Electric Fireplace Plug-In

Bring into focus

Every well decorated room has a focal point. If you are lucky enough to have a fireplace, you should make the most of it. Give it importance by enhancing it with a mirror or art and inserting an electric fireplace into the firebox.  The art or mirror needs to be in proportion to the scale of the mantel. Art that is too small will look ridiculous hanging over an elaborately carved mantel. A mirror with a simple frame will look equally out of place. Interior designers are using fewer large accessories on the mantel shelf; the fireplace is the focal point, not the accessories; they should enhance the mantel not overpower it.   

A fireplace mantel is certainly the focal point of a room on cold winter nights when the snow is falling.  With warm temperatures around the corner, you don't have to see your fireplace go under utilized. The introduction of an electric fireplace insert into a home's firebox allows homeowners to not only maintain a strong visual focal point but enjoy functionality of the fireplace.  An electric fireplace has a flame only setting.  That's right, you can have a fire in your fireplace without generating any heat, so you can have the romantic, cozy feeling Spring into Summer.

Electric log inserts enhance a room's focal point once they're easily placed into the opening, plugged in, press a button and BAM (sorry Emeril) a blazing flame.  I have seen designers and homeowners place a stack of cut logs, which just sit dark in the box, or candles, which have to be manually lit and  extinguished while dripping messy wax in the firebox.  An insert can be installed either temporarily or permanently.  An electric fireplace log insert can be plugged into a nearby outlet.  Homeowners wanting a permanent change can have an electrician put an outlet inside the firebox and introduce a plug-in electric fireplace, electric logs on a grate with lighting housed inside a metal box.

Every room needs a center of gravity to pull it together, and the fireplace is the most naturally eye catching one to bring life into your room.  Strengthen the fireplace as focal point by accessorizing with an electric fireplace.

Using extension cords with electric fireplaces

From time to time, we are asked if an extension cord can be used with the electric fireplaces. We don't recommend using them.  Avoid using an extension cord because the extension cord may overheat and cause risk of fire. However, if you have to use an extension cord, the cord must be Number 14 AWG minimum size and rated not less than 1875 Watts. The extension cord must be a three wire cord with grounding type plug and cord connection. Lastly, the extension cord should not be longer than 20 feet.

Whether unused by choice or due to safety concerns, many homes have a fireplace and mantel surround which may be converted into a functioning feature in the home by inserting an electric fireplace log set. It is typical to see an outlet on the wall right beside the fireplace mantel surround.  Electric fireplace's cords are typically between six and seven feet long. The cord is usually adequate, allowing the electric fireplace to be plugged right in. Once the electric fireplace is installed (plugged in) you will hardly notice the cord.

Do not operate an electric fireplace with a damaged cord, damaged extension cord, or damaged plug; nor if the unit malfunctions. Contact the manufacturer, who may replace the damaged supply cord.  Qualified service persons should carry out repairs. One last note, don’t try to slip the cords under the rug to hide it either!

Electric fireplaces lessen effects of cabin fever

Punxsutawney Phil's prediction for six more weeks of winter seems indisputable at this point. The bone-chilling days and long winter nights have driven us all indoors. If you have been feeling irritable, unmotivated or simply down in the dumps - blame it on cabin fever. Webster’s defines cabin fever as boredom, restlessness, or irritability that results from a lack of environmental stimulation, as from a prolonged stay in a remote, sparsely populated region or a confined indoor area.

“Cabin fever” is real to millions of people. Seasonal affective disorder, is a syndrome with depression that starts and ends at the same time each year, says WebMD. The National Institutes of Health estimates that more than 36 million Americans suffer seasonal depression in the fall.

How many of these millions have a fireplace that goes unused? Nothing comforts like a warm cozy fire. We have heard comments from several customers, who purchased an electric fireplace for their elderly parents, who have really enjoyed the feeling the fireplace brings into their rooms. One man goes downstairs to his den every afternoon, switches on the electric fireplace while he relaxes for an afternoon nap. This soothing affect on one’s mind could help with symptoms of depression. A neat feature of an electric fireplace is the flame only setting. So, you could enjoy it year-round.

Until we get a break from the cold weather, get plenty of sleep and if you can stand the temps, get outside early in the morning for some sunlight. Don’t let cabin fever get the best of you. 

What are BTUs?

Does heating capability being measured in BTUs an hour leave you asking "what does that really mean?" Electric fireplaces utilize fan forced heat measured in BTUs.  British thermal unit, BTU, according to Princeton.edu, is a unit of heat equal to the amount of heat required to raise one pound of water one Fahrenheit at one atmosphere pressure. The next question is many square feet can a 5000 BTU heater heat? There is a lot more to it than square footage.

To find out the heat load on any room or home consider having a load calculation performed. This process takes into account the location, construction features, etc. Secondly, take into consideration how well is the room insulated.  A freestanding electric stove may heat a room with hard wood floors and a bank of windows differently than a room with wall-to-wall carpeting and a single window with curtains. With a portable heater (which is what you're talking about if it's 5,000 BTU), you can estimate heating ability with the 10 - 15 watt per square foot rule of thumb. To convert from watts to BTU, multiply watts by 3.4.       

Snowbirds Choose Electric Fireplace for Supplemental Heating

Temperatures in January dipped below normal across the entire Southeastern region. It was below 60 degrees for 12 days in Daytona Beach. That week, I talked to so many people from Florida calling ElectricFireplacesDirect.com in search of electric heaters! Some of those Floridians were snowbirds,hoping to escape from the cold. Snowbirds, residents of Canada, US Northeast and Midwest live in warmer regions, including Florida, during the winter months.

With all these low temps come high heating costs. Have you been hit with a high heating bill, like me? Try closing off rooms you don’t use instead of heating the entire house 24/7. We keep our thermostat lower, wear layers inside, and make use of supplemental heating. Supplemental heating allows you to keep a specific area of your home warmer when you need it. Electric fireplace heaters generate enough heat for a 20 x 20 square foot room at the cost of pennies a day.

Electric fireplaces come in many sizes and prices, meeting any need for supplemental heating. Log inserts are designed for retro fit installations. Free standing electric fireplace stoves are smaller, light weight and can be portable. Speaking of portability, one reason Amish fireplaces have been so popular is because they even have casters, allowing them to be moved.

The snowbirds, which purchased an electric stove, were planning on loading it in the car and taking it back to Canada in the spring. You know, you can enjoy the look a roaring fire made by an electric fireplace with or without the heat. Winter is not over, sorry snowbirds; late winter often holds some of the lowest temperatures.

Stay warm, Evelyn

No Commitment Required with the New ClassicFlame Converitible Electric Fireplaces

Commitment-phobes rejoice! ClassicFlame has recently released three Electric Fireplaces that can convert from a flat wall electric fireplace to a corner electric fireplace.  The new convertible electric fireplaces make it even easier for people who like to rearrange their furniture.

Electric Fireplaces were already great because they could be moved easily since they do not require venting or chimneys, but now they are even better because you can change the entire look of the fireplace.

With traditional fireplaces, furniture and decor was often designed around the fireplace and it was hard to change since the fireplace was a fixed feature.

Then, electric fireplaces made it easier to re-design a space based on the latest trends or maximize the Feng-Shui of a space, even then, a flat wall electric fireplace always had to be placed against a wall and a corner fireplace always had to be placed in a corner... Furniture placement was still somewhat dictated by the location of the fireplace.

Now begins the reign of the sofa! Change your furniture and your fireplace. Why commit when you can have it all?

Features:

• ClassicFlame technology - realistic logs with glowing ember beds

• Convertible mantel adjusts from flat wall to corner

  

• Fan forced blowers provide 4,900 BTU's and provide supplemental heat to up to 400 sq. feet

Visit us at: www.ElectricFireplacesDirect.com to view these great products!

Dimplex Sahara Wall Mount

The Dimplex Sahara Wall Mount Electric Fireplace is a modern twist for an electric fireplace.  It hangs like art and still produces heat.
We have several styles of Wall Mount Electric Fireplaces
Check them out at www.electricfireplacesdirect.com

Celeste Video

The Dimplex Celeste is one of our most popular Electric Stoves. The Celeste is available in Cream or Black and can provide supplemental heat for up to 400 sq. feet.  The Celeste has been a popular stove for Florida rooms and screened patios, although it is definitely not limited to these areas. It would look great in a bedroom, dining room, or living room as well.

Hope you enjoy the video!

Log Insert Match-up Dimplex vs. ClassicFlame

Classic Flame has recently unveiled their new 24" Electric Log Insert. This models closely rivals the Dimplex DFI2309 and DFI2310 models.  Classic Flame enhanced the flame effect, softened the edges, and made all LED technology standard.  Add a competitive price, and the new Classic Flame 24" electric log insert inspires some competition in a market Dimplex has previously dominated.

Click here to see a video of the ClassicFlame 24" Electric Log Insert

Click here to see a video of the Dimplex DFI2309 Standard Electric Log Insert

How do the features compare?  Here is the breakdown of features each Electric Log Insert offers:

DFI2309 - Dimplex 23" Standard Electric Log Insert Retail $199.00

• Patented Dimplex flame effect
• Realistic, painted opaque logs
• Standard candelabra bulbs
• on/off remote
• 1-year warranty
• Fan-forced heat quietly provides up to 4700 BTU/hr (1375 watts) of instant warmth (provides supplemental heat for up to 400 sq ft)
• Four season enjoyment – flame operates with or without heater turned on

DFI2310 - Dimplex 23" Deluxe Electric Log Insert Retail $299.99

• Patented Dimplex flame effect
• Realistic ceramic logs
• LED technology
• on/off remote
• Pulsating LED light inside logs improves ember experience
• Fan-forced heat quietly provides up to 4700 BTU/hr (1375 watts) of instant warmth (provides supplemental heat for up to 400 sq ft)
• Four season enjoyment – flame operates with or without heater turned on
• 1-year warranty

ClassicFlame 24" Electric Log Insert Retail $269.00  

• Enhanced flame effect is higher and brighter
• You may operate flame with or without heat (independent controls)
• Realistic, hand finished logs with natural inner glow
• Carved resin logs for added realism
• Pulsating LED light inside logs improves ember experience
• Fan-forced heat quietly provides up to 4600 BTU/hr (1350 watts) of instant warmth (provides supplemental heat for up to 400 sq ft)
• Four season enjoyment – flame operates with or without heater turned on
• Multi-Function remote
• 1-year warranty

Visit us a www.electricfireplacesdirect.com for these and other great electric fireplace products!

Michele

Marine Electric Grills for Boating

I'm very proud of the way our electric grill section on ElectricFireplacesDirect.com turned out.  It was a project that I put a lot of research, thought, and creative effort into.  After researching different electric grills for months, I firmly believe they are far superior to regular grills. Consumers are having a hard time letting go of traditional thoughts, but hey, I understand. I just want to have the opportunity to educate.  

So when a couple I know, who recently bought a boat, said they wanted to grill on the boat my face lit up with the opportunity to tell them about our newly completed website. Part of me wanted to flaunt what I had been working on, and the other part wanted to sell one of our first marine grills. 

I emailed them FAQs, blogs, research, statistics; everything I had compiled. I sent a recommendation about which grill I thought would work best on their boat, which is nothing fancy, just a normal deck boat. I recommended one of our Cook Number grills that plugs into a standard outlet since their boat is smaller I didn't think they'd want a mounted grill.

 (This is the Cook Number Legacy I recommended)

July 4th weekend they showed up with a gas grill mounted on the boat! They absolutely hate it! They can't take it off to clean, it's not safe... There is an open flame and it only took one close call to realize waves, gas engines, and flames do not mix. 

When I asked why they did not consider an electric grill they responded their boat does not have an outlet...

If you have a boat, you don't need a standard outlet. You can use a power converter that runs off your boat's battery.  Power converters are easy to find. Google it... Plus, you won't have an open flame, you can take it off the boat when you're done, and it's simple to clean.

Most of us live in climates that only allow boat usage during certain months. The great thing about an electric grill is that it functions off the boat as well.  Once boating season is over you can still take your grill with you to football season, hunting season, ski season, where-ever your travels take you.  Don't be bolted down with a bulky, dangerous gas grill especially on the water! 

Plug in,

Michele