Electric fireplace with a flame effect. Types, characteristics and descriptions

The choice of a home heating system has always been oriented towards the possibility of providing high heat output and an appropriate level of safety. Boiler and furnace equipment still remains relevant in this niche, and its manufacturers are offering all new and more attractive solutions. The product of one of these ideas was an electric fireplace with a flame effect, featuring increased security and ergonomic control. At the same time he acts as an independent object of the interior, bringing a decorative tint to the situation.

The principle of the fire with a flame effect

In the development of aggregates that realize the effect of a living flame, today innovative systems are used. But first, we need to consider how such tasks were solved earlier. If a modern electric fireplace with a flame effect is able to perform several functions, most similar installations of previous generations have only simulated the burning of fire visually. A classic example is a metal frame, inside of which resembled a furnace. Directly, the flames were recreated by cutting the cloth, which were driven by fans.

In the modern version, this task is completely different. Simulation is carried out by means of water evaporation, which is illuminated by halogen lamps. In other words, an electric fireplace with a live flame effect generates steam and simultaneously reflects light radiation on it. By varying the power of the lamps and vaporization, a unique effect of real combustion is achieved.

Varieties of models

There are several classifications of such installations. First of all, they differ in type of construction. To equip apartments, for example, more often used built-in electric fireplace with the effect of a living flame, which almost does not take place in the room. However, stand-alone models have an advantage - they are aesthetically pleasing and more suitable for the function of simulating a classic fireplace.

Another principle of the separation of such units by design is the form. On the market you can find rectangular, square and even cylindrical models. The most profitable solution for small rooms will again be a corner fireplace electric with a flame effect, and those who are looking for a way to approach the traditional style as much as possible, it is desirable to refer to full-dimensional rectangular shapes.

Main characteristics

The basic characteristics include dimensions and power factor. I must say that these data are interrelated. The standard is the format of 90 cm in width, 70-90 cm in height and in depth of about 30 cm. Of course, there may be deviations from this size. Some companies also offer the possibility of developing a fireplace for individual projects. With regard to power, on average, an electric fireplace with a flame effect provides a heating force in the range of 1.5-2 kW. For private houses, you can find massive structures that have a potential of 3-5 kW. But it is important to take into account that the electric heating method is the most expensive, and not only in furnaces and fireplaces. But in this case, the energy consumption from the 220 V network will go both to the direct filling of the room with heat, and to power the lamps that illuminate the steam.

Nuances of installation

Mounting actions can be divided into two parts. First of all, the electrical wiring is checked. Especially if the fireplace is calculated for full heating, the line must be carefully protected. Then you can start "dirty" work. If you intend to use the built-in construction, then the appropriate portal in the wall is prepared. The niche for integration inside is finished with plasterboard or wood - with this material there will be a direct contact of the electric fireplace with the effect of the flame. The wall unit must be additionally fixed with fixing devices. Usually, for this purpose, the corners are provided, which insure the structure from falling out of the niche, or special brackets that are embedded in the hearth of the fireplace.

How to choose an electric fireplace?

Orientation in the choice follows on the function of the fireplace. The fact is that there are models designed only for the decorative task of simulating a flame, as well as multifunctional installations that realize and heat. In both cases, the stylistic correspondence of the appearance of the design to the design of the room is determined. Of course, it is important to take into account how much a concrete electric fireplace with a flame effect can be technically inscribed in the zone of its intended operation. If a modification is selected with the function of the heating system, then it is also important to calculate the power. The larger the area of the room, the higher the potential for heat output. For a small apartment, for example, with an area of up to 40 m ² , there will be enough power of 1.5 kW.

The advantages and disadvantages of a fireplace with a flame effect

The refusal of a fireplace with a natural flame in favor of artificial fire is due to several reasons. This is the possibility of using the unit without the construction of a chimney, the need to regularly purchase fuel, as well as a high level of safety. In addition, an electric fireplace with the effect of a living flame is not so far from the aesthetic merits of a real fire. As the users note, the lighting of the steam gives a different, but still distinctive and eye-catching decorative effect. As for the minuses, then, unlike wood and liquid fuel fireplaces, electric models with artificial flame are more costly in terms of content.

Price issue

The cost of such fireplaces is determined by the power, structural design, dimensions and functions. The most affordable options can be purchased for 15-20 thousand rubles. These are small installations that require less energy, but the effect of living fire from them is less noticeable. In the middle segment there is an electric fireplace with a flame effect, the price of which is 25-40 thousand. These are already sound firm designs, in which equipment there is advanced optical stuffing and technological means of visual reflection of steam rays playing in an improvised furnace. Premium models can cost and 100-150 thousand As a rule, their distinctive feature is the size and finish, made of high-quality materials. As for the best manufacturers, the most popular brands are Dimplex (Ireland), Planika (Australia-Poland), Real Flame (China), Jotul (Norway), Austroflamm (Austria), Spartherm (Germany).

Conclusion

When buying an electric fireplace with an artificial flame, one should not forget about the direct tasks of all furnace facilities. The model without heating function will only play a decorative role, so this aspect in this case is not so important. Moreover, in this group you can find a very cheap but high-quality electric fireplace with a flame effect, the price of which will be within 20 thousand. This is due to the fact that the device of such units completely lacks heating elements. But if the task is to purchase a model that also has to perform the heating function, it is important to take a responsible approach to inspecting the heat transfer system. As experts advise, preference should be given to those units in which the functions of flame generation and heating are separated.