The choice of a home heating system has always been focused on the possibility of ensuring high heat transfer and an appropriate level of safety. Boiler and furnace equipment still remains relevant in this niche, and its manufacturers offer more and more attractive solutions. The product of one of these ideas was an electric fireplace with a flame effect, characterized by increased safety and ergonomic control. At the same time, it also acts as an independent object of the interior, introducing a decorative shade into the atmosphere.
The principle of the fireplace effect with the flame effect
In the development of units that implement the effect of a living flame, today innovative systems are used. But first, it’s worth considering how such tasks were solved before. If a modern electric fireplace with a flame effect is capable of performing several functions, then most of the similar installations of previous generations only imitated the burning of fire visually. A classic example is a metal frame, inside of which a semblance of a firebox was placed. Directly the flames were recreated by slices of fabric, which were driven by fans.
In modern execution, this problem is solved in a completely different way. The simulation is carried out by water evaporation, which is highlighted by halogen lamps. In other words, an electric fireplace with the effect of a living flame generates steam and at the same time reflects light radiation on it. By varying the power of the lamps and vaporization, a unique effect of real combustion is achieved.
Varieties of models
There are several classifications of such installations. First of all, they differ in the type of construction. To equip apartments, for example, a built-in electric fireplace with the effect of a living flame, which practically takes up no room, is more often used. However, stand-alone models have an advantage - they are aesthetically more attractive and more suitable for the function of imitating a classic fireplace.
Another principle of separation of such units by design is shape. On the market you can find rectangular, square and even cylindrical models. The most profitable solution for small rooms will again be an electric corner fireplace with a flame effect, and for those who are looking for a way to get as close to the traditional style as possible, it is advisable to turn to full-sized rectangular shapes.
Main characteristics
The basic characteristics include overall parameters and power indicator. I must say that these data are interconnected. The format is considered to be a standard 90 cm in width, 70-90 cm in height and in depth of about 30 cm. Of course, there may be deviations from this standard size. Some companies also offer the possibility of developing a fireplace for individual projects. As for power, on average, an electric fireplace with a flame effect provides heating power in the range of 1.5-2 kW. For private homes, you can find massive structures with a potential of 3-5 kW. But it is important to consider that the electric heating method is the most expensive, and not only for stoves and fireplaces. But in this case, the energy consumption from the 220 V network will go both to the direct filling of the room with heat, and to the power of the lamps illuminating the steam.
Installation Nuances
Installation actions can be divided into two parts. First of all, the wiring is checked. Especially if the fireplace is designed for full heating, the line should be carefully protected. Then you can proceed to the "dirty" work. If you plan to use the built-in design, then the corresponding portal is being prepared in the wall. A niche for integration inside is finished with plasterboard or wood - in the future, an electric fireplace with the effect of a flame will directly contact this material . The wall-mounted unit must additionally be fixed with fixing devices. Usually, corners are provided for this, which insure the structure against falling out of a niche, or special brackets that are embedded in the fireplace frame.
How to choose an electric fireplace?
You should focus on the function of the fireplace. The fact is that there are models designed only for the decorative task of simulating a flame, as well as multifunctional installations that realize and heat. In both cases, the stylistic correspondence of the appearance of the structure to the design of the room is also determined. Of course, it is important to take into account how much a specific electric fireplace with a flame effect can technically fit into the zone of its intended operation. If a modification with the function of the heating system is selected, it is important to calculate the power. The larger the area of the room, the higher should be the potential for thermal return. For a small apartment, for example, with an area of up to 40 m 2 , a power of 1.5 kW is enough.
Pros and cons of a flame effect fireplace
The refusal of a fireplace with a natural flame in favor of an artificial one is due to several reasons. This is the possibility of using the unit without the construction of a chimney channel, the absence of the need to regularly purchase fuel, as well as a high level of safety. In addition, an electric fireplace with the effect of a living flame is not so far from the aesthetic merits of a real fire. As users note, steam illumination gives a different, but still original and eye-catching decorative effect. As for the minuses, in contrast to wood and liquid fuel fireplaces, electric models with artificial flame are more expensive in terms of maintenance.
Price issue
The cost of such fireplaces is determined by power, structural design, size and feature set. The most affordable options can be purchased for 15-20 thousand rubles. These are small installations that require less energy, but the effect of live fire from them is less noticeable. In the middle segment, there is an electric fireplace with a flame effect, the price of which is 25-40 thousand. These are already well-made branded constructions, which are equipped with advanced optical filling and technological means of visual reflection of the steam rays playing in an improvised firebox. Premium models can cost 100-150 thousand. As a rule, their distinguishing feature is the size and finish made of high quality materials. As for the best manufacturers, the most popular brands are Dimplex (Ireland), Planika (Australia-Poland), Real Flame (China), Jotul (Norway), Austroflamm (Austria), Spartherm (Germany).
Conclusion
When buying an electric fireplace with an artificial flame, one should not forget about the direct tasks of all furnace structures. A model without a heating function will play only a decorative role, so this aspect is not so important in this case. Moreover, in this group you can find a very cheap, but high-quality electric fireplace with a flame effect, the price of which will be within 20 thousand. This is due to the fact that in the device of such units there are no heating elements. But if the task is to purchase a model that also has to perform the heating function, then it is important to responsibly approach the inspection of the heat transfer system. As experts advise, preference should be given to those units in which the functions of flame generation and heating are separated.