Perhaps you are looking to switch out your current fireplace and want to make sure an electric fireplace will provide you with the warmth you need? Whatever the reason that brought you here today, we have the answers for you!
When it comes to electric fireplaces, many people wonder if they give off heat or if they are simply a decorative addition to a room.
Sure, they look pretty realistic, but will they give off the same heat as a fire? You can find yourself searching and searching, but never quite getting the answers that you need.
Well, no more! Today we are here to tell you if electric fireplaces give off heat and everything you need to know about them (see also ‘Using An Electric Fireplace Outside‘). Just keep reading to find out more!
Do Electric Fireplaces Give Off Heat?
Let’s dive straight into it! Yes, electric fireplaces give off heat! In most cases, you will find that an electric fireplace will give off heat through a heating element usually found at the top of the fireplace.
Fans typically blow hot air from the electric fireplace to heat the room, giving you the warmth you crave and a realistic fire to enjoy! These days, most electric fireplaces (see also ‘What Is An Infrared Electric Fireplace?‘) come with a remote for you to control them easily.
You can control the heating element separately from the flames on your fireplace.
So when you are warm enough, simply switch off the heat and enjoy some realistic flickering flames! How to control your electric fireplace will differ from fireplace to fireplace, but most of them are super easy to use. You can always follow the instructions in your manual if you are unsure.
Now that we have established that electric fireplaces do give off heat, let’s move on and look at how they create heat in closer detail!
How Do Electric Fireplaces Produce Heat?
As we mentioned earlier, most electric fireplaces produce heat through a heating element at the top of the unit, while a fan pushes this air into your room.
The heating element is often separate from the flames on an electric fireplace, allowing you to control them as you see fit.
So how does it work? Well, when the heating element is turned on the fans activate, pulling in cooler air from your room and pushing out hot air.
Sure, this is quite a technical process, but this explanation covers the basics that you need to know! You can always find out more about how your specific model works to heat your room by checking out the user manual.
For your electric fireplace to turn on and heat your room, you simply need to plug into an electrical outlet for power to flow to the fireplace! If there isn’t an outlet already in the empty fireplace in your home, you might need to call an electrician to have them install one for you.
Usually, this isn’t a difficult job for them and shouldn’t cost you too much.
As we said earlier, most electric fireplaces come with a remote these days allowing you to control them with ease.
You can use the remote to turn the heater on and off, but also adjust the heat. There will usually be a few different settings for you to choose from, allowing you to get the heat that you want.
Some electric fireplaces also come with thermostats, allowing you to set an exact temperature and enjoy the heat you want in your home.
How Much Heat Do Electric Fireplaces Produce?
Now that we have established that electric fireplaces do give off heat and how they do it, you might be wondering how much heat they produce.
The answer is a lot! Compared to traditional fireplaces where 80% of their heat is lost through the chimney, all the heat your electric fireplace creates is released into your home.
This gives electric fireplaces a 100% efficiency for releasing heat, which is far higher than other types of fireplaces.
While electric fireplaces release all the heat they produce into your home, the amount of heat they can produce varies from fireplace to fireplace.
The voltage on your electric fireplace will determine how much heat the fireplace can deliver.
The amount of BTUs (British Thermal Unit) your fireplace produces should be stated in the user manual.
If not, you can usually find reviews online that will state the BTU. simply search for the make and model of your electric fireplace to find out the answer!
We recommend pairing a 5000BTU electric fireplace (see also ‘How Much Does It Cost To Run An Electric Fireplace?‘) with a small to medium-sized room. It should provide enough warmth for the room without there being any cold areas.
For larger rooms, you will want a fireplace with a higher BTU rating to ensure that there is plenty of heat to go around!
You can find electric fireplaces that produce double the heat of standard fireplaces, with an average of 9000 to 10,000BTUs.
These powerful electric fireplaces are a fine choice for larger or open-plan rooms, as they are capable of heating large spaces with no issues! If you are searching for a new electric fireplace we recommend that you spend some time researching the BTU ratings and checking out reviews.
Usually, you can find someone with similar needs to you that will have stated if the fireplace will produce enough heat for the room or not.
Final Thoughts
And there you have it! Not only do electric fireplaces give off heat, but all the heat they produce goes into your room, keeping you and your family warm.
The amount of heat electric fireplaces produce does vary depending on their voltage, so be sure to do your research beforehand to find the right one for you!
Hi, I am Stevie Morris. As a qualified electrician, I have installed countless electric fires and worked on projects with all types of fireplaces, including wood burning, bioethanol, and gas installations.
By working hands-on with different brands, you quickly become an expert on the best fireplaces and those you should avoid.
My family also owns the largest online retailer of fire pits and outdoor fireplaces in the UK. Although not part of the family business, I regularly help when needed.
I hope you can benefit from my experience and impartiality, which I have gained from installing fireplaces and seeing the family's fire pit business grow.
