It?s little surprise that a growing number of homeowners have chosen an electric fireplace for their residences. The appliances add the warmth and charm of gas or wood-burning fireplace but at a fraction of the cost.
Manufacturers shipped 445,000 electric fireplaces, freestanding stoves and inserts to customers in 2007, say officials with the Hearth, Patio & Barbecue Association. That same number stood at just 300,000 in 2004.
It?s no surprise that the electric fireplace is gaining in popularity; The appliance has several benefits that its gas and wood-burning counterparts can?t duplicate. An electric fireplace, for instance, can be located anywhere in a home, does not need to be vented and is easy to maintain. An electric fireplace is also simple to operate, and the appliance, because it costs less than either wood-burning or gas fireplaces, can leave more dollars in the pockets of homeowners.
The electric fireplace is perfect for condo owners or apartment dwellers because the appliance can be installed in any location that has electricity. Homeowners can install their electric fireplaces in their bedrooms, dens, offices or basements, just by plugging them into the nearest outlet.
An electric fireplace is easy to operate, too. Owners simply turn them on with the press of a button. In fact, the Hearth, Patio & Barbecue Association says that electric fireplaces are designed to operate as plug-and-play appliances, just like televisions or stereos.
Maintaining an electric fireplace is simple, too. The biggest task homeowners face involves replacing an electric fireplace?s light bulbs when they burn out.
Maintaining an electric fireplace poses little challenge, either. Homeowners simply have to change their electric fireplace?s light bulbs when they burn out. This shouldn?t cause even the most repair-phobic homeowner any concern.
Finally, there?s price. According to the Hearth, Patio & Barbecue Association, gas and wood-burning fireplaces cost $3,000 to $5,000 to install once a home has already been built. The association says that an electric fireplace, though, can cost as little as $500 to purchase and install.
In today?s tough economic times, an electric fireplace is an affordable way to add beauty and warmth to a home. It?s little wonder that the sales of these appliances remain so steady: Homeowners looking to provide an easy boost to their living spaces recognize the value of electric fireplaces.