A fireplace that is built-in gives an elegant, polished appearance without the expense of an additional mantle. It is among the easiest electric fireplaces to set up.
There are a few aspects to take into consideration prior to purchasing your in wall fireplace. Follow these suggestions to get the most out of your investment.
Height
It might seem like an easy question however, determining the height of your fireplace is among the biggest decisions you will make. The height of your fireplace can affect everything from how it fits in a room to its visibility. Having your fireplace raised too high can look unnatural and detract from the beauty of the piece. A fireplace that is too low can look drab in the wall space.
Luckily, electric fireplaces are versatile enough to be installed at various heights. For instance, a majority of people choose to mount their fireplaces at eye level from a sitting position. This requires a height between 40-42 inches. Some people place their fireplaces under their TVs, which can be visually appealing.
The size of your fireplace will depend on a number of factors such as the size and length of the wall you intend to put it on. The bigger the room is, the bigger it will be. This could mean that you are capable of fitting a larger fireplace in it. This is also true for the length of the wall as a wall with a greater length can accommodate a larger fireplace.
The way you intend to utilize your fireplace is an important factor. If you intend to use it for decorative purposes, a smaller height will work best. If you want to use it to heat your home you must ensure that the fireplace is sturdy and tall enough to meet the safety standards.
The right height for your fireplace can help to make sure that it's in keeping with the decor and is easy to work with when cleaning or filling it. You can always ask a professional fireplace installation expert to assist you if aren't sure what best height to choose. They'll be able to recommend the perfect height for your fireplace in light of their experience and your particular home.
Depth
It is essential to know the depth of a fireplace, especially if you are planning to place it in an recessed position. If you're planning to cut into the wall, ensure that you have enough room to accommodate the fireplace's internal design (the area for biofireplace the smoke shelf above the firebox and the flue that extends upwards from the roof). Also, think about the space available for the surround and whether you want a fireplace mantle.
A lot of the most recent electric fireplace models feature a depth which is almost hidden, giving them an "integrated" look. This type of wall fireplace made from electric is best demonstrated by the Panorama BI Deep series. The model is 5.8-inch deep that allows the viewer see the flames, the ember bed, but not the frame. The media package includes driftwood logs in natural colors white pebbles, or clear glass crystals that enhance the embers and reflect the flames.
Gas wall-mounted fire places are also available in deep and shallow versions. When determining the depth of your fireplace it is important to keep in mind that these fireplaces are supplementary heating sources and must be properly vented by a skilled professional. When determining the size of a gas fireplace, you need to take into consideration the length of the vent pipe as well as the size of the chimney.
Whether you choose a surface mount or recess-mounted installation, it is essential to follow all of the manufacturer's instructions carefully when installing your fireplace. In most instances, hiring a professional to install your fireplace is recommended. It is also good to have an extra person on hand when installing gas fireplaces.
A fireplace built into the wall of your home can be an ideal way to increase its value and add some ambiance to your living spaces. It also can reduce your heating costs. It's also a great alternative when you aren't able to fit a traditional fireplace in your home due to space restrictions or due to the location of a chimney.
Surface Mount
If you're unable, or prefer not to cut into your wall or create an area to accommodate an electric fireplace, a surface mount provides an elegant and integrated look. Certain models, such as the Allusion line of electric fireplaces, can be positioned partially recessed into a wall, without compromising heat output.
To begin the installation process, identify the area where you want your fireplace to be installed and make a mark with a pencil along the wall where the bracket will be installed. Utilize a stud-finder to find the studs, and place each bracket in front of at least one stud for stability. If a stud isn't accessible or isn't suitable for your fireplace, make use of drywall anchors to help support the mounting bracket.
Once you've determined the position of the mounting brackets on the wall using a power drill, you can use it to screw them in and make sure they are aligned correctly with the studs. You can use plastic anchors or studs to secure each bracket. Once the mounting brackets are in place, raise your fireplace and place it on the wall bracket. Once the fireplace is positioned be sure that it is level.
Before you begin the installation Plug in your fireplace and make sure all features work correctly. Start the fire, test the flames, the heat, lighting of the ember bed, and so on. When you're satisfied with the results, it's time to install your floating mantel.
Depending on the type of your fireplace, you'll either require a wire connection to the appliance wire connector on the bottom of the mantel or in the event that your fireplace has slots or hooks on the back connect them to the slots on the wall mounting brackets. Once you've done this, follow your fireplace's owner's manual for specific instructions for removing the glass front panel and putting it back into the opening.
After you've removed the front panel of your fireplace and inserted it in its opening, follow your instructions in the manual to complete the install by replacing the glass front and adjusting the height if necessary. If your fireplace is equipped with ember bed media, spread it out across the top of the grate for an organic appearance, then secure it in place by using the screws that come with it.
Plug-In
Unlike traditional wood-burning fireplaces, electric fireplaces don't require vents or chimneys. Connected to a standard outlet, they provide additional heating to rooms that are up to 400 square feet. You can also adjust the ambience with a variety of flame and heat settings. Certain models have LED lighting effects that accentuate the ember bed and fire. Some models have a top grille grate that hides manual controls but easily pops open to reveal pushbuttons to set the desired setting.
Electric fire places with plug-ins can be installed directly on the wall or recessed to create a built-in appearance. They are typically easier to install than mantel fireplaces. Some come with pedestal bases to allow you to place the fireplace on a flat surface like a dresser or buffet. Included are an remote control, mounting hardware, and log set. Depending on the model, these electric fireplaces may include both heating and flame options that can be turned off for year-round ambiance.
Certain models come with adjustable privacy glass that you can quickly change from fully see-through to partially transparent. These kinds of models are popular for walls that separate entertainment areas like living and dining rooms. These models can be utilized in bedrooms, where an fireplace is a cost-effective option to warm a room and maintain privacy.
While plug-in electric fireplaces don't require hardwiring as built-in models, they must be installed on an area that is at a minimum not stud-free and is able to support the weight of the fireplace. Some models come with a kit which includes a pre-wired cord and a specially designed bracket to make the installation process simpler. This kit is suitable for construction of drywall or concrete.
When choosing a location for your wall-mounted electric fireplace, ensure that it's close to an electrical outlet. Based on the model, plug-in electric fireplaces can be plugged into outlets that are connected to the same circuit, or a separate circuit for your electric fireplace. It is recommended to use an exclusive circuit to ensure that nothing else in your home will be operating at the same voltage, and potentially trip your circuit breaker.
