There is always a pressing need to prepare for winter periods. Availing oneself with a good winter coat, a waterproof boot for the snow, and gloves that keep the fingers intact and prevent them from freezing are some of the basic preparations. Nevertheless, these preparatory measures will be insufficient if no plans are made for the house to remain warm during the cold.
A fireplace serves as the best option to generate heat during the winter and other cold periods. It is also an effective measure to avoid illnesses caused by cold. It is designed to generate heat and provide warmth when it is cold.
There are various types of fireplaces; they include the wood-burning fireplace, gas fireplace, and electric fireplace. You should try and invest in getting a fireplace that is easy to start and provides adequate heat. A good type to use is the electric fireplace. Just as its name implies, an electric fireplace is one that makes use of electricity for its operations.
Before you get a fireplace installed in your home, you must consider its usefulness and how it will benefit you in the long run. No one wants to invest in something that will stop being functional after a few months of usage. In subsequent paragraphs, we will discuss the pros and cons of electric fireplaces.
Pros of Electric Fireplace
Some of the advantages of an electric fireplace over other varieties are:
1. Electric fireplaces are less expensive
The cost of installing a wood-burning fireplace in a home is quite expensive and time-consuming. A wall needs to be constructed, and a chimney, which would serve as a means of egress for the built-up smoke, must be readily available. In contrast, an electric fireplace provides warmth in the comfort of the money you have at hand, as it can be easily hung on a wall
2. Electric fireplaces are safer
Homes employing the use of wood-burning fireplaces are exposed to a lot of risks. Risks such as the harmful effect of smoke on home occupants. On a larger scale, carbon monoxide contributes to global warming by instigating the sun to be abnormally hot.
An electric fireplace is a much safer option, as an individual would be devoid of fear of raging gases. It does not pose the risk of suffering from burns to anyone because the front glass stays cool when it is in use. This is equally an important factor to be considered for a household with kids and pets.
3. Electric fireplaces adorn the house
An auxiliary role played by electric fireplaces is the amazing beauty effect they add to a house’s decoration. Electric fireplaces are designed to provide limitless patterns that match your house’s architectural style, especially when they are set between a wall.
4. They call for a low level of maintenance
Maintaining a wood-burning fireplace can be quite demanding and onerous. The purchase, cutting, and storage of dry wood alone comes with stress. Further cleaning up of ashes, soot, and the regular cleaning of the chimney could be challenging.
In contrast, the only maintenance measure required for an electric fireplace is the periodic wiping of the front glass. There are no ashes, soot, or chimneys to clean. This makes an electric fireplace more durable and effective. It is a perfect recommendation for people with busy schedules.
5. Electric fireplaces can be mobilized
A gas fireplace or wood-burning fireplace would prove difficult or equally impossible to move when its location is to be changed. One has to go through the stress of installing them all over again. This is time-consuming and less convenient.
Meanwhile, electric fireplaces can be installed without the help of an electrician. They are as easy to install as well. One simply has to remove them from where they are hung and transport them to their new location or space.
Cons of Electric Fireplace
Electric fireplaces can be a suitable option for homes, yet they have certain shortcomings. Some of the disadvantages of electric fireplaces are:
1. They cannot run without electricity
This is the major disadvantage of an electric fireplace. As the name implies, they require a supply of electricity to function. Electric fireplaces would be in a state of disuse during periods of lasting power outages, which can be as a result of inclement weather conditions. During this period, a backup source of power has to be made available to affected homes to avoid them getting stranded. However, procuring an alternative power source can be very expensive. Most of the time, only the financially stable can afford to have more than one source of electricity supply.
The use of an electric fireplace also increases the cost of electricity bills. In contrast, a wood-burning fireplace or gas fireplace is not dependent upon electricity at all.
2. The absence of electrical lines in some areas or states
Citizens in the diaspora live in areas where the sun’s the main source of illumination. Many villages are bereft of an electrical line. An electrical line is indispensable for the use of an electric fireplace as it is the source of the electric current. The absence of an electrical line leads to a corresponding inability for an electric fireplace to function. Meanwhile, a gas or wood-burning fireplace can operate effectively in remote areas without electricity.
3. Electric fireplaces are devoid of a comforting aura
This thrill comes with the use of a wood-burning fireplace. The crackle, scent, and flickers of real flame can be quite attractive and comforting. You can choose to listen to your favorite song whilst relaxing close to the fireplace. An electric fireplace just makes up the facade of a burning experience. The flames are apparently unreal and covered by glass.
Even with its shortcomings, an electric fireplace is a worthy investment for people living in cities and towns. Its benefits supersede its shortcomings. It is recommended for people who need efficient, easy, and quick ways of generating heat indoors.
