How to Choose and Install an in Wall Electric Fireplace

A wall-mounted electric fireplace can bring both visual appeal and heat to any room. They also come with an easy installation, which makes them an ideal choice for tenants.

They are available in a broad selection of styles and some are able to be partially or fully integrated for a seamless look. Here's how you can choose the right one for your home.

Styles

There are a myriad of designs to pick from when selecting the best electric fire place for your home. One of the most sought-after choices is a recessed wall mount. This unit is easy-to-install, since it utilizes an electrical plug that doesn't require hardwiring. This type of design is ideal for those who wish to create the appearance and feel of a fireplace to their room, without having to cut into the drywall or build an chimney.

Another alternative is to install an insert. This type of fireplace is somewhat more complicated to set up than a recessed fireplace. This is because it requires a little more skills in the field of carpentry to construct the wall recess. This also means that you can personalize the wall to match your existing decor. This kind of electric fireplace is commonly used to divide walls into two separate bedrooms.

Certain manufacturers, like Amantii offer a wide selection of electric fireplace models in a variety of styles and finishes. Some even include smart fireplace home automation which lets you control your fireplace from your smartphone or tablet.

When selecting an electric fireplace for your home, it is crucial to consider the energy output and wattage. This will affect the operating cost of your fireplace and the degree of warmth you can expect your living space to be. It is also important to think about the style and finish of the fireplace as it will determine how well it is in line with your existing interior design.

Electric fireplaces that are the best have multiple color and flame settings as well as different effects, such as the video loop or fake log. A lot of manufacturers employ LED lights to create these effects, and they are more efficient in energy use than standard incandescent bulbs. They last longer and are safer to handle.

It isn't easy to select an electric fireplace for your house. You'll need to decide if you want the fireplace to be a heating element or purely decorative. If you're looking for a fireplace that has both flames and heat be sure to choose a model with independent controls that allow you to adjust the flame and heat levels according to the season or your personal preferences.

Optical illusions

Optic illusions are a crucial aspect of what makes holes in the wall electric fireplaces so effective. Different models employ various tricks to make the flames look more realistic, from simple ones like adding additional logs to holographic displays that create an amazing illusion of embers and flames without taking up space.

A majority of older electric fireplaces utilize LED screens and rotisserie-style lights to create an illusion of flames, however modern designs have evolved to be much more realistic. The majority of electric fireplaces come with an elongated reflector that spins in three-dimensional patterns to mimic the reflections of light from real fire. Some even make crackling sounds to increase the authenticity.

Electric fireplaces don't require chimneys or venting. They also do not emit any pollution or smoke. Some even have remote controls to control the heat and flames. The absence of venting or gas lines also means there's no need for a flue and it's easy to install your electric fireplace into the wall or on a recess mount.

Simplifire Allusion is a great entry-level option for those looking to simplify their lives it comes with an electric log bed and crystal clear ember media. It's available in a range of colors on the front and includes a full-size remote. For more customization you can upgrade to driftwood log sets or ceramic stones.

Another alternative is the Dimplex Revillusion insert, which is a standalone log set. The Holographic display, placed between the flames on the log set and the insert, creates the illusion that there are numerous logs. This design isn't as realistic looking as other alternatives in our roundup, but it is an option for those who prefer a more traditional style.

Magikflame is a manufacturer that has gone further than Dimplex Revillusion by using a touchscreen design instead of mechanical buttons. The backlit touchscreen is more intuitive to use, and it's self-illuminated, which means you can easily see the icons even in dark rooms. This kind of control panel is more attractive and will complement a modern design.

Easy to Setup

As opposed to built-in models which require the removal of a piece of wall, an in wall electric fireplace is easier to set up. If the studs fit behind the wall, you can attach your fireplace to the wall with the bracket that comes with it. A majority of models include a diagram that will show the best place to put the bracket on the wall. Use this in conjunction with pencil and a spirit level to mark the hole locations. After you've drilled holes, you can insert hanging screws into them. You can also install rawl plugs leaving them off the wall by 5-10mm to give an even more subtle appearance.

Then, you can screw the fireplace in the hole, making sure it is fully embedded into the opening. It is possible to do this either by hand or with the aid of a drill, based on your preference and experience. Once your fireplace is in place, make sure that the grate and heat vents are free of combustible materials. Keep your fireplace at 400mm away from anything that could catch fire.

Some people prefer to place their fireplaces at eye level, which is possible by placing the fire in the middle of the room. This can also be a good spot for TVs, though you must ensure that the fire is not too close to the screen since this could cause it to overheat.

It is also important to take into account the size of the electric fireplace when selecting a location. It's also worth bearing in mind that the heater element - located at the bottom and front of an electric fire - should be at least 400mm away from any combustible material including fabric.

It is crucial to test your electric fireplace before installing it. If everything is functioning as it should, plug into the fireplace, play with the LED lights and then move on to the installation. You should always hire a qualified electrician for any electrical work, which includes installing an electric fire place.

Installation

There are a few things to consider when deciding on and installing a wall-mounted electric fireplace. The first thing to consider is the dimension. You must make sure that the fireplace fits within the space you desire by measuring and comparing dimensions. Some manufacturers offer an online guide to make this process easier and helps you select the best model for your needs.

Then, it is important to note that the fireplace will need to be placed near an electrical outlet. It is recommended to ask an electrician to install an outlet with a new plug on the wall where you intend to place your fireplace. This will make it easier to hide the power cable, and your installation will look more professional and tidy.

It is also important to ensure that any combustible materials are kept at least three feet away from the electric fireplace, because this can reduce the risk of fire and protect you from burns to clothes, curtains, or furniture. Also, it's a good idea to ensure that the filters aren't blocked so that the heating element can have an air flow that is consistent.

Another important step before mounting is to test the fireplace prior to it is mounted on the wall. Before you begin, it is recommended to take out all the packaging and plug from the fireplace to verify that it is working. This will ensure you are prepared and there are no issues later.

After the tests are completed and you're satisfied that everything is functioning as intended, now is the time to prepare the place for mounting the fireplace. Follow the directions provided by your manufacturer to prepare an opening that can be framed in the wall. You can use blocks to ensure it is securely attached to the studs. Fix the fireplace to the wall using screws.

After the installation is complete after which you'll be able to enjoy your brand new, stylish and practical electric fireplace. It's a great method of adding extra heat to any space. It will also create an atmosphere of warmth that will amaze your guests.