| An electric fireplace heater is an easy and cost | | | | Usually, a larger insert means a larger mantelpiece. |
| effective way to add welcome additional heat and | | | | But different combinations of insert and mantel |
| a touch of elegance to any room. | | | | sizes are available to match the size and scale of |
| What you won't be getting is the smoke, | | | | your room. |
| potentially deadly CO2 fumes, and the mess | | | | The compact design of an electric fireplace |
| associated with a conventional fireplace. | | | | makes it well suited for smaller homes, |
| Prices for an electric fireplace start at $299 and | | | | apartments, condos and even RVs. |
| can skyrocket to $2,300 for a combination | | | | Quality of Construction |
| fireplace/home entertainment center. However, | | | | When you shop online for an electric fireplace |
| there are many well made, attractively designed | | | | you're forced to judge the quality of the |
| models in the $450 - $700 range. | | | | merchandise by examining a photograph. Most of |
| The heating unit, or electric insert, includes the | | | | the time it's easy to spot a piece of junk, but |
| blower, log set and controls. Depending on the | | | | sometimes it isn't. |
| model, heat output varies from 1,350 to 1,500 | | | | A sure way to judge the quality of a fireplace is |
| watts. This is enough power to comfortably heat | | | | by its shipping weight. All things being equal, you |
| 150 square feet. | | | | could reasonably assume an electric fireplace |
| In general, the electric insert accounts for roughly | | | | weighing 210 pounds [ is built to a higher standard |
| $200 (retail) of the total price. So whatever you | | | | than one weighing 120 pounds. |
| end up spending over $200 will be for decorating | | | | Standard Features and Extras |
| and romance, not additional heat. | | | | Standard features on most electric fireplace |
| Fireplace Styles | | | | heaters include the mantel, electric insert, 2 speed |
| In addition to the standard fireplace design, corner | | | | blower, on/off remote control, and log set. All |
| units are available to make excellent use of | | | | models plug into a standard 120V receptacle and |
| wasted space. Other models offer enhancements | | | | are completely portable. Also, the flame feature |
| such as book shelves, curio cabinets or home | | | | can be enjoyed at any time of the year with or |
| entertainment centers. The mantel piece itself can | | | | without the heater. |
| be constructed of finished wood, wood with tile | | | | Some of the available extras include hand carved |
| inserts, or expensive cast marble. | | | | glowing logs, deluxe trim, bi-fold glass doors, |
| Fireplace Sizes | | | | dimmer control and thermostat. |
| Electric fireplace heaters are usually advertised in | | | | No matter which electric fireplace heater you |
| three sizes: 33", 28" and 23". This measurement | | | | finally decide to buy, it's important to read the |
| represents the width of the fireplace insert at the | | | | complete product description to find out exactly |
| front; the larger the insert, the larger the log set | | | | what's included in the price and what's going to |
| and flame display. | | | | cost extra. |