Many people are moving away from the hassle and work that comes along with maintaining natural fireplaces and switching to cleaner and more easy to use electric fireplace. Old style fire places require the user to either purchase or chop their own wood and struggle to start and maintain the fire. They create smoke, which can damage the home and represent a fire hazard is not properly cares for. Electric fireplaces solve all of these issues while still maintain that natural look and feel inside your home.
If you are interested in electric fireplaces, you have two options as far as installing the unit within your home. You can hire a contractor to do it, however this can be costly and you will have to endure strangers walking in and out of your home over the course of a few days. The other option is to install it yourself. If you are interested in installing an electric fireplace inside your home, we have outlined how to install an electric fireplace below.
First you will need to close your existing fireplace. If you currently have a fireplace within your home, the good news is you won’t have to remove it. You can simply use the existing fireplace to install your new electric one. When you are purchasing your faux fireplace, make sure to find one that will be able to fit inside or in front of your existing fireplace. Make sure to close off all openings to your previous fireplace including the chimney to prevent cold air from entering your home.
Next, you will need to build a new hearth. To build a hearth, you will first need to measure the floor area in front and build a U shaped frame two feet long and four feet wide. You may alter the dimensions to better fit your home and fireplace. Attach the frame to the floor with screws and use a sheet of plywood to cover the top of the frame.
Once the frame is installed, it will be time to install the fireplace inserts. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions to properly mount the new unit to the wall. At this point, you will need a drill to drill a hole in the frame in order to fish the electrical cord through and connect the plug to the nearest outlet.
Once you fish the cord through, you will then reattach the fire insert into the frame. At this point, you will be able to see how your fireplace will look and if you have made any mistakes in the installation process thus far. Now that your fireplace is attached to the hearth, use wood to build a frame that will fit around the fireplace. There are no specific requirements as far as the size of the frame goes, as long as it fits the fireplace. Attach and secure the frame and make any additional changes that may be needed. Now that you have your faux fireplace installed, it is time to paint or stain the surrounding wood. Once this is complete, you are ready to go. Simply check to make sure the fireplace ignites, sit back and enjoy your new fireplace.