Umair Gaines
Wall-mounted electric fireplaces are a great way to add a modern flair to your living space without taking up any floor space. They are also a good option for renters as they can be easily removed and repositioned without leaving a gaping hole in the wall. Before installing a wall-mounted electric fireplace, it is important to consider the room layout, size and shape of the fireplace, and ensure that you maintain a safe distance from anything flammable. Most wall-mounted electric fireplaces come with brackets and hardware needed for installation and can be hung on any interior wall, similar to mounting a flat-screen TV or a picture.
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What You'll Learn
Choosing the right fireplace for your space
Choosing the right electric fireplace for your space involves assessing your heating requirements, space availability, and design preferences. Here are some factors to consider when selecting the perfect electric fireplace for your home:
Heating Needs
Determine the size of the area you want to heat and choose an electric fireplace with a suitable BTU (British Thermal Unit) rating. Electric fireplaces typically heat rooms ranging from 400 to 1,000 square feet. Smaller rooms up to 400 sq. ft. require 4,000-5,000 BTUs, while larger rooms up to 1,000 sq. ft. may need up to 9,000-10,000 BTUs. Remember that electric fireplaces are generally intended for supplemental heating rather than heating an entire house.
Space Constraints
Consider the size of your room and the available wall or floor space. Wall-mounted and built-in electric fireplaces save floor space, making them ideal for smaller rooms or spaces with limited floor areas. If you have a larger room, a freestanding model might offer more flexibility. Ensure that there is a nearby electrical outlet and adequate ventilation for your fireplace.
Design Preferences
Electric fireplaces come in various designs, from traditional to contemporary styles. Choose a style that complements your home's décor and existing features. Consider the aspect ratio (width to height) of the fireplace to enhance its visual appeal. You can also explore customization options like custom mantels, modular fireplace systems, or built-in surrounds to seamlessly integrate the fireplace into your space.
Installation and Safety
Most electric fireplaces are easy to install and simply plug into a standard wall outlet, eliminating the need for venting or chimney construction. Electric fireplaces are also safer, with no real flames, a reduced risk of burns or fires, and cool-to-touch surfaces. They are versatile and can be installed in various room sizes and styles, including spaces where traditional fireplaces may not be feasible.
Energy Efficiency
Electric fireplaces are generally energy-efficient, especially when used for supplemental heating. Look for models with adjustable thermostats and energy-saving modes to control energy consumption. They convert electricity directly into heat, making them efficient for heating specific rooms rather than running the furnace for the entire house. This can help reduce your overall utility costs.
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Installation preparation
Before installing a wall-mounted electric fireplace, it is important to consider the room, its layout, and what is in it. The size and shape of the fireplace will determine how and where you mount it. It is also important to note that wall-mounted electric fireplaces can be heavy, so you may need help with the installation.
Firstly, decide whether you want to mount the fireplace on the surface of the wall or build out the wall to accommodate the fireplace. If you plan to cut into the wall, you will need to find out how deep your preferred fireplace is. Depths range from 4 to 9 inches for contemporary models and up to 17 inches for traditional models. Most units are designed to be either in the wall or on the wall, not both. If you are limited in the depth that you can achieve in your wall, this is an important consideration.
Secondly, if you wish to have a TV above your fireplace, you need to ensure that heat is blown out the bottom of the fireplace and not the top. This will allow for the safe installation of electronics above the fireplace.
Thirdly, consider the power requirements for your fireplace. It is important to place your fireplace somewhere near a power outlet and never use an extension cord. The main cable must remain at the back of the unit and must not be in contact with any hot elements. Be sure to check the power draw or wattage specification of your fireplace model to confirm it will work with your power supply.
Finally, test your fireplace to make sure it functions properly before beginning the installation. Plug it in and play with the heat and lights to ensure everything works as it should.
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Positioning and mounting
Firstly, consider the room layout and the objects within it. Determine whether you want the fireplace to be built into the wall or mounted on the surface. If you opt for a built-in fireplace, you'll need to decide how far into the room you want the wall to extend. Contemporary models typically range from 4 to 9 inches in depth, while traditional models can go up to 17 inches. Keep in mind that surface-mounted fireplaces are generally easier to install and can be repositioned without leaving a large hole in the wall.
Next, select the location for your fireplace, ensuring it is near a power outlet. Avoid using extension cords, as they can overload the circuit. The main cable should be at the back of the appliance, away from any hot elements. If your fireplace produces heat from the top, avoid placing it directly under an outlet to prevent overheating the electrical cord.
When deciding on the height and placement of your fireplace, consider any flammable objects nearby. Keep combustible materials such as furniture, curtains, and bedding at least 3 feet away from the front of the fireplace and 1.5 feet away from the sides. If you plan to place a TV above the fireplace, ensure that the heat is directed out the bottom of the unit to avoid damaging any electronics.
Now, you can begin the mounting process. Most electric fireplaces come with brackets and hardware for installation. Locate the studs in your wall and mark the positions for the brackets. Ensure the brackets are level and securely attached to the wall. If your fireplace has an extra bracket at the bottom, attach it to the wall first.
Finally, place the fireplace on the mounting brackets and securely fasten it in place. Plug in your electric fireplace, and you're done! Remember, always refer to the product manual for specific instructions and clearance requirements for your particular model.
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Powering the fireplace
Electric fireplaces have a maximum heat output of 1500 watts on a 120-volt line, or 2500 watts on a 240-volt line. Most electric fireplaces come with cords to allow the convenience of plugging into a regular household 120-volt receptacle. Avoid using an extension cord to prevent fire hazards. If a 120-volt outlet is not available, an adapter must be used. The adapter must be properly grounded to the outlet box.
Some electric fireplaces may also connect to 240 volts by a direct-wire connection. If your fireplace is designed to be connected to 240 volts, it must be hard-wired; if it comes with a cord, the cord must be removed.
Before installing your electric fireplace, make sure the fireplace functions correctly. Plug it in, play with the heat and lights, and if everything works, move on with the installation. Find a location that is close to a power outlet. The main cable must remain at the back of the appliance and must not be in contact with any hot element.
Once your fireplace is installed, locate the power switch, usually located on the front or side of the unit. Turn on the fireplace by flipping the power switch. You may use a remote control if your model includes one.
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Safety considerations
Electric fireplaces are generally considered safe and come with several built-in safety features. However, there are still some safety considerations to keep in mind when installing and using a wall-mounted electric fireplace.
Firstly, ensure that the fireplace is functioning correctly before beginning the installation process. Plug it in and test the heat and lights to make sure everything works as expected. Additionally, check that the fireplace is designed to blow heat out of the bottom if you plan to mount a TV above it. This will prevent the TV from being damaged by the heat.
Secondly, choose an installation location that is close to a power outlet. Never use an extension cord, as this could overload the cord's amperage ratings and cause a fire hazard. The main cable should remain at the back of the appliance, away from any hot elements. If your fireplace blows heat from the top, avoid placing it directly under an outlet, as the rising heat could heat the electrical cord and cause a fire.
Thirdly, during installation, ensure that all components are properly secured to the wall. If your fireplace has an extra bracket at the bottom, attach it to the wall. If the power cord has three prongs and you don't have a compatible outlet, use an adapter, but make sure it is properly grounded to the outlet box.
Lastly, keep combustible materials, such as furniture, pillows, bedding, papers, clothes, and curtains, at least 3 feet (0.9 meters) away from the front of the fireplace. Additionally, keep drinks and other fluids away from the fireplace, and attach cords to the edges of the wall to prevent tripping hazards.
Remember to always follow the instructions in the owner's manual for installation and operation, and refer to the product manual for specific clearances from flammable objects.
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Frequently asked questions
Consider the room, its layout, and what's in it. Think about the size and shape of the fireplace, as that'll be a determining factor in how and where you mount it. Wall-mounted fireplaces come in a wide variety of options, styles, and designs.
Before you start the installation, make sure the fireplace functions correctly—plug it in, play with the heat and lights. Find a location that is close to a power outlet. Never use an extension cord. The main cable must remain at the back of the appliance and must not be in contact with any hot element. Refer to the product manual for your particular fireplace.
Locate the studs in the wall, mark off where you want to position the fireplace, and use a level to mount the brackets evenly. Most wall-mounted electric fireplaces come with brackets and hardware needed for installation. Place the fireplace on the mounting brackets and plug it in.
As with any fireplace, you want to have a healthy clearance between the wall-mounted fireplace and anything flammable. Keep combustible materials at least 3 feet away from the front of the fireplace and 1.5 feet away from the sides. If you wish to have a TV above your fireplace, ensure that heat is blown out the bottom and not the top.
