Some electric fireplaces are more efficient than others. More efficient fireplaces will produce more heat for the same amount of energy.
Why Do You Need an Electric Fireplace?
Electric fireplaces have some advantages over traditional fireplaces. They provide a mix of affordability, safety, and an aesthetic heating experience.
Here are a few sound reasons why you need an electric fireplace:
- Safety: Electric fireplaces are much safer than traditional fireplaces. Since they do not have a real flame, there is no risk of fire or burns. So, if you have children or pets at home and want to give them warmth without the possibility of an immediate threat, electric fireplaces are what you need to go with.
- Efficiency: Electric fireplaces are very efficient at heating rooms—they convert electricity to heat at a rate of nearly 99%. You will get more heat for your money with an electric fireplace than a traditional wood-burning or gas-based fireplace.
- Convenience and ease of use: They are easy to install and simple to operate. Plug them into an electrical outlet, turn them on, and voilà—the heating starts. There is no need to vent an electric fireplace, so you can install it anywhere in your home.
- Versatility: Electric fireplaces can be used in a variety of settings, such as living rooms, bedrooms, and basements. They can also be used to heat outdoor spaces, such as patios and porches.
- Upfront and operating Costs: Electric fireplaces are comparatively cheaper, but it is not just the upfront cost that makes sense. They are much cheaper to operate than traditional fireplaces as well. By some accounts, the cost to run an electric fireplace is 100% less than the operating cost of gas fireplaces.
- Aesthetic appeal: Electric fireplaces can create a warm and inviting atmosphere in your home. Talking about VEVOR fireplaces, they come with realistic LED flame effects and fake firewood that mimic the appearance of a traditional fireplace. You can enjoy the ambiance of a flickering flame without the mess and maintenance associated with wood-burning fires.
How to Choose the Best Electric Fireplace to Warm Up Your Home?
When choosing an electric fireplace, there are a few things you should consider, such as:
- Size: Electric fireplaces come in many sizes, so you can choose one that is the right size for your room. For a small room, you may want to choose a smaller fireplace, with low power requirements. For a larger room, you may want to choose a larger fireplace that can be wall-mounted or recessed into a wall.
- Heat output: Electric fireplaces produce different amounts of heat; choose one with the right heat output for your needs. If you have a small room, you may not need as much heat as a larger one. You can also consider choosing an electric fireplace with multiple heat settings so that you can adjust the heat output as needed.
- Features: Electric fireplaces come with a variety of features, such as remote controls, thermostats, integration with home automation systems, timers, etc. Consider your important features and choose an electric fireplace that meets your preferences.
- Style: Like traditional fireplaces, there are numerous electric fireplace ideas to explore when it comes to designing your home. You can choose one that matches the décor of your home, from traditional to modern styles, and even find fireplaces that look like real wood-burning fireplaces.
VEVOR Electric Fireplaces—Where Budget Meets Quality
Once you have considered all of these factors, you can start shopping for electric fireplaces. VEVOR has a wide variety of electric fireplaces to choose from—from small to large and those with intelligent control support to otherwise.
Here is a brief overview of VEVOR’s electric fireplaces.
- Size: 36”, 42”, 50”, 60”
- Power: 1,500 watts
- Heat output: Up to 5,120 BTU
- Features: Remote control, touch screen, thermostat, timer, smartphone control
- Style: Modern
Features of VEVOR’s Electric Fireplaces
- Realistic flame effects: VEVOR electric fireplaces use LED technology to create realistic flame effects that are indistinguishable from real flames. With 12 flame colors, 5 speeds, and 5 brightness levels, you can set something up that resonates with your mood for the day—or night!
- Multiple heat settings: VEVOR electric fireplaces have multiple heat settings so that you can adjust the heat output to your desired level.
- Remote control: Electric fireplaces designed at VEVOR come with remote controls so that you can easily turn the fireplace on and off, adjust the heat setting, and change the flame effects—all from the comfort of your cozy bed.
- Timer: VEVOR electric fireplaces have adjustable timers that can be set from 0 to 12 hours—you can set the fireplace to turn off after a certain amount of time.
- Wall-mountable and recessed: VEVOR electric fireplaces can be wall-mounted or recessed into a wall, giving you the flexibility to choose the best installation option for your home.
- Voice control: Some VEVOR electric fireplaces can be controlled with voice commands, making them even more convenient to use. It can be integrated with home automation systems like Amazon’s Alexa to make the whole experience hassle-free.
FAQs About Electric Fireplaces
1. Do electric fireplaces give off a lot of heat?
The amount of heat that an electric fireplace gives off depends upon the size, power, and heat output of the fireplace and where it is installed. Most electric fireplaces produce between 1,500 and 5,000 BTU of heat. But if you install a fireplace with 1500 BTU in a larger room, the amount of heat it generates will not be enough. Conversely, 5000 BTU for a smaller room will be “a lot of heat.”
2. Do all electric fireplaces provide heat?
No, not necessarily. Some electric fireplaces are designed solely for decoration. These fireplaces are often called “flameless fireplaces” or “ambient fireplaces,” which are more like decorative pieces rather than actual fireplaces.
3. Do electric fireplaces use a lot of electricity?
Electric fireplaces do use electricity, but they are very efficient. They convert electricity to heat at a rate of nearly 99%. Most of the fireplaces we design are 1500W, meaning they will consume 1.5kWh for every hour they run. You can minimize energy consumption by reducing the amount of flames and sounds or adjusting heat settings.
4. Is heat optional in electric fireplaces?
Yes, heat is optional in most electric fireplaces. It is up to you to turn the “heat” feature on or keep the fireplace for its decorative value even if you don’t need the heat.
5. Are electric fireplaces safe?
Yes, electric fireplaces are very safe. As discussed above, they do not have a real flame, so there is no risk of fire or burns.
Concluding Thoughts: Do Electric Fireplaces Give Off Heat?
Yes, electric fireplaces gives off heat. They efficiently provide heat and ambiance without the fuss of traditional options. They are practical, energy-efficient, and safe, making them a smart addition to any home. Consider VEVOR electric fireplaces for a cost-effective and hassle-free way to keep your space warm and inviting, especially as the winter season approaches.
