When winters approach, it’s normal to start thinking about how you’re going to heat your home – this is where an electric fireplace in Vancouver can be a game-changer. You might even start to ponder the lifelong dream of being a homeowner with a fireplace. Regardless of the reason, fireplaces are a beautiful addition to any indoor and outdoor space, but they’re not all created equal.
While traditional fireplaces are expensive to install, high-maintenance, fussy and not to mention dangerous if not installed properly, electric fireplaces can be far superior. They are attractive, safe for children and pets alike, and offer so many benefits that make day-to-day use and upkeep, a breeze.
Create a soothing ambience and enjoy supplemental heat as temperatures drop this winter. Let’s take a look at everything you need to know about electric fireplaces.
But, what about gas and wood fireplaces? First, let’s take a look at some of the other options and their advantages and disadvantages.
Traditional Wood Burning Fireplaces
Aromatic, crackling and timeless, wood-burning fireplaces are a nostalgic childhood memory for some, and a lifelong dream for others. While they are a classic choice, they come with quite a long list of maintenance procedures and costs.
The advantages:
- The ambience and aroma of crackling logs and a woodsy aroma
- If your electricity goes out, your wood fireplace will continue to keep you warm
- You can choose the wood – long-burning, quick-burning or aromatic
The disadvantages:
- Buy or chop your own firewood and keep in a dry place until ready to burn
- Not safe to leave the fire unattended as it can re-spark
- Annual maintenance is mandatory and costly
- Not energy-efficient
- Fumes are good for the environment
- Fumes are not good for your family and little ones
- Can create year-round drafts, equalling higher energy bills
Natural Gas Fireplaces
Natural gas fireplaces are ideal for folks who want a fire with the touch of a button. With everyone leading increasingly busy lives, dealing with firewood and all the extra bells and whistles of a traditional wood-burning fireplace can be far too fussy. Gas fireplaces are quick, cozy and wonderfully warm.
The advantages:
- Turning it on is instant with the flip of a switch
- Energy-efficient and able to “zone heat” your home
- Minimal maintenance due to no soot, ash or fumes
- When the electricity goes out, you’re still able to use your gas fireplace
The disadvantages:
- Installation costs can soar, especially if a gas line needs to be installed
- No crackling sounds or aroma
Electric Fireplaces
And finally, we get to electric fireplaces. These fireplaces are digitized. They project an image of fire with moving flames, the superior choice in faux fireplaces. They can provide incredible amounts of supplemental heat for your home, without the high maintenance costs of a traditional fireplace.
The advantages:
- Cost-effective
- Incredibly easy to install and source
- Highly portable, you can move them from room to room
- Only need to be plugged into the outlet
- Ideal for tight spaces where gas or wood-burning fireplaces wouldn’t fit
- Safe for families with children and pets
- Don’t require clean up
- Create a realistic flame
- Come in a wide range of styles and designs
The disadvantages
- No aroma or crackling sound
- Won’t work during a power outage
- Prolonged use can add up
Are you looking for an electric fireplace in Vancouver? At Home Makeover Centre, we offer a wide range of electric fireplace designs and styles to choose from. If you’re not sure about what to pick, our friendly experts can guide you during a free in-home or in-store consultation. Ready to get started? Just get in touch with us!
