As Canada’s electric fireplace experts, we would like to think that everyone starts out wanting an electric fireplace in their renovation or new home. However, the fact is that many people still default to gas fireplaces, and may come to electric after they have no choice. So, what are some of the reasons that drive gas-lovers to electric fireplaces? What follows are the top reasons to add an electric fireplace to your renovation, based on actual client discussions over the past 2 decades.
Reasons to Add an Electric Fireplace to your Renovation – You aren’t able to accommodate proper venting
Gas fireplaces in Canada must be vented to the outside. Because this vent becomes hot and is also releasing carbon monoxide and other off-gases, there are strict clearance requirements for the vent. Distance to the ground, to windows and doors, and to flammables are just some of the considerations. Therefore, when houses are too close to one another, venting sometimes becomes impossible, or very difficult. Especially in urban areas, or very old neighbourhoods, the homes can be very close to each other, making venting impossible. Venting challenges also come up in basement installations, or when you want a fireplace in the middle of the home and not on an exterior wall. Difficult equals expensive! If this describes your situation, then be prepared to go electric.
Reasons to Add an Electric Fireplace to your Renovation — You don’t really want heat
So often, when we ask clients how much heat they need from their fireplace, the response is ‘We don’t need heat, we just want ambiance.’ If this is your situation, then you need to understand that when you turn on a gas fireplace, heat is generated whether you want it or not. That’s because fuel must be burned to make the flames, and that combustion creates heat. On the other hand, the flames on an electric fireplace are not the source of heat. The heater is separate from the flames and operates independently, usually with thermostatic controls. This means that you can have flames without heat, and only run the heater when you need it. The result is year-round ambiance and no overheating of your space. Unfortunately, there are many homeowners out there who have invested in a gas fireplace that they rarely turn on, because it’s too hot for their space. If only someone had told them!!
Reasons to Add an Electric Fireplace to your Renovation – You want to reduce costs
Electric fireplaces cost less to purchase, install and operate than their gas counterparts. Even the best electric fireplaces are less expensive than good gas fireplaces. Both gas and electric fireplaces require electrical connections (gas units need power for starters and fans), but electric fireplaces do not have the added expense of a gas line or venting. In terms of operating costs, electric flames cost about $3.00 per year (yes, that decimal is in the right place) while the cost of running flames and heat is about $85.00 per year, based on running an electric fireplace 4 hours per day, 365 days per year, with the heater on 50% of the time. (Using electricity rates for my part of Ontario.) It doesn’t really matter whether electricity costs more or less than natural gas. Electric fireplaces are more efficient, and because they may be used without heat as desired, they use less resources that a gas fireplace. Napoleon has set up a nifty Electric Cost Calculator https://www.napoleon.com/en/ca/fireplaces/learn/electric-cost-calculator where you can plug in your own usage requirements, and your local power rates, to find your own local cost.
Reasons to Add an Electric Fireplace to your Renovation — You want a large fireplace
If you want a large fireplace, then the comparison of costs and heat output are multiplied. The larger the burner in a gas fireplace, the higher the BTU’s and heat output, and the higher the cost of purchase, installation and usage. With electric fireplaces, the sizes range from under 30-inches wide to 100-inches wide, but the heat output is not tied to a ‘burner’, and doesn’t change with the size of the fireplace. This means that you can have a much larger electric fireplace without overheating your space, and without overheating a TV that may be mounted nearby, at a fraction of the cost of an equivalent gas fireplace. In fact, in the larger sizes, there are not comparable gas models available.
Reasons to Add an Electric Fireplace to your Renovation – You want to reduce your carbon footprint
The experts agree that we all need to reduce carbon emissions if we are to slow climate change. Buildings are a major source of carbon emissions, and natural gas appliances and heating are part of the challenge. By choosing to have an electric fireplace rather than gas, you are choosing to reduce your personal carbon emissions. We have written several blog posts about electric fireplaces and climate change, which you can access below.
How an Electric Fireplace can Reduce your Greenhouse Gas Emissions
COP26: Climate Change and Electric Fireplaces
Stylish Fireplaces knows that adding a fireplace to your home can be challenging. With an electric fireplace and their NFI Certified Hearth Design Specialists, it’s easy to create a space you’ll love to share with family and friends. Check out all the options and connect with their experts for help to find the perfect electric fireplace for you. You’ll live stylishly ever after.