Electric Fireplace - What Are These Fireplaces All About?

Almost everyone who experiences cold weather knows what a fireplace is, but not everyone has gone beyond the classic, smoky wood burning fireplace. With today's problem of global warming, it would be helpful to the environment if we began looking for other fireplace options. Luckily, with an electric fireplace, anyone can enjoy a fireplace without the environmental hazards. It's making for a great option.

An electronic fireplace, is a practical and efficient energy source that will heat your home, while at the same time, instill the warm atmosphere of a classic fireplace without the hassles. These electric fireplaces have different designs, sizes and motifs to match the interior design of any home.

The electric fireplace is really a great addition for your home, with different modes that can be adjusted (with a click of a button) from a quiet romantic glow to a roaring flame for cold nights; it also has a realistic sound, and is safer than a classic wood fireplace. With so many advantages, many of you may be wondering, "how does it work?"

Most electric fireplaces use a "fan forced heater" to spread warmth throughout a room. These heaters work by using electricity to heat large metal coils within the fireplace. A fan is then used to direct the heat from the coils outwards, thereby heating the room.

Fan forced heaters work in a very energy efficient manner, allowing heat distribution over a large area. The heaters inside of the electric fireplace also provide heat instantly as soon as they are turned on, with no delay for heating elements to warm up. These heaters are also quiet because of its silent fans.

So what's the deal with an electric fireplace? Why is it better? How practical is it? An electric fireplace produces the same amount of heat as a wood powered fire, without the smoke and risk of flying sparks. Unlike gas or wood fireplaces, electric units require no venting, so you don't need to worry about getting a built-in chimney or duct system.

A lot of electric fireplaces are also portable, giving you the freedom to rearrange the interior designs of your room easily. What is also outstanding is that it looks and feels so natural that your guests will probably be unable to tell that they are not experiencing a conventional fireplace.

There are a lot of other ways you can use electric fireplaces; it can also be used to heat a smaller home, office or apartment. It also lessens your expenses because you don't have to pay for firewood or chimney cleaning bills. If you haven't checked out an electric fireplace yet you should take a serious look at these units if you are considering adding a new fireplace in your home.

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How to Clean Your Chimney

Springtime chimney cleaning is very important. A through cleaning is recommended after a long winter of burning fires. The initial cost of purchasing a brush and the rods for cleaning your chimney can be in the $100 - $150 range depending on the size of your flue and the height of your chimney. Many times a chimney sweep can charge up to $100 to clean your chimney depending on the height and how dirty it is. Once you've purchased the brush and rods the rest of your chimney sweeping only requires some elbow grease instead of paying for a cleaning. If you want to share the cost see if a neighbor might want to split it with you. Cleaning your chimney isn't difficult; the hardest part of the job is getting out the ladder. Once you've dug the ladder out of the garage you're well on your way. Don't forget to take a tape measure, pen and paper up there with you, (there's nothing worse than getting back on the ground and forgetting what the dimensions were). Now that you're on the roof if you have a chimney cap remove it. Some chimney caps can easily be removed by loosening 4 thumb screws at the base. Some chimney caps are permanently mounted and the screws are on the lid.

Next measure the inside of your flue tiles and write it down. Take a good look at your chimney while you're up there. Creosote will tend to be the heaviest at the top of the chimney were it starts to cool during the burning process. If there appears to be little or no creosote buildup just black soot a wire brush will work fine. If the creosote is really thick you may want to consider a flat wire brush that will give you more surface contact.

Always use the bush that is the same size and the flue tiles. If the brush is too small you won't make surface contact or if too large you will jam the brush and bend the bristles. Next determine the total height of your chimney, from smoke chamber to the top. If it is a one story home the chimney would average 15', two story around 25'. Chimney brush rods are available in 3' 4' 5' and 6' sections that screw together. Chimney brush rods are made of fiberglass and are very flexible; they can bend 90 degrees or more. This allows for cleaning any bends in your chimney.

When selecting a chimney brush you will be amazed at the differences and cost. The double spiral brush contains more bristles which will give you more surface contact. This is great for moderately cleaning the soot. A single spiral brush with fewer wires is great for the quick sweep when there is just a light dusting of soot. The flat wire brush is best for the heavy jobs. If you have a metal chimney or your chimney has been relined a poly brush is recommended for cleaning. A poly brush will not scratch the inside or your pipe.