Electric Fireplace?

[stroke]

So, it's that time of year: Hallmark Day. I was looking for a unique gift, and I saw a few things, but seems like they're all just stupid crap that will make her happy for a day, and in a few months you'll find it in a cardboard box. Well, she has always wanted a fireplace in our house, and we've wanted to get an electric fireplace. I've decided to use my tax return to surprise her with an electric fireplace. Sounds simple, right? NOPE! The space I'd like to put it is 52"w/33"h, but with a saw and some paint, I can probably give myself another 6"h if I need it. I think I've narrowed it down, what do yall think? Any experience with these things? I don't need it to crank out a crap-ton of heat. Chime in!

Martha's Vineyard Mahogany Electric Fireplace Convertible Mantel Package at Electric Fireplaces Direct

 

[Jwrussell]

In response to the Title of the thread: Hell No. Go real or go home.

That being said, that's a nice looking electric fireplace. I'm sure the wife will love it. :thumbsup:

 

[stroke]

Well, I can go electric and simply plug it in or I can run gas lines (or have a house that smells like smoke) and cut a hole in my roof to run an exhaust (thus creating a higher potential for leaks). And that's not to mention the money I'll save by eliminating all of those materials and labor. Sure its not quite the same, but all things considered, it seems to he the best decision for my specific setup and situation. Thanks for the input bro!

edit: cleanin out the chimney doesn't sound fun either! When we build eventually, I may consider getting a fireplace built into the house, ensuring proper ventilation and good seals integrated into the roof. Right now, I'm in a 26 year old home, so I want to avoid as any structural alterations as possible.

 

[Jwrussell]

I was just teasin', bro'. I hear you. I wouldn't try to put a real fireplace in an existing home, too many issues and way too much cost, IMHO. However, if I ever build, or ever have the chance to buy with a fireplace we'll do it. Even living in FL, we get jealous as hell when the temps drop a little and we walk the dogs and have to smell other's fireplaces.

 

[skynyrd09]

Please consider that traditional wood burning fire places have less than 10% efficiency when it comes to heating. New fireplace inserts or stand alone gas/electric fireplaces are great but do your research on efficiency. There are a lot of sealed gas/electric fireplaces that circulate with a small fan that are as high as 85% efficient in heating.

Check out the following video... great little project.

http://www.pbs.org/thisoldhouse/videos/viewer.php?item=gas-fireplace-insert

 

[dpricenator]

do the electric ones really produce heat? I have the DVD of a fireplace, but certainly no heat there.

My gas fireplce with fake logs produces crap for heat while the flu is open. I run it on high, heat the logs up, turn it off and close the flu, that way the logs radiate heat inwards. Still it sucks...

 

[stroke]

I was just teasin', bro'. I hear you. I wouldn't try to put a real fireplace in an existing home, too many issues and way too much cost, IMHO. However, if I ever build, or ever have the chance to buy with a fireplace we'll do it. Even living in FL, we get jealous as hell when the temps drop a little and we walk the dogs and have to smell other's fireplaces.

oh I know bro! No offense taken at all!! I couldn't agree with you more!

Please consider that traditional wood burning fire places have less than 10% efficiency when it comes to heating. New fireplace inserts or stand alone gas/electric fireplaces are great but do your research on efficiency. There are a lot of sealed gas/electric fireplaces that circulate with a small fan that are as high as 85% efficient in heating.

Check out the following video... great little project.

http://www.pbs.org/thisoldhouse/videos/viewer.php?item=gas-fireplace-insert

Very good point! My wife wants it more for the atmosphere than for heating, but you're absolutely right, it would be silly to get one that's not efficient. Great video, thanks!!

 

[stroke]

do the electric ones really produce heat? I have the DVD of a fireplace, but certainly no heat there.

Most of the ones I've looked at do. I'm sure there are some that don't and are much less expensive.

My gas fireplace with fake logs produces crap for heat while the flu is open. I run it on high, heat the logs up, turn it off and close the flu, that way the logs radiate heat inwards. Still it sucks...

My in-laws have a gas fireplace with fake logs and it'll heat their fairly large living room with vaulted ceilings in about 15 minutes with the flu open. Does yours have a fan? Theirs does, and it works very well.