Parts for Electric Fireplaces

Electric fireplaces have several benefits including they are easy to install, portable, less messy than real wood-burning fireplaces and better for the environment. An electric fireplace will either provide warmth to a room or show off a glow for ambience only. Several sizes of electric fireplaces are available from a 22-inch up to a 33-inch unit.  

Heating Components

An electric fireplace is built with an electric heater that contains a fan or a blower attachment. Because the temperature needs to be regulated, a thermostat is installed on the fireplace unit. There will either be a mesh screen or glass doors that operate to open near the electric competent that make up the fire portion of the unit. The electric fireplace controls are located on a wall near the unit or as a remote control style device.

Cabinets

Electric fireplaces that look like traditional fireplaces are very popular and come in a variety of wood cabinets. Some of the wood offered includes cherry, mahogany, solid oak or traditional white wood painted a variety of colors to match a home's décor. There are also electric fireplace cabinets made from stones. The rocks are places so that they cover the boards and create an elegant showpiece. Some of the corner style electric fireplace cabinets have a storage space in the side that opens up to the back and will hold many pieces of a homeowner's personal belongings.

Add-ons

There are several add-ons, which a homeowner can purchase for his electric fireplace to make it more like a traditional wood fireplace. There is a crackling sound machine, which imitates the sound of a crackling fire burning, and a pinwheel type device that sits behind the light to help it look more like a flickering flame. For a more dramatic effect, there is a kit that makes the electric fireplace into a fire and ice exhibit in which the water trickles off the "logs" in the fireplace.