Are you thinking about installing an electric fireplace and are wondering if they are toxic? When it comes to choosing a fireplace for your home, one of the things that you need to consider is safety. You need to check the safety features of the fireplace to make sure that it will not cause any danger to your property and family. If you want to learn more about electric fireplaces and whether they are toxic or not, read the rest of the article below.
Are electric fireplaces toxic? Electric fireplaces are not toxic and they are safer to use compared to other types of fireplaces. This is because an electric fireplace does not use real flame which means that no toxic byproducts are produced. Hence, an electric fireplace is the best choice if you have family members who have allergies or breathing sensitivities.
An electric fireplace provides heat and a cozy ambiance to your home without producing toxic chemicals and byproducts. To run an electric fireplace, all that you need to do is just plug it in and turn on the switch. On the other hand, you still need to be careful when it comes to handling electric fireplaces. Bear in mind that it still uses electricity which can also be dangerous. Let us learn more about electric fireplaces below.
Are Electric Fireplaces Safer to Run?
Electric fireplaces are safer to run as compared to other types of fireplaces such as wood and gas. They do produce real fire so they eliminate a lot of potential safety risks. Moreover, you can rest assured that there is no risk of carbon monoxide poisoning and house fires. Carbon monoxide is dangerous because it cannot be seen and have no smell so you cannot detect it.
The ideal thing about using electric fireplaces is that they require less maintenance and there is no need for venting or chimney inspections. Furthermore, it does not emit dangerous smoke or fumes which is ideal for those who have breathing sensitivities or lung illnesses such as asthma.
How Safe Are Electric Fireplaces to Use?
Electric fireplaces are equipped with modern features which makes them safer to use. When using electric fireplaces, you do not have to worry about safety as compared to when using other types of fireplaces. Take note that this type of fireplace does not use combustible fuel and runs only on electricity. Because of this, they do not produce real burning fire. Moreover, they do not use real fuel to burn so you do not have to worry about smoke or harmful gases such as carbon monoxide leaking into your home. We have also shared this article titled, are led fireplaces any good? You can check out the article for more tips and information.
Are the Flames Produced Electric Fireplaces Dangerous?
The flames produced by electric fireplaces are not dangerous. The flame does not produce real fire. The flames are illusions caused by the light bulbs installed in the fireplace and will not cause any harm. You can rest assured that your family and pets are safe from accidental burns. Moreover, the glass in the electric fireplace remains cool to the touch. When it comes to rending fires, artificial flames are safer to deal with. You can also easily adjust the heat and flame with a switch.
How to Safely Install an Electric Fireplace in Your Home?
Make sure that you read the user manual when installing an electric fireplace. You should also make sure that you have the right output plug in your home. The good thing about electric fireplaces is that they are easy to install and you can place them anywhere in your home. On the other hand, the fireplace uses electricity to run so you still need to be careful when using it. Make sure that it is placed away from water especially when it is turned on. You can also read this article that discusses if an electric fireplace needs a vent. We have shared helpful information that you can refer to.
Why are Electric Fireplaces Safer to Use?
Electric fireplaces are safer to use because they do not make use of combustible materials, they emit no byproducts, heat is artificially generated, and they can be instantly switched off. Let us find out more about these reasons below.
Non-Combustible Materials
One reason why an electric fireplace is safer to use is that it uses no combustible materials. While it looks like there are real flames inside the fireplace, they don’t burn fuel and what you see are imitation flames caused by light.
Produce No Byproducts
Another reason why an electric fireplace is safer to use is that it does not produce any by-products. This is because nothing is burning inside the fireplace. You do not have to deal with fumes, smoke, or carbon monoxide. You can rest assured that your family and property are safe. You can also check out this article that discusses if a ventless fireplace can make you sick. We have shared an in-depth discussion about the topic.
Has a Low Operating Temperature
Electric fireplaces have low operating temperatures as compared to other types of fireplaces such as wood or gas. There are some models where the glass in the fireplace remains cool to the touch while it is generating heat.
Artificially Generated Heat
The ideal thing about electric fireplaces is that they artificially generate heat with the use of an internal heating component. Aside from that, you can also find electric fireplaces that feature a flame-only setting. This enables you to enjoy the artificial flame generated by the fireplace without turning on the heater. You can also check out this article that discusses if LED fireplaces give off heat. We have shared an in-depth discussion about the topic.
Does Not Require Oxygen Supply
Another reason why electric fireplaces are safer to use is that they do not need an oxygen supply to run. Take note that that traditional fireplace such as wood needs a constant air supply to safely burn fire. If there is no constant oxygen supply, the fireplace produces more smoke and other byproducts which are harmful to your health.
Instant On and Off
Electric fireplaces feature an instant on and off switch. You can immediately stop the fireplace from producing heat and artificial flame by turning it off and unplugging it from the power source.
✅ Video – Should I Buy a Gas or Electric Fireplace? (What is the Difference?)
Embers Fireplaces & Outdoor Living shared the YouTube video below. It discusses the difference between a gas and electric fireplace to help you make a decision on which you should buy. The pros and cons as well as the differences between both fireplaces are discussed. Watch the video for more information.
Is an Electric Fireplace Safe to Use if You Have Children at Home?
An electric fireplace is safe to use if you have children at home. They do not burn fuel and run using an artificial flame. As compared to other types of fireplaces, the electric ones can be able to maintain heat at a lower temperature. This means that they can heat a room without getting too hot to the touch.
Moreover, you can find electric fireplaces that are safe to the touch and remain cool even if it is running. The glass will not cause a burn in case it is touched accidentally. Moreover, no wood sticks around the fireplace which can cause someone to trip and fall. Electric fireplaces are safer especially if you have kids inside the house.
Can You Place Electric Fireplace on the Carpet?
There are some models of electric fireplaces that are safe to place on the carpet as long as the carpet is not too long. You must avoid placing an electric fireplace on long carpets or rugs. This is because the carpet can block the inlet or outlet of the heater and can cause the fireplace to overheat. Make sure that you read the user manual before placing the electric fireplace inside your house.
Can Electric Fireplace Run Overnight?
Do not leave electric fireplaces to run overnight or even during the day. While they are considered to be safer as compared to other types of fireplaces, they use electricity to run and electricity can be dangerous. It can lead to overheating and fire. Make sure that you switch off the electric fireplace before leaving and do not leave it unattended. You can also check out this article that discusses why homes have fake fireplaces. We have shared an in-depth discussion about the topic.
Can You Install an Electric Fireplace by Yourself?
You can install an electric fireplace by yourself. How hard or easy the fireplace can be installed will have to depend on the type of fireplace that you have as well as your DIY skills. Generally, electric fireplaces are easy to install. There is no need to install vents or run additional pipes that lead to the chimney. An electric fireplace does not need to have a chimney. Moreover, electric fireplaces need minimal setup and can be safely used as soon as they are properly installed. Make sure that you have the right outlet to plug in the fireplace. We have also shared this article titled, do ventless fireplaces smell? You can check out the article for more tips and information.
Are Electric Fireplaces Good for the Environment?
Electric fireplaces are good for the environment because they do not produce corrosive fumes such as carbon monoxide. This type of fireplace is recommended by environmentalists around the globe. Wood-burning fireplaces can cause carbon dioxide and smoke particles which can create acid rain. On the other hand, gas fireplaces produce dangerous fumes that affect the Ozone layer. Electric fireplaces do not produce smoke, do not burn fuel, and do not emit toxic byproducts into the air so it is safe for the environment.
Conclusion
In this article, we have discussed if electric fireplaces are toxic. We have learned that electric fireplaces are not toxic and it is one of the best types of fireplaces that you can have at home which is recommended by environmentalists. Electric fireplaces do not burn real fuel so rest assured that it does not emit toxic chemicals into the air. Thank you for reading!