A zero clearance fireplace means a kind of prefabricated, metal firebox that has been designed for fast and easy installation directly onto combustible surfaces, and is pre-manufactured to operate safely with the minimal of clearances and thus the least amount of space or “clearance” required between the firebox and combustible walls or furniture.
Zero clearance fireplaces are generally installed during the construction of a home and are typically built directly into walls or furniture. They are also sold as kits, which include all the necessary parts required for installation and assembly.
These fireplaces are generally quite efficient and create less air pollution than traditional fireplaces. They require very little maintenance, except for the occasional cleaning of the glass door, chimney screening and venting, and the inspection and cleaning of the fireplace, flue, and all areas to confirm proper operation and safety.
What is the difference between a zero clearance fireplace and an insert?
The main difference between a zero clearance fireplace and an insert is the type of fuel that is used for each. A zero clearance fireplace is designed to burn solid fuels, such as wood logs, while an insert is designed to burn a different type of fuel, such as natural gas or propane.
In addition, zero clearance fireplaces are built into the wall of the home and are a permanent fixture, while an insert can be easily removed and reinstalled if necessary. This makes them ideal for those who do not wish to commit to a permanent installation, as they can easily be taken out and replaced when needed.
Another major difference between the two is the fact that an insert offers more control over the heat output, typically as well as better efficiency. This is because the fire is contained in a firebox and is not able to spread throughout the room, meaning you can control the temperature more effectively.
Zero clearance fireplaces, on the other hand, are open flames that can quickly spread heat throughout the room, making them more difficult to regulate.
Finally, zero clearance fireplaces require more maintenance than their insert counterparts. Due to their open flame design, these fireplaces require regular cleaning and chimney inspections to ensure that the fire is running safely and efficiently.
Inserts are much easier to maintain, as all the fire is contained within the unit and typically only needs to be inspected occasionally to ensure that it is in proper working order.
How do I know if my fireplace has zero clearance?
In order to determine if your fireplace has zero clearance, you will need to first inspect the existing structure of your fireplace. Zero clearance fireplaces have a metal jacket that provides protection from combustible materials.
This jacket should consist of sheet steel or sheet metal and extend from the floor to the ceiling. In addition, a zero clearance fireplace also has a metal ‘box’ that is air-insulated between itself and any combustible material.
The air-insulation should extend around the entire fireplace, including the sides, back and bottom of the fireplace. For added safety, the fireplace should also have an insulated or double-lined chimney.
This chimney should be constructed with a two-inch thick, concrete, fiberglass or masonry liner. Finally, in order to complete the zero clearance fireplace certification, you will have to inspect the manufacturer’s installation instructions to ensure they are followed precisely.
If any part of the installation instructions are not followed, the fireplace will not be properly certified as a zero clearance fireplace.
Are ventless fireplaces zero clearance?
No, ventless fireplaces are not necessarily zero clearance. A zero clearance refers to a type of fireplace that has been specifically designed to be framed into wooden studs without requiring fire-resistant material around the unit.
While most ventless fireplaces are designed to be low-clearance, they typically do not meet the standards of a zero clearance unit and require a distance from combustible material in order to be safely installed.
Depending on the model of ventless fireplace, there are specific requirements for clearances for non-combustible material and combustible material specified by the manufacturer in order for the unit to be safely installed.
When in doubt, it is always a good idea to consult a qualified professional to ensure the unit is properly and safely installed.
Do electric fireplaces make your electric bill high?
Electric fireplaces do not typically make your electric bill substantially higher. Generally, they use far less energy than other heating sources, like gas or wood. The majority of electric fireplaces operate with a system of electricity-powered fans that circulate heat from inside the fireplace to the room.
Some models may use a heating element—similar to the type found in a space heater—that generates heat more quickly and at a higher temperature. This does require more electricity to run, but the electrical consumption for these models is still relatively low.
A typical electric fireplace will consume about the same amount of electricity as a 50” LED television. Furthermore, since electric fireplaces come with a thermostat, you have control over the temperature and can choose to turn it off or run it at a lower temperature when you’re not using it to further reduce electric consumption.
In addition, older electric fireplaces may use a resistance heating coil that uses more electricity; while they are still considered electric fireplaces, they are much less energy efficient than the newer models on the market.
Do electric fireplaces cost a lot to run?
Electric fireplaces are generally very energy efficient and cost-effective when it comes to energy consumption. Since there is no combustion, the only cost associated with an electric fireplace is the cost of electricity.
The actual amount of electricity used to operate an electric fireplace varies greatly depending on the size of the unit and its power setting, but is generally somewhere between 1.5 – 5 kWh per hour, depending on the manufacturer.
On average, the cost to run an electric fireplace is approximately 14 cents per hour and is much lower than the cost to operate gas fireplaces, which can range between 24 to 58 cents per hour depending on the type of gas being burned.
Electric fireplaces are therefore generally much more cost-effective to operate than gas fireplaces.
How much power does an electric fireplace use?
The amount of power an electric fireplace uses will depend on several factors, including the size and type of the unit, as well as whether it is connected to a power source or using batteries. Generally, an electric fireplace of medium size can consume between 1000 and 1500 watts of power when used on the highest heat setting.
Smaller models may use as little as 400 watts while larger models may use up to 2000 watts. Even so, electric fireplaces, as compared to wood-burning fireplaces, are more energy-efficient as they tend to generate more heat with less energy consumption.
When used on the lower heat settings, they can even consume less than 200 watts of power.
What are the pros and cons of electric fireplaces?
The pros of electric fireplaces are that they are cost effective, very easy to install, do not require any ventilation systems, require no firewood or other fuel, are safe to use in any home and require very little maintenance.
Additionally, electric fireplaces come in a wide range of styles and designs, and can be used to enhance the décor of any space.
The cons of electric fireplaces are that they do not produce an authentic flame, the warmth generated is not as effective as other heating sources and, depending on the space in which it is used, may require additional heating sources to maintain a comfortable temperature.
Additionally, electric fireplaces require a dedicated power source, which can be costly to install.
Can I leave my electric fireplace on all night?
No, you should not leave your electric fireplace on all night. While they are electric and may not cause a fire hazard like traditional fireplaces, their internal wiring can become damaged if left on for extended periods, particularly if the fireplace is aged or has not been maintained properly.
Furthermore, electric fireplaces generate heat, which can cause the room to become too hot to comfortably sleep in during the night, causing potential health and safety risks. Finally, electric fireplaces can sometimes produce an unpleasant smell if left on for a long time, potentially affecting the air quality of the room.
It is recommended that you consult the owner’s manual for your specific electric fireplace before taking any action to make sure you understand the manufacturer’s recommendations.
Is it cheaper to use electric fire or central heating?
The answer to this question ultimately depends on a number of factors. The cost of installation and running costs of both electric fire and central heating needs to be taken into consideration when deciding which one is more cost effective.
In terms of initial installation costs, electric fire will typically require less work, making it generally a more cost friendly option. Central heating, on the other hand, can require extensive installation from a heating engineer, particularly if it requires a full renovation of your existing heating system, making it usually a higher cost option upfront.
When looking at running costs, electric fire is generally more expensive than comparable central heating over the long term. Electric fire typically uses energy more quickly, leading to increased running costs over time.
However, electricity prices may be relatively affordable in some areas, which can help to reduce the running cost of electric fire. Meanwhile, central heating typically requires less energy to operate, resulting in lower overall running costs.
To make a truly informed decision on which system is most economical for your budget and lifestyle, it is best to look into both options in detail and compare the cost of installation and ongoing operational fees.
How energy efficient are electric fires?
Electric fires are generally very energy efficient and can be up to 100% efficient, meaning all of the energy used is converted into heat. Standard electric fires have an efficiency of around 90%, and some of the more advanced models have much higher efficiency ratings.
As electric fires don’t need to be constantly fed with fuel like other combustion fires, they tend to offer very low running costs when compared to other heating solutions. Many modern electric fire designs also feature flame-effect LED lighting, which adds a touch of warmth to the atmosphere while using minimal electricity.
Plus, electric fires are much safer than traditional combustion fires since they don’t require a chimney or flue, and they’re incredibly easy to install and operate.
How many watts is a fireplace TV stand?
The answer to how many watts a fireplace TV stand requires depends on the size of your television and what other components are being used in conjunction with the stand. Generally speaking, a TV stand with an electric fireplaces averages about 1,400 watts.
However, this can vary depending on the wattage of the lights and heater if the electric fireplaces has both features. A typical 40-inch LED television will require about 40 watts of power, so add this to the 1,400 watts a fire place TV stand uses to get an idea of how many watts you will need.
If you have other components such as an Apple TV or gaming console, you should also factor these into the equation as well.
Can you enclose an electric fireplace?
Yes, you can enclose an electric fireplace. Electric fireplaces are a safe and efficient type of heating source and cost-effective than other types of fireplaces, such as gas-burning models. Unlike gas fireplaces, electric fireplaces can be installed in almost any room of your home, since they require no venting.
Therefore, you can easily install an electric fireplace into an existing space and enclose it with a mantel and other materials, such as stone, marble, or wood.
When installing an electric fireplace, it is important to remember that the unit must be installed according to the manufacturer’s instructions for proper and safe operation. In addition, you must ensure that the combustible materials around the fireplace are a safe distance away from the heat source.
Finally, it is important to follow any local building codes and regulations concerning fireplaces to ensure safety.
Is it safe to put an electric fireplace insert in a TV stand?
It really depends on what type of electric fireplace insert you plan to use in your TV stand. There are some electric fireplace inserts that are specifically designed to be placed in a TV stand, and come with thermal constructed panels on the side of the insert to provide safety in combination with the existing vent.
These types of electric fireplace inserts are generally safe to use in TV stands.
However, electric fireplace inserts that are not specifically designed to fit inside a TV stand can be dangerous. If you choose to use one of these electric fireplace inserts, you will likely need to modify the TV stand to provide adequate space for the insert.
Without adequate space and proper isolation on the sides of the insert, you could be at risk of overheating. You should also avoid placing any combustible materials (such as books or papers) near the electric fireplace insert as they could easily catch fire.
Can an electric fireplace be installed anywhere?
An electric fireplace can be installed almost anywhere, as long as it’s installed according to the manufacturer’s instructions and building and safety regulations. Many electric fireplaces are designed to be wall-mounted and require no additional framing or major wiring.
So they can be easily added to any room regardless of size or location. However, some electric fireplaces are designed to be inserted into an existing fireplace surround and mantel. In this case, it may be more difficult and expensive to install.
Additionally, additional wiring may be required in order to ensure that the fireplace is connected to the proper electricity supply. For this reason, it’s best to have a qualified electrician work with you to properly install your electric fireplace.
Can an electric fireplace give off carbon monoxide?
No, electric fireplaces do not give off carbon monoxide. An electric fireplace produces no combustion gases, so there is no release of CO or any other harmful gases into the environment. Electric fireplaces generate heat through resistive elements, working in the same way as a traditional electric heater.
Electric fireplaces are an increasingly popular alternative to gas or wood-burning fireplaces, offering convenience, aesthetic appeal, and low-maintenance installation. Electric fireplaces have a variety of safety features, including an auto shut-off, which helps prevent any chance of CO accumulation.
Do fireplaces need a vent?
Yes, fireplaces do need a vent. A chimney or flue is normally required to ensure proper ventilation of smoke and hazardous gases produced by the fire. Chimneys are also a major source of heat loss in many buildings, so a damper may be used to close off the chimney when the fireplace is not in use.
Properly installed and vented fireplaces can improve air quality and reduce heating costs, so it is highly recommended to ensure that the fireplace is properly vented. It is important to have a professional install the chimney or flue and to have regular inspections of the system to ensure that it is properly functioning.
How do you install a ventless electric fireplace?
Installing a ventless electric fireplace is a fairly straightforward process. The installation typically consists of four main steps: preparation, assembly, installation, and finishing.
1. Preparation: Make sure the area you choose for the fireplace complies with your local building codes and regulations. Allow for at least 24 inches of clearance around the unit. Also, check to make sure the floor and/or wall you’re mounting the fireplace on is clean and dry.
2. Assembly: Follow the manufacturer’s instructions to assemble the electric fireplace unit. Using a level, check to make sure the firebox is level. Secure the firebox to a wall or the floor with the included hardware.
3. Installation: Plug the fireplace into a dedicated outlet that fits the wattage of the fireplace. Make sure the outlet is either properly grounded or has a power surge protector.
4. Finishing: Place the included trim and/or mantle around the fireplace, then plug the power cord in. Some models may require you to fill the firebox with fire crystals for a realistic flame effect.
Once the installation is complete, read the operating manual, test out your fireplace and enjoy it!