Ten Things Everyone Misunderstands About In Wall Fireplace
In Wall Fireplace - How to Choose the Right Height and Depth for Your Fireplace
An in wall fireplace provides an elegant and polished look without the cost of a mantle. It is one of the most simple electric fireplaces to put in.
There are a few factors to consider before purchasing your ethanol fireplace in wall. Follow these tips to make the most of your purchase.
Height
Although it might seem like an easy task to answer, determining the height of your fireplace is among the most crucial decisions you can make. This is because the height of your fireplace can affect everything from how well it fits into a space to how easily it can be seen. If your fireplace is too high could look odd and diminish the aesthetics of the piece. A fireplace that is too low will be lost within the wall space.
Luckily, electric fireplaces are versatile enough to be installed at various heights. For instance, the majority of people prefer to put their fireplaces at eye level from a sitting position. This requires a height between 40 and 42 inches. Some people mount their fireplaces underneath their TVs. This can be an attractive option.
The height of your fireplace is contingent on a variety of factors such as the size and length of the wall you plan to place it on. The larger the room and the bigger it is, the larger it can be and it could mean that you can install an even larger fireplace. The same goes for the length of the wall since a longer wall can accommodate a larger fireplace.
Another crucial aspect to take into consideration is how you plan to make use of your fireplace. If you intend to use it solely for decoration, then a lower height is best. If you intend to use it to heat your house you must make sure that the fireplace is tall and sturdy enough to meet safety standards.
Having the proper height for your fireplace will help to ensure that it matches the decor and is easy to work with when cleaning or filling it. You can always consult a professional fireplace installation expert to help you if you aren't sure what best height to choose. They can suggest the best height for your fireplace according to their experience and your home.
Depth
It is essential to be aware of the depth of a fireplace, especially if you intend to put it in a recessed position. If you plan to cut into your wall, make sure that you have enough space to accommodate the design of your fireplace (the smoke shelf area above the fireplace, the flue that is able to rise through the roof and the fireplace itself). You should also think about the space you have available for the surround and whether you want a fireplace mantle.
A lot of the most recent electric fireplace models feature a depth which is almost invisible, creating an "integrated" look. The Panorama BI-Deep series is a great illustration of this kind of electric fireplace that is wall-mounted. It has an 5.8-inch depth that lets the viewer see the flames and ember bed instead of the frame of the fireplace. It is also equipped with a range of media packages including natural looking driftwood logs, white pebbles, or crystals of clear glass that reflect the flames and add luster to the ember bed.
Gas wall-mounted fireplaces also come in both shallow and deep models. When deciding on the depth of your fireplace it is important to remember that these units are supplemental heat sources and should be properly vented by an experienced professional. When determining the depth for a gas fireplace, you need to consider the length of the vent pipe as well as the size of the chimney.
Whether you choose a surface mount or a recess-mounted installation, it is important to read and follow all of the instructions of the manufacturer when mounting your fireplace. A professional installer is recommended in the majority of instances. It is also best to have an extra person on hand when installing gas fireplaces.
The addition of a fireplace in the wall place to your home is a fantastic way to increase the value of it and create ambience. It can also reduce your heating bills. Additionally, it's an excellent option if you cannot install an old-fashioned fireplace into your home because of space limitations or due to the location of an existing chimney.
Surface Mount
If you're not able or prefer not to cut into your wall or construct the space needed to install an electric fireplace, a surface mount provides a sleek and modern style. Some models, such as the Allusion line of electric fireplaces, can be positioned partially recessed into walls without compromising the heat output.
To begin the installation begin by marking the wall with a pencil where the bracket will be mounted. Use a stud-finder for locating the studs and place each bracket in front at least one stud for stability. If a stud isn't accessible or isn't suitable for your fireplace, make use of anchors for drywall to help support the mounting bracket.
Once you've marked the location of mounting brackets on the wall and then use a power drill to install them, making sure they are properly aligned with the studs. You can use studs or anchors made of plastic to secure each bracket. After the mounting brackets are installed then lift the fireplace up and hang it from the bracket. Once it's secure, verify the position of your fireplace to ensure that it's straight and not crooked within the opening.
Before continuing with the installation, plug in your fireplace and ensure whether all features are operating properly - turn on the ethanol fire and start the flames. play around with the heat, ember bed lights, etc. Once you are satisfied with the results, it's time to install the floating mantel.
Depending on your fireplace's model, you will either need to connect the wire connection to the appliance connector located at the lower part of the mantel or if it has hooks or slots connected to the slots on the mounting brackets. After you've completed this then, refer to the owner's manual for specific directions on removing the front glass panel and inserting it inside the opening.
After you've removed the front panel of your fireplace and placed it in its opening, follow your guideline to complete the install by replacing the glass front and adjusting the height if necessary. If your fireplace is equipped with ember bed media, place it across the top grate for a more natural look. Secure it using the included screws.
Plug-In
Contrary to traditional wood-burning fireplaces electric fireplaces don't require vents or chimneys. Plugged into a standard outlet they provide additional heating for rooms up to 400 square feet. They also come with a variety of flame and heat settings so you can customize the ambience. Some models come with LED lighting effects that enhance the fire and ember bed. Some models feature a grille on top that conceals the manual controls, however they can be easily opened to reveal the pushbuttons.
Plug-in electric firesuite fireplaces can be hung directly on walls or built into the wall to create a built-in appearance. They are generally easier to set up than mantel fireplaces. Some have pedestal bases that permit you to put the fireplace on a flat surface, such as a dresser or buffet. Included are the remote control, mounting hardware, and the log set. Depending on the model, electric fireplaces can include heat and flame options that can be switched off for year-round ambiance.
Some models have adjustable privacy glass that can instantly change from completely see-through to partially transparent. These kinds of models are popular for walls that divide spaces for entertainment like living and dining rooms. They can even be used in bedrooms where the addition of the fireplace can be a cost-effective method to cool an area without compromising privacy.
While plug-in electric fireplaces don't need to be hardwired as built-in models, they must be mounted within the wall that is at the very least free of studs and able to support the weight of the fireplace. Some models come with an accessory kit to make this process easier by providing a pre-wired power cord and an specialized mounting bracket. This kit is suitable for the installation of drywall or concrete.
If you decide to install your electric fireplace on the wall make sure it is located near an outlet. Based on the model, plug-in electric fireplaces can be connected to outlets that are connected to the same circuit, or a dedicated one for your electric fireplace. It is recommended to use a separate circuit, so that there are no other appliances in your home can run on the same voltage. This could trip your circuit breaker.