Archive for the ‘Electric’ Category
The Advantages of a Fireplace Log Heater
October 6th, 2009 | 
Author: Imagine the romance and warmth of a fireplace, the crackling wood and flickering light evoking a sense of comfort during cold, dark winter nights. You’d love the ambiance of a fireplace, but you don’t have one, and it’s not possible to put one in. You might consider a fireplace log heater instead.
A fireplace log heater gives you the feeling and look of a fireplace, but with added benefits.
Traditional fireplaces
Traditional fireplaces are more decorative than functional. Most of the heat goes up the chimney, and that chimney can also allow cold air to come down into the room, especially if you don’t have insulated fireplace doors.
Fireplaces are messy. You have wood chips and ash to contend with. The inside of the fireplace gets black with soot, and the inside of the chimney acquires a dangerous layer of soot and creosote. If the damper doesn’t work right and the fire doesn’t draw well, smoke and soot fills the room, as well.
Traditional fireplaces can be dangerous, too. First of all, there’s the fire. Embers can fall onto the floor in front of the fireplace and catch it on fire. Fireplace doors help prevent that problem, but they get hot enough to burn children who get too near. If the chimney isn’t cleaned regularly, the creosote that builds up on the inside can catch fire. A chimney fire is very hot, and endangers the roof and the house. Carbon monoxide can build up to toxic levels in an unventilated room with a fireplace in it, too, as the fireplace consumes the oxygen in the room. Several people die each year of carbon monoxide poisoning from inadequately ventilated fires.
Grate heaters
There are three main types of fireplace log heaters, and all offer advantages over traditional fireplaces. The first type, a grate heater, is a warming tube that goes under the fireplace logs and may also go behind and above them, coupled with a fan. A grate heater draws cool air in from the room, heats it by capturing fireplace heat that would otherwise go up the chimney, and blows it back into the room. A grate heater improves the efficiency of a fireplace because less heat is lost up the chimney. All of the other problems with fireplaces remain, though.
Gas fireplace log heaters
Gas fireplace log heaters will work with either natural gas or propane, and can easily be converted from one to the other. They don’t burn wood at all, but burn gas to heat your home. Their artificial ceramic logs look realistic, with artificial burning embers and a flame. They do not produce soot or ash, and can be vented horizontally (through a wall) instead of vertically (through the roof).
Gas fireplace log heaters are very attractive, and very efficient. They are clean and will function if the electricity fails (although, if they have a fan to help circulate the air, the fan won’t work).
Any flame-based heating system can produce excess amounts of carbon monoxide if the ventilation is inadequate, and that is a hazard with gas fireplace log heaters. They are hot to touch and can burn you, too.
Electric fireplace log heaters
Electric fireplace log heaters are relatively newcomers to the market, but are increasingly popular. The newer ones produce realistic fireplace effects, but with far fewer disadvantages.
Electric fireplaces are clean and inexpensive to operate and do not require venting. They don’t burn anything, so they don’t need vented, and carbon monoxide is not a big issue with them. The fire works without the heater, so you can get the ambiance of a fire without cooking everybody in the room.
Electric fireplace log heaters are beautiful, portable and don’t require installation. Although larger units may need a 240-watt outlet, most can be plugged into any wall outlet. They can be moved from room to room, and you can take it with you when you move. Electric fireplace log heaters are ideal for renters and apartment dwellers.
Electric fireplaces don’t produce as much heat as gas or wood fireplaces, but they will heat an average sized room. The other big disadvantage of electric fireplaces is that they cannot be used as an emergency heat source because they don’t work without power.
Gel fireplaces
Gel fireplaces aren’t heaters; they are purely ornamental. They look like a fireplace and have ceramic logs, and the flame comes from a can of alcohol-based gel (like Sterno). They aren’t intended to produce heat.
If you love the romance of a fireplace, you can have it today, no matter where you live. There’s a fireplace log heater that will work for every home, whether you are an urban apartment dweller, or a backcountry wilderness dweller. Evaluate the differences between them, and decide which kind of fireplace is right for you.
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Fireplace Brands
Of the thirty most popular fireplace brands, there are some very interesting styles and materials used today. For anyone thinking that the fireplace is large the same thing it has always been, with few improvements or changes in styles, nothing could be farther from the truth.
Interestingly, as the fireplace becomes smaller and more attention has become fixated on the mantelpiece, the styling of the modern fireplace have tended to focus on smaller areas, rather than the sweeping design changes of the past centuries.
The Dimplex fireplace company offers many electric fireplace models that include all the style of traditional fireplaces with the convenience of push button fireplace heating. The Newport model, for example, offers a romantic ambiance of a fireplace without any of the work or danger of having a wood burning fire.
Since no venting is required for electric fireplaces, these types of fireplaces can be installed anywhere. The Dimplex company uses what they call “electraflame” to produce realistic flame technology with a wide range of style options.
One nice thing about the electraflame fireplaces made by the Dimplex company is that you can have the look of a fire with or without the heat. These electric fireplaces can be plugged in to a regular 120 volt outlet. Since you can choose heat or no heat, these fireplaces are perfect for running any time of the year that you want that fire ambience.
If you do opt for the heat producing variety of electric fire, the Newport model provides up to 5000 BTU / hour of radiating heat. Though it can be nice to have a fireplace that doesn’t necessarily put off heat, it can also be a great option to have some localized heat for the colder days in the year. The radiating heat produced by this electric fireplace is circulated with the aid of a fan.
This model of electric fireplace also includes and adjustable thermostat that will keep the heat output of the fireplace within your comfort zone. This means that you do not have to constantly keep an eye on the fireplace or the heat it puts out. This is just another advantage to having an electric fireplace, as wood burning fireplaces must be under constant supervision.
The glass that covers the fireplace will remain safe to the touch whether the heat is not being produced or is going full blast. This makes the fireplace particularly safe for children and pets to be around.
Another advantage of electric fireplaces is that they do not contribute to moisture problems as many un-vented gas fireplaces tend to do. Of course adding heat to your home in general will tend to dry out the air and you may find the need for a humidifier during the coldest months of the year.
For a look at some of the different fireplace styles and fireplace brands, take a look at http://www.fireplacesnow.com/ . Here you’ll find a list of manufacturers, pictures of different fireplaces, as well as several other invaluable resources you can use to determine which type of fireplace will best meet your needs.
Electric Fireplace
I like to entertain in the winter. My favorite gathering is intimate and only has two couples. I have an electric fireplace and it is very cozy in my townhouse.
I prepare for gatherings at my house by cleaning the common areas. I make sure that the bathroom has been wiped down and that there is a roll of toilet paper. I always turn on the electric fireplace before my guests arrive.
There is a flokati rug in front of my electric fireplace. There always seems to be an accumulation of dirt in it. Before I have a gathering, I take my flokati rug outside and shake the dirt out really well.
I have put large pillows around my den. I also have a low table centered in this room. The den is where my electric fireplace is. I like to serve hot alcoholic drinks to my guests while we sit around the electric fireplace.
The electric fireplace is perfect for me and my lifestyle. I do not have the time or the energy to take care of an old fashioned fireplace. The ease of care for my electric fireplace is what sold me on the idea of buying one when I bought it.
I also like the idea that the electric fireplace can either produce heat or not. A heat free electric fireplace is awesome. In the area where I live, sometimes I don’t want heat coming from the electric fireplace.
The last gathering I had I served a drink called the African Queen in front of the electric fireplace. The African Queen is really a coffee drink and my friends all really like coffee. I brewed some nice strong coffee and I set out shot glasses with Amaretto and shot glasses with Triple Sec.
Each person put a shot of Amaretto and a shot of Triple Sec into their mug and then poured in the strong coffee. I had some whipped cream and cherries set out to complete the drink. Everyone liked sitting by the electric fireplace drinking an African Queen.
Another coffee drink that I like to serve by the electric fireplace is the Angie Coffee. My friend Angie came up with this drink and she named it after herself. This is one tough drink, so she recommends only serving two per guest unless you want to have overnight guests.
To make Angie Coffee, you need to mix an ounce of Bailey’s Irish Cream and an ounce of Kahlua with hot coffee. The drink is then topped off with an ounce of Stolichnaya Vodka. I served this to my friends by the electric fireplace and got rave reviews on my Angie Coffee.
I think that by far the best gathering I’ve had by my electric fireplace was the one that I had after a trip to an apple orchard. I brought back some apple juice from the farm and made Warm Apple Sliders for some friends. I heated up one quart of the fresh apple juice in a pot until it cooked down one half.
For each Warm Apple Slider, I poured a half of a cup of the cooked apple juice into a mug. To each mug, I added two ounces of Hennesey Cognac and two ounces of Alize. Alize is a passion fruit flavored liqueur. I served these to my guests sitting on the flokati rug in front of my electric fireplace and told my friends stories about the apple orchard.
Owning the Perfect Electric Fireplace with Heater
Choosing an electric fireplace with heater can be a lot of fun, because there are a lot to choose from. But there are a few things you’ll need to consider before you make that actual purchase. The first thing is always make sure you read all the warnings before plugging one in.
When buying an electric fireplace with heater, first know how much money you have to spend on it. Once that is taken care of go online and look up the specific type of fireplace you’re looking for. Or you can visit your local store and look around to see what’s available. There will be some fireplaces priced too high for your budget but there will be others just right for you. Of course, the fun part will be looking at the designs and getting a feel for what would fit in your home. They come in all different sizes, so I’m sure you’ll find one that’s perfect for you.
If you can, ask around and read as many reviews as you can about the electric fireplace with heater before going out and getting it. Don’t just buy the first one you see, it might not be worth the money. If you have any questions, try asking a manager if they can help you. Make sure you know exactly what you are looking for. Do you want one that has a fire or one that is fake? If you live in a hot climate you can get one that looks like the real thing but doesn’t send off heat. If you want an electric fireplace that doesn’t have to have real flames, you can order a Dimplex fireplace. With a Dimplex fireplace you’ll be able to buy that electric fireplace with heater and never have to actually burn a log. The Dimplex gives off a 3D version of a log burning fireplace while releasing heat through a heater.
An electric fireplace with heater can be just as romantic as a real wood burning fireplace if you give it a chance. Set the room up for a romantic night, plug in or turn on your electric fireplace and add a bit of music to the room. Turn the lights down low and bring in the dining room table and a setting for two. Toss out a blanket on the floor with pillows in front of the fireplace and enjoy the night.
Keep in mind even though this is an electric fireplace with heater you should still be careful around it. Make sure you never have water lying around it and don’t allow your children to play with it. Find out if your electric fireplace with heater turns itself off or if you need this option. You don’t want to find out the hard way. Adding an electric fireplace with heater to your home doesn’t mean large electric bills. It means adding warmth, fun, and beauty. Who knows, you may like them so much that you come back for a couple more if you really like them.
Dimplex Fireplace – Gives Off Heat Without the Mess
Did you know that a Dimplex fireplace that actually gives off heat even though the wood burning logs are 3D? Yes, that is correct this Fireplace has a 3D vision of a roaring fire. Even after you’ve shut the fire off, you’ll still see the embers dying down. With a fireplace by Dimplex you can have it placed in your living room or bedroom, mounted on the wall or as a plug-in. This is perfect for heating up the whole house or being used as just as heater. You will need to put it together, the logs are screwed into the fireplace.
The Dimplex electric stove can actually be used in any part of the house as long as there is a plug in nearby. This stove has a little glass door that swings open by hinges. This Dimplex fireplace adds a little bit of history to any room and will bring you back to a time when life wasn’t so stressful.
If you live in a hot climate, and still want to get into the spirit of the season you can with the Dimplex fireplace. Don’t worry, you don’t have to heat up your house. There are switches inside the fireplace that allow you to choose if you want heat or not. You can also pick just to view the fire burning, but without any heat. Now you can sit in your living room, late at night, even when it’s in the 90s and still see a fire burning. For those that do want heat you can turn it to high or low. Now, even those in the desert can hang stockings up at Christmas time with their very own Dimplex fireplace.
This fireplace is safe and affordable. You can now have your own Dimplex Fireplace as low as $200 and they come with a 10 year warranty. That’s a product even I wouldn’t mind having in my home. There are many different styles of models to choose from whether I want to hang it up on my wall, have one in my room that will shut off when you leave the room, and some even filter any allergens. Allergies won’t be a problem for me anymore, not with this fireplace. Now, you can have the air in your home cleaned four times in one hour by keeping your fireplace turned on. What better way to purify your house?
With the Dimplex Fireplace you will receive a 13-functional remote that allows you to control the heat and flames. This special fireplace can be made child safe. You can also program your fireplace to come on at certain times with the handy little remote that comes with it. With the Dimplex fireplace you won’t even realize it’s not a true fireplace.
You never have to worry about falling asleep in the middle of the night and forgetting to shut off your fireplace. With the Dimplex fireplace it’ll shut itself off. Plus, they can come in any size, which is perfect for any room in the house. You may even want to bring one into work with you, but be careful you might lose it.
Compact Electric Fireplace
A compact electric fireplace is a wonderful center and focal point to nay intimate or family gathering. I use mine the whole winter through and as early as possible each year. As soon as it gets cold enough I have my compact electric fireplace going almost nonstop. I’ve been known to extend the winter months by opening the windows in the porch to allow chilly air inside.
Of course this only works well because the electric fireplace is located in the attached screened in porch of my home. Otherwise, it would simply be a waste of heating, as the other rooms would not be reached by the heat of the fireplace.
Though some people may feel comfortable with turning up the air conditioning to accommodate a nice crackling fire, I am not one of those people. Fossil fuels are short in supply and high in demand. It just doesn’t seem right to waste critical fuel simply to enjoy an unneeded fire.
This is also partly why I chose to buy a compact electric fireplace over a wood burning fireplace. Our forests continue to get smaller and smaller and responsibility has to start somewhere. Now many environmentally conscious people are quick to point out that the electricity that is produced at electric plants is often made by the burning of fossil fuels.
This is a very good point and should not be overlooked. There are, however, several other sources of electrical power. In the state of Texas, where I live, a few years back they passed laws that allow consumers to choose from several different power companies -a sort of breaking up of the power monopoly that was in place here.
With the advent of new power company options, I was able to choose the power company that I wanted to use and not be penalized in any way. After some research, I was able to find several ‘green’ power companies.
There are ‘green’ power companies that get most of their electrical power from wind and water mills. There is one large power company that manufactures electrical power by capturing the gases that rise off of landfills. While this may not be a very attractive source of power, it is a much more renewable source. And I like that it takes some sort of advantage of the already too numerous landfills.
That being said, I do try not to be too wasteful with running my compact electric fireplace any more than is really reasonable. For the most part, I run the fireplace on the truly chilly or cold days. Since I and my children spend a lot of time out on the porch anyway, this seems to make sense and not be particularly wasteful, as we need heat of some kind on the coldest of days.
Besides heat, the thing I like the most about my compact electric fireplace is the cozy ambience that it provides. We keep several large pillows and overstuffed recliners out on the porch. These are great items to have on hand for snuggling up together around a nice fire.
Comfort Glow Fireplaces – Which is Right For You?
When families decide to add a fireplace to their home, they often choose a Comfort Glow fireplace. Comfort Glow offers many options, from direct vent units, fireplace kits, wood burning and electric fireplaces, vent free units and even solar fusion fireplaces to heat your home. With so many options it is best to learn as much as possible about each type of fireplace offered before selecting. Here is a little information about the many fireplaces available form Comfort Glow.
1) Electric Fireplace
Flames work with or without heat. Easily installed these fireplaces can fit perfectly in any room in the house. With three styles to choose from you have the choice of a mini fireplace that is 21 inches, a medium size at 26 inches or a full size fireplace at 32 inches.
2) Gas Fireplace
There are four styles of gas log fireplaces. You will find these hand painted gas burning logs available for several sizes of fireplaces. Be sure to choose the correct size after selecting the style of logs offered. Ranging from bronze to premium, you are sure to find the logs that suit your home best.
3) Fire box
If you need a fireplace with zero clearance, then a fire box is exactly what you’re looking for. Easily installed to your fuel line, Comfort Glow offers two fire boxes in 32 inches and 36 inches. These vent free fireplaces come with a two year limited warranty.
4) Wood Burning
The most popular wood burning Comfort Glow fireplaces are the 36 inch and 42 inch wood burning fireplace. These fireboxes will include a mesh screen and cast iron grate. The concrete liner and circulating louvers help with blowing the heat out and into your home. This will take the use of electricity for the blower but the fireplace can burn wood without the blower.
5) Cast Iron
A free standing cast iron fireplace may be exactly what you’re looking for. Comfort Glow offers many cast iron fireplaces and stoves ranging in price from $500 – $700. Also offered as add ons are an oak hearth base and cleaning kit to keep your cast iron fireplace in great shape.
6) Fireplace Pedestal
These beautiful Comfort glow vent free fireplaces are sitting on top of a pedestal. They take full size logs and come complete with a dual burner and concealed controls. A video comes with the fireplace offering suggestions of care for your new fireplace.
7) Electric Stove/Fireplace
Similar to a cast iron fireplace these are very easy to install and inexpensive. Enhancing the decor of any home, these come with a one year warranty.
Bay Front
This vent free fireplace system offers a dramatic interest. With it’s upscale mantel and brick liner, this is a beauty most homeowners would appreciate. Select an on/off switch for easy lighting and optional bay mantel with firebox trim. This fireplace can easily warm up a room of 900 square feet.
9) Mini Glow
Mini Comfort Glow fireplaces are now hard to find. You’ll need to search auction houses such as eBay online for a mini hearth radiant fireplace by Comfort Glow. If you’re looking for a smaller sized fireplace, you might consider a 21 inch electric Comfort Glow.
10) Infrared Heater
A infrared heater fireplace will give off heat that feels like it comes from the sun. These natural gas and propane heaters will warm you up and get you feeling toasty warm.
11) Blue Flame
A Comfort Glow blue flame fireplace are not only beautiful to view, but will work like a central heating system. Choose a blue flame heater that will warm up to 700 square feet for only $170 or go with the larger version that heats up to 1000 square feet for only $200. Accessories such as a thermostat blower, mounting kit, gas shut off and cleaning kit are available.
12) Ultra Slim
These heaters and fireplaces are 40% slimmer than the average heater. These hug the wall in your home, leaving space to move about and warming a 20 foot by 30 foot room easily. An ultra slim heater will have an acrylic smoked glass front, run silently and has a concealed thermostat control.
13) Compact Gas Fireplace
Choose from several types of Comfort fireplaces. One is made especially for the bedroom, while another offers single or dual burners. For about $400 or less you can complete your home with either a natural or propane dual burning fireplace made by Comfort Glow.
14) Solar Fusion
With two heat sources, a solar fusion fireplace may be just what you’re looking for. This combines blue flame and infrared heat to make for a great working fireplace that gives off an orange glow. Costs only pennies per hour and is quiet. Since it’s odorless there’s no need for venting. This model uses natural or propane gas.
15) Vent Free
Ceramic and concrete imitation logs are stronger and will withstand extreme hear of up to 2200 degrees Fahrenheit. This set of log heaters includes push button fire starter and a safety pilot system.
16) Fire Log Mate
These fireplace logs are very realistic and will look great in any Comfort Glow fireplace. Made by Comfort Glow especially for their fireplaces, these imitation logs will sit inside the fireplace while lit gel or a fire log is placed in the center, giving the true appearance of burning logs.
17) Direct Vent
Using a direct vent fireplace made by Comfort Glow will meet the needs of today’s well designed and insulated homes. Offered in three sizes, these fireplaces are perfect to use during electrical outages. This fireplace does not require electricity.
18) Comfort Glow Fireplace Kits
A contractor will be needed for installation for one of Comfort Glows many fireplace kits. Using a kit can save you money and time. Choose the fireplace that meets the codes in your city and also will fit well into your decor. Kits will include everything you need.
Enjoy a warm fire in your home any time of the year when you choose a Comfort Glow fireplace.
Charmglow Electric Fireplace Benefits
If you’re on the hunt for the charm of a fireplace, then a Charmglow electric fireplace may just be what you’re looking for. Charmglow not only offers several styles of electric fireplaces but also offers them at great prices. The Charmglow colonial fireplace does not only provide the beauty of a fireplace but will work as a heater to warm your home. This year’s newest Charmglow fireplace has a realistic flame for viewing enjoyment or you can simply turn it on for heating purposes. Use this fireplace any time of the year since it comes with a 1500 watt forced heater fan. This will heat up any room easily. There is no installation necessary, no extra vents are needed. Just place this electric heating fireplace near an outlet, plug it in and you’re all set. During the warm summer months, turn on the realistic flames for that warm glow but there is no heat given off. This special fireplace costs only pennies a day.
2005 Charmglow electric/heating fireplace in Colonial style
Benefits will include:
1) All year enjoyment
2) Portability (only 42 lbs)
3) Vent-less
4) Easy installation
5) Easy on/off switch and remote control
6) Heat/no Heat operation
7) Easy to clean and safe operation
Cost is only pennies per day
9) Lifetime LED flame
10) Uses standard 120V outlet
The Charmglow electric portable stove is another great choice in fireplaces. This realistic Charmglow electric fireplace is the choice of many families today. With the simple ease of plugging it in and use in minutes, this is one of many benefits of Charmglow fireplaces today. The Dimplex fireplace and stove comes with a remote and a thermostat. With beautiful imitation logs burning, it will warm your family’s favorite room. The stove’s today has a flat top with a curved window in the front door.
Charmglow Electric Fireplace Portable Dimplex Stove
Benefits will include:
1) Cool surface
2) Use all year round
3) Instantly switch on and off
4) Saves space
5) Use with or without heat
6) Realistic logs
7) Easy installation
No venting needed
9) 1500 watt built in fan
10) Thermostat with temperature control
When selecting a fireplace or heating system for your home, consider a Charmglow electric heater. Not only will it save you money in heating costs, but it will add charm and warmth to any home. Selling for as low as $200 these special fireplaces are well worth the money.