How to Choose and Install an in Wall Electric Fireplace

A wall-mounted electric fireplace can bring visual interest as well as heating to any room. They also come with an easy installation, which makes them an excellent choice for those who rent.

They're available in a wide range of designs, and some can even be partially or fully recessed for a built-in appearance. Here's how to choose the right one for your home.

Styles

There are many different styles available to help you select the best electric fireplace for your home. A wall mount that is recessed is one of the most popular options. It is simple to install, as it uses a plug design that does not require the installation of a hardwire. This style is perfect for those who want to add the appearance and feel of a fireplace in their living space, without having to cut into the drywall or add chimney.

A built-in fireplace is a second option. This type of fireplace will require a little more work to put in than a recessed unit. This is due to the fact that it requires some carpentry skill to build the wall recess. This allows you to modify the wall to fit with your style. This kind of electric fireplace is commonly used to separate walls between two bedrooms.

Certain manufacturers, like Amantii offer a wide variety of electric fireplace models in different designs and finishes. Some come with smart fireplace home automation which allows you to operate your fireplace with your smartphone or tablet.

It is important to consider the wattage of your electric fireplace and its heat production capacity when choosing one for your home. This will impact your operating costs and how warm you can expect your living space to be. It is also important to consider the style and design of the fireplace, since it will determine how it is in line with your existing interior design.

The top electric fireplaces have numerous options for flame and color settings, as well as a variety of effects, like a simulated log fire or an audio loop of a real wood burning fire. These effects are created by many manufacturers using LED lights, which are more energy-efficient than traditional incandescent lamps. They also last much longer and are safe to touch.

It can be difficult to decide on an electric fireplace for your house. You must decide if you want the fireplace to function as a heating element or purely decorative. If you're looking for a model with both heat and flames choose a model with separate controls. This will allow you to adjust the intensity of the flames and the heat according to the time of year or personal preferences.

Optical illusions

Electric holes in the wall fire places are heavily reliant on optical illusions. Different models use a variety of tricks to make the flames appear more realistic, from basic ones such as adding extra logs to holographic displays that create an impressive illusion of embers without taking up space.

A lot of older electric fireplaces wood employ LED screens and rotisserie-style lighting to create an illusion of flames, however modern designs have evolved to be more realistic. The majority of electric fireplaces feature an oscillating reflector that has three-dimensional patterns to resemble the reflections of light from real bioethanol fire. Some even make a crackling noise to enhance the effect of realism.

In contrast to wood-burning and gas-burning fireplaces, these electric fires don't need chimneys or venting, which means they don't create pollution or smoke. Some have remote controls to control the heat and flames. The absence of gas lines or venting also means that there's no need for a flue, and it's easy to put your electric fireplace into an interior wall or recessed mount.

Simplifire Allusion, a great entry-level choice for those wanting to keep it simple, features an electric log bed and crystal clear ember media. It's available in a variety of colors on the front and includes a full-size remote. For more customization it is possible to upgrade to driftwood log sets or ceramic stones.

Another option is the Dimplex Revillusion insert, which is a standalone log set. The holographic display, placed between the flames of the log set and the insert gives the illusion that there are numerous logs. This design isn't as realistic-looking as other options in our roundup, but it is an option for those who prefer a more traditional look.

Other companies, such as Magikflame has taken a step higher than the Dimplex Revillusion with a design that uses touchscreens instead of mechanical buttons. The backlit touchscreen is more intuitive to use, and is self-illuminated to allow you to see the icons even in a dark space. This type of control panel also looks more attractive and can be a perfect match with a modern design.

Easy to Set-up

In comparison to built-in models which require the removal of a section of wall, an in wall electric fireplace is simpler to set up. If the studs are suitable behind the wall, you can connect your fireplace to the wall using the bracket that comes with it. A majority of models come with a template showing you where to place the bracket on the wall. Mark the holes with the help of a pencil and a spirit-level. After the holes have been drilled, you can install hanging screws. You can also fit rawl plugs in place and leave them atop the wall by 5-10mm for a more discreet appearance.

The fireplace can be snagged into place. Make sure that it is completely encased within the opening. It is possible to do this by hand, or with the aid of a drill, based on your preferences and experience. Once your fireplace is set ensure that the grate and heat vents are free of any combustible material. You should also keep your fireplace at a minimum of 400mm from anything that could ignite.

Some people prefer having their cheap fireplaces situated at eye level. This can be achieved by placing the fireplace in the center of the room. This is also a perfect spot for a TV, however you will want to make sure that the fireplace is not too close to it as it could cause the screen to overheat.

You'll also need to consider the dimensions of your electric fireplace when deciding on the location. It's also important to keep in mind that the heating element - which is located in the front and bottom of an electric fire should be at a minimum of 400mm away from any material that is combustible such as fabrics.

Before you proceed to install your electric fireplace, it's important to make sure that everything functions correctly. Connect the fireplace, test the LED lights and heat, and if it is working just as it should and you're able to move on to installation. Always seek out a qualified electrician for any electrical task, including installing an electric fire place.

Installation

There are some things to keep in mind when selecting and installing a wall-mounted electric fireplace. The first is the size. It is essential to ensure that the fireplace will fit in the space you want it to and this can be accomplished by measuring the space and checking against the dimensions of the fire unit. Some manufacturers also provide a handy guide online that can make this process much easier and help you select the ideal model for your needs.

It is also worth noting that the fireplace will need to be situated near an electrical outlet. It is recommended that you get an electrician to install a new plug socket on the wall where you intend to place your fireplace. This will make it easier to conceal the power cord and give a clean and finished appearance to your fireplace installation.

It is also essential to keep combustibles within three feet away from the electric fire. This will decrease the chance of a fire and protect your furniture, curtains, or clothing from being burnt. It is also a good idea not to hinder the filtering process so that air can flow freely through the heating element.

Another important step prior to mounting is to test the fireplace before it is mounted on the wall. It is recommended to spend a few minutes prior to beginning to take off all packaging and plug the fire into the wall to make sure it works. This will ensure you are prepared and there aren't any issues later.

After the tests are completed and you're satisfied that everything is functioning as intended, now is the time to plan the mounting site for the fireplace. Follow the directions provided by your fireplace manufacturer to create a framed opening and attach it to the studs by using blocks. Then, you can attach the fireplace to the wall using screws.

Once the installation is completed, you will be enjoying your brand new, stylish and practical electric fireplace. It's a great method to add some extra heat to a room and it creates a warm and cozy ambience that will be sure to impress your guests.