Free Standing Electric Fireplace Maintenance Tips

A free-standing electric fireplace is generally a low-maintenance appliance, especially when compared to a chimney fireplace. But to ensure safety and maximize lifespan and efficiency you will want to take certain precautions.

A free standing electric fireplace works in the same fashion as an electric stove. With the flip of a switch or the push of a button, the fireplace heats up and a fan blows the hot air out into the room. An electric fireplace will emit somewhere between 4,500 to 5,500 BTUs of heat. Electric fireplaces typically come with the option to provide heat or stay cool.

Remove Electrical Hazards

Carefully consider the objects that are placed around your electric fireplace and its cord as they can create safety hazards. Avoid placing your electric fireplaces near a water source. Fish tanks, water heaters and sinks are particularly dangerous.

Avoid Outlets

Make sure your electrical outlets can handle the load demanded by your electric fireplace. As with any electrical equipment, you do not want to blow a fuse when you plug in a new appliance.

Keep Flammable Objects Away

Any object that is deemed flammable needs to be removed from the area surrounding the free- standing electric fireplace.

Change the Light Bulb Regularly

To keep your electric fireplace in the best possible working order, change the light bulb as recommended by the manufacturer, usually about every two or three years.

Dust Inside and Out

Although you do not have to clean an electric fireplace like you would a chimney fireplace, you will want to clean inside and out with a soft, dry cloth to remove dust and other particles that may create fire hazards.

Other Maintenance Tips

The need to keep the outlet free of any other load is important. A freestanding electric fireplace will shut down if it does not have enough juice to power it.

If you maintain your electrical fireplace accordingly, you will enjoy many years of ambient lighting and clean heat.