Hearth Products: The Complete Guide to Electric Fireplaces & Fireplace Supplies

Want a safe, energy-efficient, and easy-to-maintain fireplace for your home? Opt for an electric rather than a Wood Fireplace. You can turn it on by just flicking a switch. The best part about electric fireplaces is that they are cost-effective and save on heating costs. They can be used in any house room, including living rooms, bedrooms, kitchens, dining rooms, bathrooms, basements, garages, attics, etc. You can even use them in an outdoor space if you want to create a cozy ambiance around the pool or patio area.

 

Electric Fireplaces and Electric Logs 

An electric fireplace log is a heating element that looks like a real wood fire in the hearth of your fireplace. The logs are usually made from ceramic and contain a small amount of coal dust. When electricity passes through the logs, it heats up, which creates heat that warms your home. 

Electric fireplaces come in different sizes, shapes, materials, and designs. Some models have a fan while others do not. If you want to make sure that your electric fireplace will provide enough heat for your home, then you should choose one with a fan. This way, you can enjoy the benefits of having a fireplace without worrying about overheating.

 

Are Electric Fireplaces Safe?

As far as safety goes, electric fireplace units are safer than any other kind of fireplace because they don't burn anything at all. It means no burning and no hazardous emissions. Electric fireplaces stay cool to the touch even when the heat is on.

The new fireplace technology uses a patented combustion chamber design that allows the heat to radiate outward rather than up and out. This makes them safe even when used close to flammable materials. 

 

What are Hearth products?

The category is enormous and includes fireplace units, free-standing stoves, gas fireplace inserts, linear fireplaces, masonry fireplace, outdoor heating systems, gas logs, outdoor woodstove components, and hearths, including mantles, hearth pads, fireplace screens, and glass door panels.

If you're looking for ways to enhance the appearance of your existing wood-burning fireplaces, then there's some good news coming from the hearth industry. Nowadays, it's easier than ever for homeowners to improve their fireplaces' efficiency by installing an add-on called a fireplace insert. Installing a fireplace product can be used for several purposes, including providing heat during cold weather months, reducing energy costs by using less fuel, and creating a comfortable environment inside the house.

 

Types of Electric Hearth Products

Navigating all the styles and types of electrical hearth products can be confusing, and differing terminology among manufacturers and retailers can add to the confusion. Further complicating matters is that fireplace models can be mounted several ways, while others may only have one installation option.

Most electrical hearth products include customizable options such as a hand-painted painted ceramic log set, an ember bed media, and a color flame option.

Electrical hearth products usually fall into these categories:

 

  • A built-in electric fireplace: Some models are free-standing, while others have been integrated into a wall. Some people who install fireplaces call them built-ins even though they cannot remove them from their walls. An authentic built-in fireplace must not be removed from its masonry frame until remodeled the entire room. You can choose to use fireplace surrounds and a mantle to give your home an added touch of warmth and style. It will be hardwired to electricity through the back of the unit.
  • Recessed electric fireplaces: Recessed linear fireplaces are slid into a framed and finished wall opening. A "built-in" fireplace is finished right into the actual wall and cannot be removed without taking part of the wall apart.
  • Partially recessed: This type of fireplace is typically mounted into a 2 x 4 framed wall. Because the fireplace is somewhat deeper than four inches, it may be visible from some angles.
  • Fully Recessive: A fireplace that has been built into the wall, so there is no visible opening from outside.
  • A wall-mounted electric fireplace: An electric fireplace is mounted onto a wall much like a TV set would be. The wall next to the unit remains untouched; however, the fireplace is connected to an electrical socket.
  • Electric fireplace insert: These removable units turn an existing wood-burning fireplace into an electric hearth. The electric insert slides directly into the existing fireplace; an under-mount firebox surrounds the entire unit for a clean installation. A typical insert consists of these components, including a log set or an ember bed media. You may need to wirelessly connect the device using an adapter or remote control if there isn't one already available for use.

 

If you are looking to upgrade your fireplace or want an entirely new unit in your home, you've come to the right place! Contact us here at Firebird. Our experts are ready to help. We can offer professional advice and give you the best deal.

We want you to have excellent heating and comfort for years to come. You can also visit our showroom here in Santa Fe, New Mexico, to see our beautiful free-standing fireplaces and stoves first-hand. We hope our blog was helpful. If you have other questions, don't hesitate to reach out. Call us at 505.983.5264.