---
title: 11 Common Questions About Electric Fireplaces
description: When it’s cold outside, and all you want to do is stay toasty, there’s nothing quite like the satisfaction of warming up by your own fireplace.
image: https://blog.watsons.com/hubfs/Fireplaces/fireplaces-all-fireplaces.webp
---
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# 11 Common Questions About Electric Fireplaces
Posted by [Watson's](https://blog.watsons.com/blog/author/watsons) on Jan 18, 2023 2:02:00 PM
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When it’s cold outside, and all you want to do is stay toasty, there’s nothing quite like the satisfaction of warming up by [your own fireplace](https://www.watsons.com/fireplaces). Fireplaces are a great way to heat your home while adding unmistakable winter ambiance. But not every property is outfitted with its own working chimney and hearth to light a fire.
Thankfully, there’s a solution to the fireplace conundrum. Electric fireplaces can give you the classic look and feel of a real roaring fire without the need to ever strike a match.
If you’ve been thinking about getting an electric fireplace for your home, here are some answers to the most common questions about electric fireplaces.
## Why Should I Buy an Electric Fireplace?
[Electric fireplaces](https://www.watsons.com/fireplaces/electric-fireplaces) are a great option for providing extra warmth and ambiance to almost any room of your home. Electric fireplaces don’t need to be connected to gas lines or supplied with firewood. They are designed to be completely ventless and usually hook up directly to existing electrical outlets without the need for complicated installation.
## Are Electric Fireplaces Warm?
Electric fireplaces emit heat as well as an alluring ember glow. They simulate the effects of real flames and can heat a small section of a room. Much like a space heater, electric fireplaces provide a concentrated area of heat at the click of a button.
## Are Electric Fireplaces Hot to the Touch?
While electric fireplaces can provide a surprising amount of heat, they’re designed to remain as cool to the touch as possible. You’ll certainly feel the warmth of the unit as it runs, but you don’t have to worry about burning yourself on hot glass or metal.
## How Long Do Electric Fireplaces Last?
A quality electric fireplace will last 20 years or longer with proper care. As long as you aren’t running the unit every single day throughout the year, you should expect between 10 and 20 years of use from your electric fireplace.
## Are Electric Fireplaces Safe?
Electric fireplaces are safe in every sense of the word. Not only are they much less dangerous than traditional wood-burning fireplaces, they’re also better for the environment. Electric fireplaces don’t release hazardous chemicals into the air, and they quickly cool down after they’ve been turned off. And in the event that you forget to switch off your electric fireplace, there’s no risk of a burning fire growing out of control.
## Are Electric Fireplaces Efficient?
Today’s electric fireplaces are designed to be highly energy efficient and usually cost pennies per hour to operate. You don’t have to worry about your utility bills going up in flames when you buy an electric fireplace.
## How Do You Install an Electric Fireplace?
When it comes to electric fireplaces, installation is easy. In fact, for most units, it’s as simple as plugging in an electrical cord. Most electric fireplaces will work with a standard 120v wall outlet and need no additional installation efforts. They’re also relatively lightweight and easy to move. So, if you decide that your fireplace might look better in your bedroom than your living room, you can make the switch easily.
## Can Electric Fireplaces Be Built Into a Wall?
While most electric fireplaces require no remodeling or construction to install, you can choose to build certain models into a wall if you choose. However, certain models may not look their best when embedded into your walls. Electric fireplaces that double as media consoles, for example, look best in the open.
## Do Electric Fireplaces Need Venting?
Electric fireplaces do not need venting. They don’t emit smoke or fumes, and there’s no need to vent through a chimney or other outlet.
## Can I Connect My Electric Fireplace with an Extension Cord?
Never connect an electric fireplace using an extension cord. The power requirements of an electric fireplace aren’t meant for an extension cord and can potentially start a fire. Be sure to hook up the electric cord of your fireplace directly to the wall outlet, not an extension cord.
## Are Electric Fireplaces Better Than Wood Stoves or Gas Fireplaces?
It’s a matter of taste, but electric fireplaces do offer several advantages over more traditional fireplaces. They’re a cinch to install, provide plenty of heat and ambiance, and are very safe to operate. Not to mention, electric fireplaces are incredibly convenient.
Most of today’s electric fireplaces come with their own remote control that allows you to adjust everything from the temperature to the brightness of the flames as much as you want. You can’t get that with a wood-burning fireplace.
If you’re looking for a toasty electric fireplace for your home, trust the experts at Watson’s.
When you shop with us, you’ll find an amazing selection and personalized service, along with the guaranteed lowest prices in the USA. We offer all the [quality furniture](https://www.watsons.com/furniture/living-room) to complement your new fireplace in your living room, or any other space in your home.
No matter if you’re looking for a [gas fireplace](https://www.watsons.com/fireplaces/gas-fireplaces), [gas logs](https://www.watsons.com/fireplaces/gas-logs), or [glass doors](https://www.watsons.com/fireplaces/glass-doors) for your fireplace, we have exactly what you need.
So, if you want to stay cozy with your own electric fireplace this winter, shop online or stop by your nearest Watson’s location today.
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