Electric Burning Fireplaces

 Electric fireplaces come in a wide variety of styles and functionality and, since the purchase of one is not a small investment, you may have some questions that need answering before you venture forth. This article will answer some of the questions our customers have asked over the years, and also provide some basic information about electric fireplaces.  

    When temperatures drop, those of us with fireplaces start checking the firewood supply and inspecting the chimney in anticipation of enjoying a crackling blaze. However, if you live in a home without a masonry fireplace, or in a small apartment or condo, a wood-burning fireplace usually isn’t an option. Don’t give up, you can still enjoy the flickering light of a fire and feel the comfort of extra heat with the convenience of an electric fireplace. 

   Electric fireplaces are basically space heaters that use a heating element and blower to create and distribute heat into your space. Much more attractive than your run-of-the-mill space heater, they come in a variety of styles, finishes, and functions which can make it the centerpiece of a room while providing supplemental heat. Here are a few of the elements & functions of electric fireplaces. 

• Extra heat: Most provide up to 5,120 BTU’s of additional heat for rooms up to about 400 sq. ft.
• Adjustable Flames: Almost all have an adjustable flame function which allows you to have lower or higher light, even glowing embers. Some include changeable light color options as well such as amber, orange, blue, and purple lights. A “flame only” mode is another nice option that enables you to enjoy the look of the flames without using the heater.
• Installation Options: You can find many different installation options for an electric fireplace including freestanding, corner, wall mounted, or media/TV stands. There are even electric logs for use in an existing fireplace.
• Flame Bed Variety: A lot of electric fireplaces give you the choice of logs, glass, acrylic ice, and other materials for the flame bed.

Below are the top 11 most commonly asked questions about electric fireplaces. Because electric fireplaces are relatively new products in comparison to gas and wood fireplaces, there is some confusion about what exactly they are and how they operate. The answers below are in regard to the Regency Skope series of electric fireplaces, however, can be broadly applied to the majority of electric fireplaces currently on the market. 

Q - Why buy an electric fireplace?
A - Electric fireplaces are an alternative option in many urban areas where more strict environmental regulations regarding gas and wood fireplaces are being implemented or where customers live within strata units that do not allow venting to be installed. Electric fireplaces provide the comfort, ambience, and warmth of a traditional wood or gas-fueled fireplace; but ventless, and without the need for gas lines.

Q – How do electric fireplaces make flames?
A – They don’t actually make flames. Different fireplaces produce the result different a way but mostly it is created by using LED’s. The Regency Skope electric fireplace uses Chromalight Technology to create stunning and realistic flame effects.

Q - Are electric fireplaces hot to the touch?
A - Although Skope electric fireplaces produce heat, the fireplace itself, and most importantly the glass, will not heat up. Unlike traditional fireplaces where the source of the heat is the flame, the source of heat on the Regency Skope is an electric heating unit that produces up to 5,000 BTU’s outside of the display case.

Q - Are electric fireplaces warm?
A - A Regency Skope electric fireplace produces heat. It contains a 1-2kW electric heater with a blower to disperse the heat. 1-2 kW equates to approximately 5,000 BTU’s so it has enough power to warm a small area or section of a larger room, however will not heat your entire home. Skope electric fireplaces can also be enjoyed without heat to provide ambience.

Q - Are electric fireplaces expensive to operate?
A - The cost to run an electric fireplace will depend on your region and the price of electricity in the region. All our Skope electric fireplaces are Ecodesign Compliant and adhere to strict energy consumption regulations.

Q – Are electric fireplaces tacky?
A- Not anymore! When electric fireplaces were first released they were visibly cheap and had obviously fake flame effects. Modern electric fireplaces such as the Regency Skope series are specifically designed to suit any modern home and offer realistic 3-dimensional displays. Gone are the days of cheap TV-style 2-dimensional electric fireplaces.

Q - Which electric fireplace is most realistic?
A - The Regency Skope series utilizes a Chromalight triple lighting system to create a realistic and mesmerizing display with endless possibilities. Vivid 3D flame effects are projected to create a realistic glowing fire, while the combination of unique uplighting and downlighting creates a stunning visual display.

Q – Are electric fireplaces efficient?
A – Yes, Electric fireplaces are highly efficient. Since they utilize an electric heater for warmth instead of burning of a fuel source there is little to no wasted energy.

Q - Can electric fireplaces be converted to gas?
A – No, electric fireplaces cannot be converted to gas because electric fireplaces are not made to withstand actual flames; instead they are a combination of a heater and a fire-like display case to create the illusion of flames. In addition, electric fireplaces are not vented; however gas fireplaces must be vented.

Q – Can electric fireplaces be built into a wall?
A – Yes. The Regency Skope electric fireplaces are built-in electric fireplaces which mean that they are designed to be built into a wall.

Q – Do Electric Fireplaces need venting?
A – No, Electric fireplaces do not create any emissions and therefore do not need to be vented through a chimney, direct vent, or other source like gas and wood fireplaces do.