How to Mount a Wall Hanging Electric Fireplace
There are many ways to mount your electric fireplace. Some can be fully or partially recessed into the wall for a totally smooth and polished look.
Others can be hung flat against the wall as a work of art. They can also be built into a mantel.
1. Easy to Install
A wall-mounted fireplace can be a great way to add a little warmth and comfort to your home. This is particularly true if you do not want the hassles associated with a gas- or wood-burning fireplace. These fireplaces are also simple to install and are an ideal choice for homeowners. Before you mount your fireplace, remember the following points.
Make sure you have the correct tools. A few basic tools should suffice to finish the job, but you may need more when your project is more complex. Also, ensure that your fireplace is compatible with the room you're installing it in. There are designs for electric fireplaces that show you where to mount the brackets. However, you should make your own decision on the height or depth you want to install it. You should also determine whether or not the area you're installing it in is safe for electric fireplaces.
Attach the fireplace to the brackets once you've secured them. It may differ from one fireplace to another but there'll likely be a ledge at the bottom of the fireplace that it rests on, as well as places on either side where you can put the brackets. Certain electric fireplaces also have a back that you can connect to the brackets to secure it into the correct position.
If you're installing your electric fireplace in an enclosed wall or area, you'll need to build a frame around it to shield the unit from fires as well as other damage. It's a good idea to employ an electrician to assist you with this step if you're not at ease doing it yourself.
Lastly turn on the fireplace and test it. It is a good idea to check all the controls, switches, and buttons for the flame's intensity, heat settings and more. If you notice that something is not functioning, turn off the power and contact an electrician. Electrical components that are defective can pose the risk of fire and shouldn't be played with by anyone who isn't an electrician.
2. Space Savings
The sconces, mirrors, or photos that you usually place on your walls to create ambiance are great but sometimes they don't have enough "oomph" to make an impact. Consider a wall-mounting electric fireplace if you're looking to enhance the look of your living space without spending a lot of cash.
The units are designed to occupy very tiny wall space, making them ideal for those who reside in condos, apartments or smaller homes. They can be built into a wall to create more of a built-in look or mounted onto freestanding mantels, based on your preference. They also don't require a chimney and do not obstruct the space like traditional wood or gas fireplaces do and that means you can have more floor space for other things.
Besides saving floor space, the most appealing aspect of this type of fireplace is that it's much more energy efficient than traditional fireplaces. They are safer and produce less heat. Also, recessed wall mounted electric fireplace don't need to be vented, making them a great choice for homes with small pets or children.
Fireplaces are available in a variety of styles and designs that can fit into any decor. Some are more modern and sleek while others are more rustic or traditional appearance. Some models feature hand-painted logs or ember beds for real-world appeal. They also come with a wide selection of colors to complement your interiors to ensure you get the style you desire.
Before you buy one, be sure to verify the dimensions of the space in which you intend to hang it. Also, you should check the output of heat to ensure that it can effectively warm the room. It is also possible to consider a model that has remotes or other safety and convenience features. Make sure you follow the directions to mount your fireplace correctly to ensure that it is safe and secure. It is best to employ a professional in case you don't know how to accomplish the task.
3. Large Areas are heated
Unlike gas or wood-burning fireplaces, which can require expensive chimneys and venting systems, electric fireplaces offer an easy, efficient method for heating living spaces. They can be mounted on the walls, as the form of a bump-out built into the wall or as a freestanding piece of furniture. They also work well with flat screens since they don't release smoke or flames. Also, you can find electric fireplaces in a vast variety of styles, from traditional mantels to modern linear units.
Depending on the kind of fireplace you choose it will be operated using traditional fan-forced air over electric coils or infrared technology, which converts electricity into energy that is heat. Both can warm rooms as large as 400 square feet. You can also use models with an ambient LED display that mimics the real flame to create a mood lighting fixture without heating up the space.
Electric fireplaces are less expensive to maintain than traditional wood-burning fire places since they don't feature real flames. However, they don't heat up the walls like a masonry unit and you should limit the amount of time that you use their heating feature, as it can increase the cost of energy.
The majority of their energy comes from the infrared heating elements, which generate warmth on the wall behind the glass. The area around the flames stays cool,, which makes them an ideal choice for families with small children who could be drawn to the fire that is simulated.
Like other electrical appliances electric fireplaces should be connected into a dedicated circuit that's not connected to any other device, Kuefler says. The heating function can draw up to 1,500 watts that is enough to overload the household circuit.
If you choose an independent model that is directly against the wall you can put it up yourself using common household tools and a bit of power-tool know-how. You may have to hire an expert to finish the electrical hookup if you intend to install an recessed unit, as it requires more complicated framing and patching of drywall. Regardless of the type you select, ensure that it matches your home's decor and ensure there is enough room for heated infrared or heated air to move around the room.
4. Easy to Clean
Wall-mounted electric fireplaces are less maintenance and upkeep compared to traditional gas or wood fireplaces. This is because they do not create a flame, so there is no accumulation of ash. But that doesn't stop them from being cleaned periodically.
Keep your electric fireplace clean and well-maintained and it will perform better, look better and last longer. It can also help to keep any issues from occurring that could be caused by dust or dirt accumulation.
Before cleaning your electric fireplace It is important to follow the directions in your user manual. This will ensure you take all necessary precautions in order to avoid any damage or accidents.
Unplug and shut off your fireplace in the first step. This will avoid any electric shocks that could occur while you clean. If your fireplace's electric is plug-in, switch it off at the outlet. If it's wired into your home's electricity, then remove it by isolating it at the fuse box.
Use a soft cloth to clean the glass panel. Gently removing fingerprints and smudges from the glass's surface can make a dramatic difference in the appearance of your fireplace. Avoid using abrasive cleaners since they can scratch the glass and leave unwanted marks. It is essential to dry the glass after you've cleaned it.
After your glass is clean and dried, it's time to wash the inside of your electric fireplace. If your fireplace comes with a removable front panel, carefully remove it following the instructions provided in your user's manual. After removal of the front panel use a soft bristle brush or a vacuum cleaner with an attachment for a brush. This will eliminate dust that has built up around internal components such as LED lights, flame reflectors artificial logs and embers. You can also make use of compressed air to blow away any dust from hard-to-reach areas or in tight spaces.
Examine all electrical connections for signs of wear. If you spot any frayed or loose connections, it's best to replace them by a professional electrician to avoid any possible dangers to your safety.