You may think it strange that a Sarasota-based electrical services company is writing a blog about fireplaces – after all, we don’t really need a fireplace, do we? In fact, many Florida homeowners enjoy their fireplaces throughout the cooler months. Fireplaces allow you to heat your living space just enough without having to heat your whole home – in fact, they are the ultimate zone heaters.
Fireplaces also provide wonderful ambiance on cooler winter nights, and can give you just enough warmth to take the chill off a February morning. Electric fireplaces are affordable to install, clean to operate, and great for resale value. If you’ve never considered an electric fireplace, here are a few things you should know.

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4 Things You May Not Know About Electric Fireplaces

Electric fireplaces are often misunderstood, but if you are going to purchase one you should understand the facts.

  1. Electric fireplaces do not produce heat with a real flame: While this may seem obvious to some, it is indeed a surprise to others when they realize that their fireplace doesn’t actually burn via a real fire. There are no flames, which make the unit far more safe to operate on a daily basis. The heat which is generated to warm the home is a result of fan forced heat which is blown out of the unit into your living space. That being said, this product has come a long way in recent years, and you can purchase a unit which generates realistic looking 3D flames which are virtually indistinguishable from real fire. In other words, there is no need to tell your friends and guests!
  2. Electric fireplaces are an effective way to heat portions of your home: Florida has a unique climate which doesn’t require a lot of heating throughout the year. Over the winter months, however, it can get quite chilly in the mornings and evenings. Electric fireplaces provide supplemental heating to those rooms you use most often, but can be easily turned off when not needed. In this way, you can avoid turning on the heat to warm the entire home, instead turning on the fireplace whenever you are in that space.
  3. Electric fireplaces can help clean your indoor air: This comes as a shock to many people, but burning gas or even natural wood can result in the emission of harmful pollutants into your home. In fact, the EPA lists wood as one of the main sources of carbon monoxide and other dangerous chemical emissions. An electric fireplace has zero emissions of these pollutants, meaning that they are cleaner in regards to air quality and safer for your family.
  4. You have options with electric fireplaces: There are many variations of electric units, and one is sure to be right for you. If you have an existing fireplace, which many older Sarasota home do, you can purchase a “log set”, which are small inserts which can be placed inside your existing fireplace to replace the wood or gas logs you would normally utilize. In contrast, built-in units are meant to recess directly into your wall, and may require some minor construction work; while plug-in units work with existing mantles or cabinets.

Promise Electric is a trusted Sarasota electrical services company, employing only master electricians and the very best in the industry. We are available to assist with all residential electric projects, from new outlets to new fireplaces. Call today to learn more.