The appeal of an electric fireplace is no surprise. The vibrant colors and lighting effects are truly astounding! They make a wonderful focal point to any room. And, they’re so easy to operate. There can be many questions that come up when discussing electric fireplaces. This is another article that is intended to answer more of those inquiries.
CAN AN ELECTRIC FIREPLACE INSERT BE REPAIRED?
Of course, electric fireplaces, stoves and inserts can be repaired! If repairs are ever needed, some can be handled by the homeowner and some should be performed by a qualified service tech.
If the remote control is not working, it’s likely time to replace the batteries! Probably the most common service call is related to dim flames or none at all, or the ember bed not glowing. The LED lights are likely burned out and need to be replaced.
If there’s power to the unit and the appliance will not come on with the switch or remote, probably one of two scenarios : The appliance has overheated and the temperature sensor has caused the thermal switch to disconnect, or the circuit board is shot and needs to be replaced.
If the flame is sputtering or there’s no heat, wiring may be loose or the flame motor or heater and fan assembly may need attention.
So, yes electrics can be repaired. A comprehensive list of replacement parts is in the owner’s manual. But honestly, most WE LOVE FIRE® dealers don’t have many service requests for repairs to electric fireplaces. Plus, buy with confidence, because there’s a full two year warranty with the electric fireplaces we sell!
HOW TO START AN ELECTRIC FIREPLACE?
Starting an electric fireplace is done one of three ways. All are super simple! The fireplace can be operated by a touch panel or switch, usually located on the top or side of the unit. One tab will turn it on/off and other buttons will turn the heat on/off and adjust the liveliness of the flames.
Another way to start your electric fireplace is with a remote control. Make sure there’s fresh batteries in the remote and the power to the fireplace is on. Most fireplaces will require the main power switch be in a certain position when using a remote.
The remote will control: the unit being turned on/off, the heater being turn on/off and high/low, the temperature function and can adjust the lighting effects on the equipment.
Remotes usually use a line of site to operate, so it’s important to make sure you point the remote to the center of the fireplace each time you press the button. You’ll hear a beep and there may be a slight delay for the receiver to respond to the transmitter.
The third way to start your electric fireplace is with a wall thermostat. This operates the same way the thermostat for your furnace works. Wiring is run from the back of the fireplace to the thermostat in the wall. Simply set the desired temperature and when the thermostat starts calling for heat, the fireplace cycles on. When the thermostat is satisfied, it turns the heat off.
Of these three ways to start an electric fireplace, the remote control option is certainly the most popular.
Electric Fireplace by Ambiance
WHEN TO USE AN ELECTRIC FIREPLACE?
Anytime and/or all the time is the answer to this question! That’s because leaving the flame and lighting effects on for several hours a day, costs just pennies! Much has been said about the spectacular effects of today’s electric fireplaces, so why not enjoy them every day? The colors, media options and the inexpensive costs to enjoy the light show are reasons enough to keep your fireplace on all the time!
If you’re looking for ambiance and atmosphere, the fireplace can be on day and night. Use the heating feature on the fireplace only when you’re looking for supplemental heat for a brief period of time. Continuous electric heating can be quite expensive.
HOW LONG SHOULD I RUN AN ELECTRIC FIREPLACE?
Leaving an electric fireplace on all the time is not going to cause any damage to the equipment. However, with the heating element on, the damage is going to be felt in the balance of your checking account! Unless your home is specifically designed for electric heat, heating with electricity is an expensive way to go. If you’re looking for heat from your electric fireplace, it’s best to think of it as supplemental heat, not your main heat source.
Some folks use electric fireplaces as subdued, night lighting that’s left on overnight for the kids or elderly. Others use the fire and ice effects as a subliminal cooling effect in the summertime! Many consider an electric fireplace as “moving wall art”! We’re guessing that anyone who operates the remote will have their favorite colors and effects! The flames and light show on your electric fireplace cost pennies a day. So, keep it turned on and enjoy it!
Electric Fireplace by Amantii
ELECTRIC FIREPLACE MAINTENANCE
Electric fireplace equipment does not need a lot of regular routine maintenance. Keeping the batteries fresh in the remote probably tops the list. Most require AAA’s.
Cleaning the kids’ fingerprints from the glass can be done with a common household glass cleaner using a non-abrasive cloth. Let the glass thoroughly cool before cleaning.
And, if you have dogs or cats in the house, make sure the fireplace is kept free of pet hair and dust bunnies. Use a vacuum with a soft brush attachment to gently remove any dirt, dust, lint or other debris from the vent openings and control areas of the fireplace.
FAQs
The fireplace can be operated by a touch panel or switch, usually located on the top or side of the unit. One tab will turn it on/off and other buttons will turn the heat on/off and adjust the liveliness of the flames. Another way to start your electric fireplace is with a remote control.
Do electric fireplaces just plug into the wall? ›
Cost savings, portability, and versatility are among some of the top benefits of electric fireplaces. These fireplaces are, basically, electric heaters that simulate the appearance of a real wood, coal, or natural gas fireplace. They plug into a wall outlet and can run with or without heat.
How long does it take for an electric fireplace to heat up? ›
Electric fireplaces start heating rooms immediately once you turn on the heater. Instead of taking the time to build a wood fire that will start producing a decent amount of heat with some work, you can switch on your electric fireplace and start enjoying the heat instantly.
Does an electric fireplace need to be vented? ›
Electric Fireplaces Don't Need to be Vented
The reason that fuel burning fireplaces, such as wood and gas, require vents, is to expel excess heat and dangerous emissions, such as carbon monoxide. Because electric fireplaces do not burn fuel internally or produce any emissions, venting is not required.
How do you get power to an electric fireplace? ›
You can plug your electric fire into any regular socket in your house, so long as it is the correct voltage. However, you need to make sure you don't cover any power sockets up with your fireplace.
How do electric fireplaces heat a room? ›
The electric fireplace draws in cool air from the room, heats it around a coil and then pushes the warm air back into the room via a fan.
How to turn the heat up on an electric fireplace? ›
So, now to an important operating question: how do I change the temperature on my electric fireplace? On your remote, you should see buttons that allow you to change the thermostat to one's desired temperature. The fireplace will then only warm the room whenever the temperature drops below the temperature you choose.
Can electric fireplaces run without heat? ›
You can control the heat and flame effects via remote control or app. As a result, these fireplaces can provide a flame without heat so that it can be enjoyed throughout the year. All units provided on Electric Fireplaces Direct list a particular amount of space they can adequately heat.
Is it OK to run electric fireplace all day? ›
While these devices are safe, many manufacturers recommend turning the heating element off overnight. To make it easier, many electric fireplaces feature a timer that allows you to set your electric fireplace to turn off after running for a while.
What are the disadvantages of an electric fireplace? ›
Electric Fireplace Cons
They lack the crackling and popping and smell of real burning wood and for some, the overall ambiance does not live up to a real fireplace. Electric fireplaces are not designed to be the main heat source in a home. In general, they provide as much heat as a small electric space heater.
An electric fireplace might not produce heat due to a faulty heating element or power supply issues. Check the heating element and power source, including the power cord and voltage, to diagnose the problem.
Do electric fireplaces run up electric bill? ›
Electricity Usage
Most electric fireplaces use between 1,000 to 2,000 watts of power. If we take the average electricity cost in the U.S., which is about 13 cents per kilowatt-hour, running an electric fireplace for an hour would cost somewhere between 13 to 26 cents.
Is it worth getting an electric fireplace? ›
They're much cheaper to install and operate than wood-burning and natural gas fireplaces. Having just the flame running (without heat) on an electric fireplace, which you might want for ambiance, only costs about one or two cents an hour.
Are electric fires expensive to run? ›
Many people assume that electric fires cost a lot to run. This is down to the fact that electricity usually has a higher unit cost than gas. While this is true, it is worth bearing in mind that modern electric fireplaces are 100% efficient and have a low installation cost.
Does an electric fireplace need a special outlet? ›
Your electric fireplace should be plugged directly into a standard home outlet. It should have a third hole for the ground wire to ensure maximum safety.
Why is my electric fireplace turning on but no heat? ›
If your electric fireplace appears to be on but is not generating any heat, two common problems could be the cause. Check that the vents, the air inlets and outlet are not blocked. A blocked inlet will prevent air from circulating through the heating element to be heated and provide warm air to your room.
Where to put an outlet for an electric fireplace? ›
Position the appliance within the opening of the fireplace, plugging it into the power receptacle if it's located inside the existing fireplace as it is here. (If outlet is located outside the fireplace, the cord can be routed through the bottom corner of the surround to a nearby outlet.)
Can I put an electric fireplace in my bedroom? ›
Reinvent Your Bedroom Space
An electric fireplace can add ambiance to any room, especially the bedroom. This open concept Opti-myst electric fireplace unit allows for a division of the bedroom and the ensuite yet ties them together and adds the beauty of a fireplace to both rooms.
Do electric fireplaces give off real heat? ›
Yes, most electric fireplaces come with built-in heaters designed to provide warmth. These heaters are not just for show; they can effectively warm up a room, making electric fireplaces more than just decorative items. However, the effectiveness of heating can vary based on the specific model and room size.
Do electric fireplaces get hot to the touch? ›
9. Safe for the Whole Family. Although electric fireplaces can produce enough heat to warm a room up to 1,000 square feet, they remain cool to the touch.
Electric Fireplace Won't Turn On
Your plug is probably not properly inserted in the main switch, and the circuit is not complete, leading to an incomplete power supply. Therefore, firstly, you must check for the switch and make sure that the electric fireplace is plugged into a working electrical outlet.
How long should you leave an electric fireplace on? ›
Can I Leave My Electric Fireplace On Overnight? Yes. Since electric fireplaces are effectively space heaters, they're safe to leave on overnight.
How do I turn on a plug-in fireplace? ›
Most electric fireplaces can be operated manually by a touch panel or switches, located on the bottom of the unit, or with a convenient remote control. Settings include: 1) the fireplace on, the heater off. 2) Fireplace on, heater on high.
Do electric fireplaces need to warm up? ›
Conventional electric fireplaces work best in smaller rooms (up to 400 square feet). The longer they are on, the warmer it gets. You'll continue to feel their warmth after you turn the unit off. They do require some time to heat a space.
