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Electric chimney
Within the different systems for electric heating that we can find in the market; electric radiators, heat emitters, convectors, etc. There are the famous ones Electrical smokestack (Electric fireplace) that create a fairly realistic "flame effect" fictitious fire and, in many cases, provide heat.
It must be understood that the classic fireplace is disappearing due to its multiple drawbacks to the benefit of other systems that are simpler, less dangerous, cheap to maintain and that simulate fire in a fairly realistic way.
Are trendy! You just have to see the sales from TOP electric fireplaces (They are specialists in the sector). From here, and especially in the decoration and furniture sector, the electric chimney It is appearing strongly, but, before buying, we have and we must look at some interesting points …
How does an electric fireplace heater work?
The electric llar It was created to initially decorate (See Electric fireplace story) and, it was only used as a decorative element - widely used in city flats - whose structure imitates a real fireplace; a solid carcass, logs - firewood, a bed of ash and coal, imitated with some resistant material and, some embers and flames that reproduce the effect of fire created by a led lighting system.
Currently, most models for sale already incorporate the option of being able to turn on the heater, that is, to provide heat to the room by means of an electrical resistance becoming a complementary heating element.
As we have seen, and according to its basic functionality, we would have two models of electric fireplaces for sale for the home:
| Only decorative electric fireplaces | Electric fireplaces with heater | |
| They run on electricity | YES | YES |
| Internal operating mechanism | Only LED lamps | LED lamps + Electric heater + Fan to distribute heat |
| Power consumption | About 11 w | Depends on model: Between 1000 to 2000 w |
| Energy expenditure | Under | High (If we use as heating) |
| They add heat to a room | NO | YES |
| Installation complexity | Simple | Simple - Medium |
| Decorative aesthetics | Good | Good |
| Average sale price | Very low | Medium - High |
Obviously, decorative electric fireplaces flame effect Realistically, they do not add heat to a room, they are much cheaper than those that radiate heat because they have a more convoluted mechanism, which is very similar to thermal emitters or portable electric radiators.
By market trend and demand, most of modern models already include the option of electric heater, whether in lesser or greater power, apart from other electronic functionalities that facilitate its use.
A fairly common question is … Is the flame simulation function and the heating in the electric fireplace independent? Directly, yes. You can create a cozy and pleasant atmosphere with "only flame", controlling the intensity of the LED lighting without using the heating function.
Types of electric fireplaces
Although we have an interesting range of models of electric stoves realistic with more or less complex systems that influence the price (we will see later). The types of fireplaces that we can find, are more depending on whether they heat or not, the aesthetic aspect or the location possibilities:
| Types of electric fireplaces | Sale price | Energy consumption | Installation |
| Electric basket without heater | Under | Under | Easy |
| Built-in electric fireplaces without heater | Medium | Under | Half |
| Mobile electric fireplaces without heater | Under | Under | Easy |
| Wall-mounted or built-in electric fireplaces with heater | High | High if we use heating | High average |
| Electric freestanding fireplaces with heater | Medium | High if we use heating | Easy |
| Mobile electric fireplaces with heater | Low (They are made of poor quality) | High if we use heating | Easy |
The prices electronic fireplaces more modern they vary a lot; both for its functionalities (thermostat, command, control with mobile, with furniture, etc.) and power, as well as for its finishes (MDF, plastic, cast iron, steel, wood - firewood, stone, etc.), or if, for example, They have the option of appearing smoke (in this case they will have a tank with water, which, when evaporating, we get a smoke effect)
There are electric fireplaces that offer a smoke effect through water
The equipment embedded in the wall or in furniture tend to have higher prices; Mainly because of its good finishes, as well as a complex system of thermo-fans (later we will see some interesting facts about noise) that will distribute and quickly bring heat to the room, as well as different technological characteristics.
Here, the aesthetic game is very important and as design examples, we have as many as we can imagine: Inserts, panoramic electric fireplaces, on wall, in tunnel, similar to the village stove, suites (They are modules - electric basket), etc …
These decorative electric heaters can be custom tailored to blend in perfectly with the fireplace or home décor style.
So that you can see how far they are reaching in aesthetics, realistic effect and design in the most modern models, we want to leave the following impressive video!
Keys to choose well
The question is simple … What should you look at before buying an electric fireplace? And although a priori some points may seem obvious to us, make sure, if you do not want to waste the money of the purchase:
1.- Basic keys to choose the best device
There are several basic points to consider in your choice; Type of model (floor, suspended or embedded in furniture or wall), according to dimensions we have, according to power we need and the exterior design (style, color black, gray, etc., ornamentation and materials seen).
2.- You need an electrical outlet - plug
Of course we all already know that! But, if it is a in-wall electric fireplaceYou still need to do some small work to have a plug nearby, take measurements before buying the appliance!
Remember that those mechanisms with a heater and high power, for example 2000 W, if we have an old or contracted electrical installation with very little electrical power in the home, we could have problems when plugging in different appliances.
3.- Functionalities and characteristics
Modern electric fireplaces are packed with functionality. Some that will help us on a day-to-day basis, and others, not so much. Of course, the more accessories and realistic effect in the design, the more expensive the device will be. Some characteristics in the new equipment can be:
- Real fire and smoke simulation with adjustment of flame level and illumination intensity
- Ambient light that can be modulated (both wood and fire), touch panel with Led screen and even with music
- Built-in thermostat for weekly and daily temperature programming (Highly recommended)
- Power regulator (Highly recommended)
- Operating modes: Anti-freeze, Comfort and Eco. Even with open window detection function
- Remote control to program on and off
- With Wifi for mobile management
4.- What power do I need to heat a room?
Be clear that these systems consume enough electricity to heat a room and combat a fierce cold, it can be a problem in spending. Later we explain energy efficiency and how we can save a little electricity.
The Electric fireplace with heater must be used as a complement to heating that you have at home installed. Its primary objective is not to heat a room, it is to imitate a traditional village stove or fireplace.
The fireplace electrifies with a heater should be used as a complement to the heating you have installed at home
To fight the cold, like approximate calculation of the power we would need; calculates values between 80 and 100 watts per square meter of the room to be heated. For example, for a room that is 12 square meters, you will need a 1200 watt power model.
5.- Beware of noise when they have heating
You will not be the first to buy an electric llar and he hardly uses it because of the noise of the fans. You must check when noise they make "DB - Decibels" (You can also look at the energy label).
It is better, if you have the possibility of regulating the appliance with a thermostatic system or some kind of control to regulate intensity and ignition hours, as in all heating systems, it is very important to have control of the appliance!
6.- Do not buy cheap and look for a brand
They are devices that we are going to use for many years and we want them to have a good decorative aesthetic, above all, a realistic flame effect. So… look for quality! Brands like Orbegozo, Castleton Suite, Ambifuego, Glen, Dimplex, kamin klaus, Amantii, etc., are benchmarks in durability and quality aesthetics.
You have to compare prices! from large surfaces such as Leroy merlin, Carrefour, The English Court, Mediamark, Bricomart, etc. To online offers to compare, for example,Amazon, without forgetting to see the neighborhood stores. There is always a sale in winter!
In my opinion, I do not see the second-hand viable, mainly because the difference with the new ones is very low and when we talk about technology, we must be especially careful!
Electric fireplaces are energy efficient
Although the network is plagued with Diverse Opinions About Electric Furnishing Fireplaces and its energy efficiency when we talk about spending on electricity and its savings. The reality is that from a technical point of view, it is better to use them as possible elements that complement and help in specific cases to a more efficient heating.
If we use these equipment for heating, better only at specific times and for temperate climates
If we compare with other traditional heating systems we would have the following graph:
As we can see in the previous image, these electrical equipment is at the bottom of the table with a low level of efficiency - energy saving. Other models; Gas stoves, paraffin stoves, wood heating or efficient boilers and pellet stoves are ahead.
The concepts that are sold in some stores of «low consumption electric fireplacesIt is rather a marketing technique than a tangible and effective reality in these models.
The fireplaces have the same energy efficiency, where we really save is in the choice of the electricity rate
Here, the possible energy saving is given - mainly - by the electricity we use, that is, we can save more if we turn it on at a time when electricity is cheaper (Time discrimination in Spain) or if we control the temperature (not too high ) and, the on and off, depending on whether we are at home.
Summary advantages and disadvantages
Although some aspects are possibly debatable from a technical perspective, the main advantages of electric fireplaces are:
| Advantages electric fireplaces |
| Excellent as a decorative element imitating real stoves and fireplaces. |
| They are complemented by the decoration and with impeccable integration. Various designs and colors (they are customizable). |
| Ease of installation. No works or scarce are needed. |
| Easy handling and mobility. |
| Independent emitter to heat only the spaces you need (With or without heater). |
| They are efficient at transmitting heat (heat spreads fast). |
| Possibility of time programming and other home automation options. |
| Safe heating system (does not use energy that produces combustion). |
| Manufacturers offer long warranties. |
| Maximum respect for the environment. Easy to clean, no fumes (they do not produce CO2) and no residue. |
Certainly, they also have shortcomings that we must know and that can influence the final purchase:
| Disadvantages electric fireplaces |
| They run on relatively expensive energy, electricity. |
| Need for a nearby plug and annoying cord. |
| The electricity consumption can be high if we use it as an electric heater (Only with Led light it is low consumption). |
| Not suitable for very cold areas. |
| Not suitable for large surfaces and rooms (heating power is limited). |
| In cheap devices, their design is not very realistic in the face of "dummy flames". |
| We can have noise problems from the fan when using the heating option. |
There are other alternatives that also offer excellent designs when it comes to heating: from the type article of decorative fireplaces for heating, to that of designer radiators where the most modern ones are crazy.
You have to weigh all the options and, of course, ask a lot and compare prices, it is the best you can do!
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