US Store
Fireplaces are a beneficial addition to your home and provide warmth and ambiance in any season. However, the comforts of a gas or wood-burning fire also come with safety concerns, hassles, and inconveniences that may keep you from using it as much as you want to.
If you convert a wood fireplace to electric, you take away many of the downsides of a fireplace. An electric fireplace is a viable alternative to actual wood and gas fireplaces without the associated risks. For a detailed comparison between gas and electric fireplaces, refer to our Gas vs. Electric Fireplace comparison.
Why Convert Wood Fireplace to Electric?
Safety & Maintenance
Most traditional wood or gas-burning fireplaces have several safety risks--risks that aren't an issue for electric fireplaces. Some can come as a surprise for new homeowners. Gas and wood-burning units require safety barriers, heatproof materials, and annual safety checks.
Physical exertion can also become a concern with wood-burning fireplaces since you’ll need to cut and carry your own wood. As a result, wood and gas-burning fireplaces often remain unused throughout the year.
Electric fireplaces, however, are hassle-free. In addition to being pet and child-friendly, electric fireplaces remain cool to the touch, require no physical exertion for maintenance, and are convenient to use.
Supplemental Heating
Electric fireplaces are champs at zone heating: supplementing heat to the rooms constantly used by the entire family rather than heating the entire house where many rooms are unoccupied for the majority of the day.
Units can provide 5,000 BTUs per hour of heat and deliver this to your room by using a quiet fan that blows the heat generated by the insert into the room. Electric fireplaces cost approximately 3 cents an hour to operate without the heat on and 8-12 cents with the heat turned on. Before making the transition, it's essential to understand the total ownership costs of a fireplace to make an informed decision.
How Realistic Do Electric Fireplaces Look?
Modern electric fireplaces create incredibly lifelike flames using LED technology, adjustable brightness, and dynamic movement. Models like the Napoleon Allure and Dimplex Revillusion mimic real fire with depth-enhancing back panels, glowing ember beds, and hand-painted logs. Some even offer crackling sound effects for added ambiance.
For a deeper dive into the most realistic flame effects, check out this guide to electric fireplace flames. With today’s technology, electric fireplaces deliver both warmth and stunning visuals, making them a perfect alternative to traditional fireplaces.
Which Electric Fireplace Is Best for Conversions?
There are two types of electric fireplaces you can use to convert your wood-burning fireplace into electric: plug-in fireboxes and log inserts. For guidance on choosing the perfect model, see our guide on finding the best electric fireplace.
Log Inserts
Electric fire logs for your fireplace are composed of composite logs and an electrical cord. Some models may also have a grate of some sort the logs sit on. The logs are lifelike in presentation and produce a realistic flame image.
These models do not emit fumes associated with gas fireplaces or the smells of a wood fire, yet still utilize the existing fireplace structure for an easy conversion process. They are safe and clean to operate and many models can be remote-controlled. They come in a variety of sizes, from 18 to 40inch widths.
Plug-In Fireboxes
In addition to the log inserts, the plug-in electric fireplace can also house its own firebox. It may have a glass front or may be open. These, like log inserts, feature lifelike logs or may have a more contemporary bed of glass or rock instead of logs or embers.
They come in various sizes and shapes. Their realistic flame effects and energy-efficient function make this a great option for converting your wood fireplace to electric.
To ensure you select the ideal unit, consult our guide on choosing the right electric fireplace.
Fastest Ways to Convert from Wood Burning to Electric
|
How to Convert a Wood-Burning Fireplace to Electric
An electric fireplace insert for an existing fireplace is set into the existing masonry fireplace and replaces existing wood grates, gas grates, burners, or log sets. To install an electric fireplace insert all you have to do is clean up the existing fireplace box, slide the insert in and plug it into a standard outlet.
Most electric inserts for existing fireplaces come factory pre-wired which makes for a smooth installation, however, with some units, a plug-kit will need to be added. There are no gas fittings, no masonry work, and no holes in exterior walls that must be added, monitored, or maintained.
Depending on the type of insert you choose, the installation may look a little different. A log insert is simply placed in the existing firebox and plugged in. A built-in fits snugly in the firebox and may require some shims to make it level or help it stay in the right position. Be sure to check whether the model you choose has a front trim or if you’ll need to order it separately.
Ready to convert a wood fireplace to electric? Electric Fireplaces Direct reps are standing by to show you how seamless the process can be. Take a look at the options or get in contact with us.
