Electric Fireplace or Gas Fireplace？Must-See Before You Buy

Gradually replacing the traditional fireplaces and adding some elegance to home décor, electric fireplaces are becoming to feature in modern home life. But do you know how to choose the right fireplace for your home? In this article, we will help you deeply get to know traditional and electric fireplaces so you may decide which one would be best for your home.

2 Types of Fireplace

Usually, we may classify fireplaces into two types: electric and traditional. Both of them difference mostly in whether they really generate actual flames and burn fuel.

Traditional Fireplace

Burning fuel in traditional fireplaces creates heat and flames that subsequently distribute warmth over the room. Traditional fireplaces may be separated depending on the kind of fuel utilized into three categories: gas, wood-burning, and ethanol fireplaces. Typical traditional fireplace parts are firebox, chimney cap, damper, hearth, door and mantel. Firebox and chimney is the most essential of these fireplace parts. While the latter one releases smoke and fumes, the former one is the major spot the flames burn.

• Gas Fireplace Modern homes have mostly abandoned wood-burning fireplaces at the present time. Still extensively used, gas fireplaces usually run on natural gas or propane, which can be vented or ventless. Therefore, when you are installing a gas fireplace, you may need a natural gas line and may not need gas chimney parts.

Electric Fireplaces

Many people are curious about how electric fireplaces generate heat and flame patterns without fuel. The answer is simple: through electricity. Electric fireplaces draw in cool air, which is heated by the coils of an internal heater. A fan then blows the heated air back into the room. Combining LED lights with visual effects technologies generates the flames in electric fireplaces. Certain fireplaces even let users customize the flame effects, hence altering the flame hue.

Since there is no actual fuel combustion, electric fireplace parts do not need ventilation or flues. Nevertheless, they maintain the firebox and glass panel, which are not intended for combustion, but rather to enable users to freely position decorative artificial logs to create a visually appealing flame effect.

Gas & Electric Fireplace: Which is best? 

Knowing the different working principles and structures of fireplaces, how will they affect our use in daily life?

Gas Fireplace 

The main benefit of a traditional gas fireplace is that it can generate actual flames. The fuel does not escape through a chimney in comparison to wood-burning fireplaces, so the burning efficiency of up to 90% results from a more efficient heating of a bigger room. However, ventilation and appropriate ducting parts of a gas fireplace make installation difficult and require a higher maintenance and operating costs. Real flames can create a warm and inviting atmosphere, but their presence also puts some safety concerns for homes with pets and children.

Electric Fireplace 

Say goodbye to complicated components of gas fireplace, electric fireplace can be a standalone unit that require no ventilation or ducting, making installation more convenient. The LED-generated flames ensure safety while allowing users to customizable the effects for a more personalized experience. Despite a larger upfront cost, they eventually end up being more cost-effective than traditional fireplaces due to their reduced operational and maintenance costs. However, they do have a problem: an electric stove can't be used when the power goes out.

Difference of Gas & Electric Fireplaces 

Choose a More Suitable One for Your Home

Higher prices in a fireplace choice don't usually mean better quality. Although modern fireplaces may have more features and effects, this does not guarantee they are appropriate for every home as compared to traditional fireplaces. We firmly believe that what works best for you is always the better choice.

What’s Your Home Style? 

The fireplace ought to match the general architectural style of the house and not stand out too much. While traditional fireplaces would be more suited with farmhouse, Victorian, nautical, Mediterranean, rustic, and craftsman-style houses, an electric fireplace will work better if your property has a modern decor style.

What’s Your Room size? 

Electric fireplaces powered by electricity have a limited heat distribution range, making them suitable for smaller rooms, while gas fireplaces are better suited for larger heating needs. Thus, if your space is large, consider a long electric fireplace or a classic fireplace.

What Function Do You Needed?

If you require a fireplace that is easy to operate and offers more customized effects, then an electric fireplace is definitely more suitable for you. It doesn't require you to manage or maintain a flue; the only thing you might need to learn is how to reset fireplace remote. If you want a fireplace that creates a cozy atmosphere for family evenings or for reading alone, then a traditional fireplace is definitely more useful.

How Much Do You Want to Spend? 

The initial purchase cost of an electric fireplace may be higher, but electric fireplace components do not include chimneys and ducts. You don’t need to pay maintenance fee as high as a traditional fireplaces. Therefore, if you plan to use the fireplace frequently, an electric fireplace is definitely the more economical choice.

Do You Have Babies or Pets? 

Should you have dogs or youngsters in your house, you can realize that an electric fireplace devoid of open flames or dangerous gas emissions fits your requirements more so.

Hope this article has helped you understand the differences between traditional fireplaces and electric fireplaces. Now you can choose a suitable fireplace for your home!