Pros, cons of electric fireplaces

A fireplace improves the atmosphere of your home, but fireplace installation can be costly and they can require a great deal of maintenance. If you don’t have a chimney or simply want to avoid the hassle of a wood-burning or gas fireplace, electric fireplaces provide an alternative to traditional systems.

They come in many different styles, but generally, electric fireplaces use mirrors, Mylar and LED lights to mimic the look of flame. An electric fireplace log might be metal, wood or rock. They also produce no soot or ash, so they’re easy to clean and maintain.

Most homeowners can DIY electric fireplace installation — all you need is a power outlet, and it can be as easy as hanging it on a wall. With more complex home decorating ideas in mind, such as insetting it in a wall, you might need a carpenter or electrician to handle those details, but the fireplace element requires no professional expertise.

Because electric fireplaces don’t burn or use combustible fuel, they don’t corrode and wear out very slowly, allowing them to last many years longer than their fiery counterparts. won’t light or heat your home in the event of a power outage or storm.

Also, electric fireplaces involve higher operational costs. On average, an electric fireplace uses $1.84 of electricity every eight hours.

Electric fireplaces come in a wide variety of designs, ranging from sleek and modern to a traditional wood look, making them ideal for a wide range of fireplace decorating ideas. Or you can install an electric fireplace insert in an existing brick or masonry fireplace opening to create a very traditional atmosphere. This creates all the charm of a brick fireplace mantel and even a spot to hang the stockings for Santa!