Are you planning to purchase an electric fireplace and are wondering if you can put real logs in it? Electric fireplaces are popular because they are considered a safer option and also easy to install. This type of fireplace used electricity to operate, but can you use real logs inside it? Let us find out the answer to this question below.
Can I put real logs in an electric fireplace? You cannot put real logs in an electric fireplace. This type of fireplace operates with the use of electricity and does not create a real flame. Hence, real logs are useless to them. However, you can find logs that are specifically made for electric fireplaces. These are called electric fireplace log sets and are designed to look like logs and embers to represent a burning fire.
If you have leftover logs from your wood-burning fireplace, you cannot use them on an electric fireplace. This is dangerous and can also damage the fireplace. Rather, you can use electric fireplace log sets that are available on the market. They are made for electric fireplaces and can be found in various styles and sizes. Let us learn more about this below.
Why Should You Not Use Real Logs in an Electric Fireplace
The main reason why you should not use real logs in an electric fireplace is that it will not work. An electric fireplace does not generate real flame so real logs will not burn. Moreover, it can be dangerous because real logs are not meant for electric fireplaces and can be a potential risk for fire.
What Type of Logs Can I Use for an Electric Fireplace?
Electric fireplace logs are specifically created for electric fireplaces. They are made to look like real logs and create a cozy ambiance for the fireplace. Electric fireplace logs are available in various types so you can choose the one that is suited for the electric fireplace that you have at home.
Can Electric Fireplace Logs Generate Heat?
Some electric fireplace logs generate heat while some don’t. This will have to depend on the type of logs that you choose. There are electric logs that feature a built-in fan-forced or infrared heater which allows them to generate heat. On the other hand, most electric fireplace logs cannot generate heat. This is because they are smaller in size and there is no room to install the heater.
Do All Electric Fireplace Logs Look Realistic?
Not all electric fireplace logs look realistic. The model of the fireplace will determine of the logs will look realistic or not. Take note that cheaper models do not have a realistic look to them. They can even look tacky. On the other hand, the top-of-the-range models have different features such as smoke effects and flames which can look realistic.
Electric fireplace logs that look realistic are usually more expensive because of the different features that are installed into them. Some models include the latest technology like ultrasonic flames and smoke effects.
Can Electric Logs Be Placed in a Wood-Burning Fireplace?
You can place electric logs in a wood-burning fireplace if it is small enough to fit inside the firebox. You also need to make sure that there are no grates or other objects from the firebox. There should also be an electric outlet nearby that you can use if needed.
Can Electric Logs Be Placed in a Gas Fireplace?
Electric logs cannot be placed in a gas fireplace because they are not made to be used for this type of fireplace. Aside from that, it is also dangerous to use a gas fireplace with any objects that are not a part of its original design. You can also read this article that discusses if LED fireplaces give off heat. We have shared helpful information that you can refer to.
What are the Benefits that You Can Get from Using Electric Fireplace Logs?
Electric fireplace logs do not generate real flames and they are low maintenance. Hence, they are perfect for any space, especially for houses that do not have a chimney. Let us find out more about the benefits of using electric fireplace logs below.
They Do Not Generate Real Flame
One of the benefits that you can get from using an electric fireplace is that they do not generate real flames. They are also easy to install and convenient to use. The lights inside the fireplace create a realistic appearance of flames and burning logs. Because they do not produce real flame or fire, there is no need to worry about fumes and other byproducts that can be dangerous to your health.
They are Low Maintenance
Another benefit that you can get from using an electric fireplace log is that they are low maintenance. As compared to the traditional fireplaces that leave behind ash and soot which can be hard to clean, electric fireplace logs do leave behind any of those things. Electric fireplace logs do not produce real flame and without fire, they cannot create any byproducts which makes them easier to clean and maintain.
✅ Video – How to Build a DIY Fireplace Surround with an Electric Insert
H2OBungalow Home Decor & Home Improvement shared the video below on YouTube. It shows how to build a DIY fireplace with an electric insert. In the video, the step-by-step procedure is discussed. Watch the video for more ideas.
Why Should You Use an Electric Fireplace?
Electric fireplaces have low operating costs, they are easy to install, safer, do not cause pollution, and come with safety features. Nowadays, you can choose from a wide array of electric fireplaces that are available on the market.
They Have Low Operating Costs
Using an electric fireplace for your home can save you money because they have low operating costs. This is because there is no need to purchase gas, wood, and other types of fuel to keep the fireplace running. Electric fireplaces usually use about 1,500 watts to power their heating coils. This cost about 8 or 9 cents per hour. The average cost of an electric fireplace is about 50 to 100 dollars a year depending on the type of fireplace that is used. Moreover, you can save on cleaning and maintenance costs.
They are Easy to Install
Another reason why you should choose an electric fireplace is that they are easy to install. You do not need to have extensive skill or knowledge just to install the fireplace inside your house. Electric fireplaces work with 120-volt electrical outlets while the larger ones need a 240-volt outlet. You can install them anywhere as long as there is a power outlet.
Less Mess to Deal With
If you are not a fan of cleaning ash, soot, and debris left once the fire has burned out from the fireplace, then you should choose an electric fireplace for your home. They do not produce real flames so there is less mess to deal with. To clean the fireplace, you can clean the interior and exterior parts with a feather duster and use a cloth and cleaning solution to wipe the glass.
They are Safer
Electric fireplaces are safer to use inside your house because they do not produce harmful byproducts. Aside from that, they do not create smoke. Traditional fireplaces like the wood-burning ones can release dangerous fumes such as carbon monoxide into your home. This can cause health issues and when exposed to high levels, it can even lead to death. Electric fireplaces are a safer option especially if you have kids and pets at home.
They Do Not Cause Pollution
Using electric fireplaces is an eco-friendly option because they do not cause pollution. They are also energy efficient. Take note that electric fireplaces do not use any type of fuel to create a fire so there are no combustible by-products that are released into the air. You will not only have efficient heating inside your home, but it is also good for the environment.
What are Used to Create Electric Fireplace Logs?
Electric fireplace log sets are usually made from plastic to create the log effects. High-end models use ceramic and other materials. Moreover, metal or plastic is used to create the mainframe of the fireplace. You can also check out this article that discusses if infrared fireplaces give off heat. We have shared an in-depth discussion about the topic.
Do You Need a Vent for Electric Fireplaces?
You do not need to have a vent, chimney, or flue if you plan to install an electric fireplace for your home. This is because this type of fireplace does not emit smoke so there is no need for an exhaust. On the other hand, they do need some electrical requirements to work properly. For instance, they need a 120-volt outlet to operate. Make sure that the outlet has a dedicated circuit breaker or fuse. We have also shared this article titled, does an electric fireplace need a vent? You can check out the article for more tips and information.
Is it Ok to Put an Electric Fireplace Insert in an Existing Fireplace?
It is ok to put an electric fireplace insert in an existing fireplace as long as power is supplied. Moreover, the existing fireplace gap may require some modification depending on the fireplace insert that you will use. Make sure to get in touch with a professional before you do the job.
Conclusion
In this article, we have discussed if you can put real logs in an electric fireplace. We have found out that you cannot put real logs in an electric fireplace because it is not designed to create a real flame. It is also dangerous to place real logs in an electric fireplace because of potential damage and fire risk. Moreover, we have discussed electric fireplace log sets which can be used for electric fireplaces. Thank you for reading!