Fireplaces mean different things to different people.  Warmth is important to most of us, but there are other factors to be considered.  Convenience is a big reason people buy a gas or an electric fireplace.  When safety is also a prominent factor, many people choose a beautiful electric fireplace.

What a lot of people don’t realize is that a standard wood-burning fireplace or gas fireplace can be converted to an electric unit quite easily.  If that sounds like a good plan for your home, read on.

Electric fireplace benefits

For heating, convenience, safety and good looks, it’s hard to beat an electric fireplace insert that easily works in your current gas or wood fireplace.  Benefits include:

• Modern technology has significantly increased the quality of electric fireplaces
• These units are perfect cost-effective alternatives to traditional fireplaces, costing about 10 cents per hour to operate with full heat
• Excellent for zone heating, with up to 5,000 BTUs
• A quiet fan distributes the heat evenly and effectively
• No live flames inside your home
• Easy to turn on, turn off and moderate heat
• Amazing, realistic aesthetics

Electric fireplace log sets present a surprisingly authentic version of an actual wood fire.  They glow and radiate, bringing a real sense of peace and ambience to any room.  (In other words, it’s not like running a space heater.)  When you add a variety of mantle options and hearth designs, you’ll really feel like you’ve got a traditional fireplace as a centerpiece and gathering spot in your home.

Converting from gas or wood to electric

Because there’s no flame and not toxic smoke and byproducts, electric fireplaces are very simple to install within your current wood or gas fireplace.  No chimney or vent system is required, and no zoning ordinances or building codes must be met.  There are no holes to drill, no re-construction to be done and no fittings to be installed.  Electric fireplace inserts are ready from the factory for quick and easy installation.

In addition, you won’t have trouble finding the right size for your current firebox: electric fireplaces are built to fit a variety of fireplace sizes from 18 inches to 50 inches.  Converting from traditional to electric makes customization simple.

You can choose traditional bulb heating or go with the LED variety.  Light-emitting diode systems are more brilliant than bulb-based electric fireplaces.  While they cost a little more, they require less electricity to operate and provide a longer lifespan.  Ask your hearth store professional about this amazing technology.