Wood-burning fireplaces were once considered an essential selling feature of every new home--even though people seldom used them after moving in. Today, technology and consumer expectations have changed. Builders often omit fireplaces from their plans, especially in less expensive homes. When included, more and more fireplaces are gas-fired models. While gas fireplaces address many of the energy and health problems with wood-burning fireplaces (see Energy Source Builder, June 1993), they may not be appropriate in all homes. For example, it's costly to run a gas line to a highly efficient, all-electric home only for a fireplace.

Consumer choice may continue evolving as new technologies provide more choices. One new choice for all-electric homes is an electric fireplace. "Electric fireplaces provide the same overall visual interest as most gas units without the actual flame," says Gary Gibson, senior market analyst at Ohio Edison/Penn Power. "We promote electric fireplaces in our all-electric homes. There has been noticeable interest from the commercial market."

Visual Appeal

Much of a fireplace's visual appeal has nothing to do with the flame. The attraction comes primarily from the decor created by the hearth, the mantle and the decorative face. In new construction, electric fireplaces offer all the same interior design options, such as rustic stone, brick, marble and wood. For existing homes, the electric unit may be feasible where wood-burning or gas fireplaces simply are not.

The "flame effect" of electric fireplaces is somewhat different than a real wood fire, but many people find it to be very pleasing.

Simple Installation

Electric fireplaces are much simpler to install than either wood- or gas-fired units. There is no flue, no outside air inlet and no need to keep a free air clearance to combustible materials. Because it fits entirely inside the insulated envelope of the house, the unit doesn't interfere with the insulation, air sealing or moisture protection of the building's outside shell. They can be located in any room. Smaller output models need only a standard 100-volt electrical outlet, while some larger units require a hard-wired 240-volt connection.

Heat Optional

Most units include a fan-forced electric heater ranging in size from 350 to 3000 watts. Unlike combustion fireplaces, where 15 to 100 percent of the heat escapes out the flue, all the heat generated by the electric fireplace stays in the room. The heater can be switched off when heat isn't needed, offering the possibility of summertime enjoyment. The manufacturers say that no maintenance is required.

Operating the "flame" alone for one hour uses less than one kiloWatt-hour (kWh)--just a few pennies. Hourly operating cost with heat varies with the size of the heating element from 1.3 kWh to 3.0 kWh. Sources

The suggested retail price of an electric fireplace ranges from $600 to $1500. There are two sources. Electro Industries (800-922-4138) makes their unit in Minnesota. Ultimate Industries (419-626-2002) imports the Burley fireplace from England and modifies it for the American market. While not a perfect substitute for a crackling fire, modern electric fireplaces offer an alternative for many energy-efficient homes.

[Note January, 1998: Electro Industries has discontinued manufacturing of thier electric fireplace. However, several other companies supply electric fireplaces.]