An electric fireplace is the modern equivalent of that classic home fireplace. While you may be used to the traditional, recessed fireplace that’s down at the ground, today’s electric fireplaces can go right on your wall. You’ll get that iconic fireplace look and feel in a much more convenient application. 

Need a bit more information about electric wall fireplaces? In this blog, we’ll tackle everything from safety and sustainability to your most common installation questions. 

 Wall mounted electric fireplace in a gray paneled wall in a living room with console table below and lamp to the side.

Wall Fireplace 101 

So what is a wall fireplace? Simply put, it’s a fireplace you can hang on your wall. No venting is required, and you’ll still get features like flames and ember beds without any cleanup or extensive maintenance.  

But does it still heat up the room like a real fire? You bet!  

Through a process called zone heating, a wall fireplace provides enough supplemental heat—up to 5,000 BTUs worth—to take the chill out of rooms that are 400-1000 square feet in size. 

Still interested in a fireplace that fits on your wall? Let’s talk about the different types to choose from. 

 Surface mounted electric fireplace in a wall with wood surround and lamps on either side.

The Three Types of Wall Fireplaces 

Compared to the one size fits all approach of a traditional fireplace, wall fireplaces come in a variety of styles to fit your needs. Here are the three main types you need to know about: 

 

  • Fully recessed: Just like a traditional fireplace, a fully recessed electric fireplace is placed in a cut-out area of your wall. The sides of the fireplace are hidden while the frame and front are fully in view.  
     
  • Partially recessed: A partially recessed fireplace gives you an in-wall look without going as deep as a fully recessed unit. That means the frame, front, and a portion of the sides will stick out slightly. 
     
  • Surface mount: If you’d rather not cut into your wall, opt for a surface mount unit instead. Just like a flat-screen TV, surface mount units give the appearance of floating in an easy-to-install application. 

 

A wall fireplace earns all the style points, but the safety ratings are where they really stand out. 

 Extra long electric fireplace fully recessed in the wall with gray stone on the wall and living room furniture in the foreground.

How Safe Are Wall Fireplaces? 

The most obvious threat associated with a fireplace is right there in the name. “Real” fires in wooden fireplaces carry real risks of fire damage, smoke damage, and carbon monoxide if left unchecked. Even the task of cutting firewood can be considered a hazard. 

So how much safer are electric fireplaces? Whether they’re mounted on the wall or not, one of the biggest safety benefits of an electric fireplace is the lack of a real fire behind it. Running purely on electricity, there aren’t any dangerous embers or wandering smoke to deal with. You also don’t need safety barriers, heatproof barriers, or annual safety checks that come with wood and gas-powered units. 

Every wall fireplace is: 

  • Cool to the touch 

  • Pet and child friendly

  • Easy to use and maintain 

 

All it takes is the click of a remote to heat your room like a “real” fireplace. Your home will be warmer and safer, but there’s another big benefit that has a critical impact on our planet. 

 Electric fireplace mounted on a wall in a dining room with white walls and large dining table.

Are Wall Fireplaces Good for the Environment? 

“Going green” is quickly becoming the norm for homeowners across the country. When you choose a wall fireplace, you’re giving your home a “green advantage" in the fight for our planet. Some of the environmentally friendly benefits include: 

 

  • No harmful emissions: An electric fireplace doesn’t emit greenhouse gasses or harmful gasses like carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide 
     
  • Minimal waste: According to experts, up to 50% of all heat in gas and wood-burning fireplaces goes up the chimney and out of your home. An electric fireplace uses infrared and fan-forced heating to convert 100% of the energy expended to heat. 
     
  • Better energy efficiency: Through zone heating, an electric fireplace heats only the rooms you’re using. That’s compared to central heating which heats your entire home regardless of occupancy. 

 

These green benefits are better for the planet and your pocketbook thanks to decreased energy costs. 

 

It’s easy to see why a wall fireplace is right for your home. But just like any unit, there are some setbacks you need to be aware of. 

 Cozy living room with recessed electric fireplace built into the wall.

Are There Any Drawbacks to Wall Fireplaces? 

There are certain setbacks you need to be aware of before you choose your wall fireplace. That includes: 

  • Fake flames 
  • Audible fans 
  • Lack of wood smell 

 

You’ll also need a more hands-on installation if you choose a recessed fireplace unit.  

All things considered; we believe that a wall fireplace is an excellent choice for any home. In exchange for a less authentic experience, you’re getting better safety, greater convenience, and lower energy bills. 

If you’ve already made this decision and are ready to install, here are a few answers to your frequently asked questions. 

 

Answering Your FAQs 

 

How Do I Hide the Wires to My Fireplace? 

If you’re wondering how to hide wires for a wall fireplace, treat them just like your TV. You can: 

 

  • Band the cords together

  • Install wall panels 
  • Use a mantel  

 

Can I Mount a TV Above My Wall Fireplace? 

Yes, you can.  

In most cases, extra clearance isn’t necessary, but we still recommend 8-12 inches of clearance just to be safe. Additionally, the width of the TV shouldn’t go beyond the width of the fireplace console. 

Be sure to check the manual for detailed instructions and up-to-date manufacturer recommendations. 

 

How Do I Remove a Fireplace Brick Wall? 

HGTV provides a step-by-step guide on how to remove a fireplace brick wall. That includes: 

 

  • Removing all brick that extends beyond the plane of the surrounding wall 
     
  • Framing the firebox opening to prepare for drywall application 
     
  • Installing drywall over the firebox opening 
     
  • Add new wood flooring planks in accordance with manufacturer directions 

 

Check out their guide for more detailed directions and a complete list of tools. 

 

Our general fireplace FAQs go more in-depth into heating specs and all the basics of electric fireplaces. 

 

Want one of the best wall fireplaces on the market?  

 

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