There are a number of things you may be wondering about the modern world of electric fireplaces, and some of these questions may speak to common functions of traditional fireplaces. One of the most frequent such questions: Do electric fireplaces give off heat?

At Uintah Fireplace and Design, we’re happy to offer a huge range of fireplace services to clients around Salt Lake City, Park City, Heber and nearby areas, including both gas and electric fireplace repair, installation and more. The answer to the question above: It depends! Let’s take a look at how heating functions work in today’s electric fireplaces, plus the kinds of heating capability you can expect from these models if this is a priority for your fireplace selection.

Do Electric Fireplaces Give Off Heat?

When we mentioned above that the answer to this question depends, the crux point we’re talking about refers to the design of the fireplace itself. Many of today’s electric fireplaces and inserts are indeed built with the capability to produce heat, with a heating element included within the unit that allows for this. However, there are also some models that simply serve as decorative pieces, lacking any sort of heat production at all.

Naturally, as you may have expected, models that have heating capacity may be slightly more expensive than non-heating models. However, this is not always the case – there are a number of other design factors that can go into electric fireplace pricing as well.

Electric Fireplace Heating Considerations

For those who are specifically interested in heating function within their electric fireplace, here are some of the primary factors to consider:

• Heating Capacity: In most cases, electric fireplaces will have a BTU (British Thermal Unit) rating that reflects the amount of heat they can produce. Similar to traditional gas or wood-burning fireplace ratings, higher BTU numbers mean more heat coming from the unit in question.
• Heating Location: Generally, electric fireplaces are not meant to provide home-wide heating – rather, they’re designed for specific rooms or areas within the home. Make sure you know the coverage area of your chosen fireplace, and consider whether this fits with your needs.
• Heating Control: Some electric fireplaces will have adjustable heating settings that allow you to control how much heat is produced. If this is a feature you’re interested in, make sure it’s included in the model you purchase.
• Fan and Heater Separation: Finally, some electric fireplace models have a fan that operates separately from the heater itself, allowing for a cool-down period after use. Consider whether this is important to you as well.

Can an Electric Fireplace Replace Major Heating Components?

Some may wonder if an electric fireplace is meant to replace major heating components such as a furnace or boiler. The answer here is no – these fireplaces are not built for this purpose, and will not provide the same level of comprehensive heating that your larger HVAC systems do.

However, they can be a great supplemental source of heat in specific areas of the home, plus offer many other benefits like lower energy costs, easy installation and a variety of design options. Our pros will be happy to speak to you about the potential for any electric fireplace model you’re considering with regard to heating capability.

Other Benefits of Electric Fireplaces

In addition to heating capabilities, there are plenty of other perks associated with today’s electric fireplaces as well:

• Low Maintenance: Electric fireplaces are incredibly easy to maintain compared to traditional fireplace options. They don’t require regular cleaning or upkeep, and there’s no need for chimney inspections or other common tasks associated with wood-burning fireplaces.
• Energy Efficiency: As we noted above, electric fireplaces can be much more energy-efficient than their gas or wood-burning counterparts. They don’t produce any harmful emissions or require fuel sources, meaning they’re cleaner for the environment and your wallet.
• Design Versatility: Finally, electric fireplaces offer a huge range of design options that you may not find with traditional models. From sleek and modern to classic and rustic, there’s an electric fireplace to fit every aesthetic preference.

Electric fireplaces are becoming increasingly popular as homeowners realize the versatility and convenience they offer. If you’re considering installing one in your home, make sure to research heating capabilities and other features to find the perfect fit for your needs and preferences.

And don’t forget to reach out to our experts at Uintah Fireplace and Design for all your electric fireplace needs! We’re here to help with everything you might need for a gas or electric fireplace around SLC, Park City, Heber or any nearby area.