Wall Mount Electric Fireplaces
Wall-mounted electric fireplaces create a warm, welcoming ambience to your home without the hassles of ash, chimney cleaning or purchasing stacking, transporting, and storing coal or firewood. They also provide a secure alternative to conventional fireplaces, and do not obstruct the floor space or trip people up as they walk through the room.
Size
A wall-mounted electric fireplace is an elegant option if desire the look and feel of a fireplace but don't have enough room for a chimney and hearth. These fireplaces free up floor space by mounting on a flat surface and plug into an electrical outlet for all-year-round use. Most models have a remote control that allows simple on/off operation. Some models also come with a flame display and decorative embers. These models are available in a range of styles and sizes.
The majority of wall-mounted electric fires are small. However there are plenty of linear options that extend across the length of the wall. These are great for rooms with low ceilings. They can provide a warm focal area that doesn't occupy too the entire space.
Electric fireplaces can be installed on flat walls, much as a wood fire. These types of units come in a range of frame colors, from black and contemporary stainless steel to glamorous mirrored glass. Choose a frame color that is compatible with your wall or existing furniture. Some models include a flat screen television to make them an entertainment center in one.
Many people opt for this method placing their TV over their fireplace. This is a great idea, but be aware of the necessary clearance between the TV and electric fireplace. According to the majority of clearance guidelines, all combustibles must be kept at least three feet away from the fireplace.
Some of these units can be recessed into walls to create a custom-fit. This kind of fireplace may not generate as much heat as the straight-front wall mounted model however it is perfect for a custom-designed installation. There are also electric fireplaces that are designed to be mounted on walls and hung from the ceiling. These units are ideal for commercial settings such as hotel lobbies or restaurants.
A lot of these models come with different heat output settings that you can alter according to the season. Some models can be turned off so that you can use them all year round, without losing the attractive flame effect. Some have a no-heat setting that only warms the area around it for added comfort. electric wall mounted fires are perfect for homes with pets or children, since the fireplace does not generate any heat.
Flame Effects
Many electric fireplaces have different flame effects that are created to look like the real flame. These features are often combined with an LED background to create a more realistic look that is easy to blend into different styles of interior decor. You can also change the intensity and color of the flame to match your mood, or the atmosphere of the room.
A chemical-based flame effect is a better alternative. It mimics the behaviour and appearance of a natural flame. They use the use of a chemical fluid which is heated by an element within the unit to create the fire. These units are messy and require lots of maintenance.
Plasma fire effects are a great alternative to chemical flames. They are made of tiny particles that glow and flicker, simulating the appearance of a real flame. This kind of simulated flame could look fake and is not as appealing as other options.
If you prefer a more natural looking flame there are wall mounted electric fireplaces that offer realistic log sets and a realistic flame projection that is holographic to give an appearance that is very realistic. These units are usually coated in rust or wood that blends perfectly with traditional interior designs. They can be positioned in a recess for a more customized look that can blend with a variety wall designs.
The size of your space and your personal preferences will determine the model you select. You will need to choose the largest model for larger spaces so that it can be able to fill the space without making it appear empty. If you're installing the fireplace in a smaller space, a compact or mini-model is the better option. You can also find an array of frame and surround options for these electric fireplaces that will match your design. For example, the AL45CLX2-G wall-mount electric fireplace from Ambiance is available in a number of different finishes, including flat black metal and a standard black glass that fits into the majority of 2x4 walls.
Ventilation
Wall-mounted electric fireplaces can provide an abundance of style and function without the difficulty of installing an actual fireplace. You don't have to hire an electrician, you don't need a chimney, and you don't have to think about running gas lines through your home. However there are some things to consider when selecting a wall mounted electric fireplace.
The venting system is one of the main differences between wall-mounted fireplaces as well as freestanding ones. While many freestanding models have a vent on the back of the unit, many wall-mounted models don't. This is because the majority of the heat comes from the top of the fireplace. It could be dangerous if the fireplace is not vented properly. This is why it's important to read reviews prior to purchasing the unit.
Flame effects are a major difference between wall mounted and freestanding fireplaces. While the majority of freestanding fireplaces feature LED screens and rotisserie-style lights wall-mounted fireplaces use mist and other technologies to create the illusion of smoke and flames. Dimplex for instance, has a fireplace line that uses ultrasonics to create the illusion of fire.
Some wall-mounted electric fireplaces are able to be partially recessed into the wall. This permits them to be put in within tight places where a traditional fireplace would not fit. This allows them to blend in with many different interior styles.
Most wall-mounted electric fireplaces are designed to be viewed from the front, but there are some that have multi-view. These are usually a little bit larger than single-view models and permit you to view the flames from several sides of the room.
Installation
Like the name suggests, wall mount electric fireplaces are designed to be hung on the wall, usually with a bracket for mounting. They are generally easy to install, although the precise process will vary between models. Certain models are fixed to the wall with screws, while others require an opening around them. In either scenario, it's crucial to follow the directions included with the fire, making sure the framed opening is correctly measured and positioned in line with any safety guidelines.
The first step is to choose the best location for your fireplace, based on the style of the room as well as any furniture you have. You should also check that the location is near enough to a power outlet, or if you're willing to let an electrician move a plug socket (if one already exists) for you.
Once you've found the perfect spot to put the fireplace, you must prepare the space by clearing it, removing any existing furniture and preparing the walls. This may involve removing any existing decorations or wallpaper and also locating any studs and marking them with an stud finder (you'll often be required to have two people hold the fireplace to ensure that it's properly positioned).
The majority of wall-mounted electric fireplaces include a template for drilling holes, which you must use to mark the locations on the walls where brackets are to be positioned. After you've marked the locations, drill the holes and install the rawl plugs. As a rule you'll need to make sure that the heater - which is in front of the fireplace and produces heat - is at least 400mm away from any combustible materials, such as fabrics.
Once the holes are made, you'll need to fit the mounting bracket. Some models will require that you place the firebox on the bracket, while other models will require you to place the fireplace onto the bracket prior to attaching the screen. In any case, it's essential to follow the installation guidelines precisely to avoid damaging your new appliance. Once the fireplace is installed connect it to the electrical outlet and test it to ensure it's working properly.