Not sure if this is the right place to post but I need your help. We went to a fireplace store today – as we’re in the midst of adding a 2nd story onto our existing bungalow – and since we gutted the main floor figured we should get a new fp. We ripped out our old gas fireplace, and were looking for either a new standard gas fireplace (which would require us to extend our chimney), or a direct vent unit (which would require us to apply to the city for a variance on the sideyard setback). We have the opening and the chimney currently and needed an inexpensive solution.
But here’s my question – ELECTRIC FIREBOX!?!?! Looks amazing in the store. This technology has definitely come a long way in the last few years www.dimplex.com . They look just like a gas fireplace (still not as nice as wood burning). The one we looked at is a 5000 BTU output, and the cost of operation is less than 10 cents per hour. On a $/BTU basis that is as efficient as gas. It is better for us since the smaller heat output won’t affect the thermostat and throw off the FAG like the hot gas fireplace used to. Also easy install. Seems great.
Anyone with experience with these? Good, bad, ugly?
Replies
Greetings Sue,
This post to your question will bump the thread through the 'recent discussion' listing again.
Perhaps it will catch someones eye that can help you with advice.
Cheers
I sincerely doubt whether the electric could be as cost-efficient as gas, unless you live where electric rates are really low.
Whether or not electricity is cost effective may not be an issue, depending on how the fireplace is used...if it's just turned on for an hour or two now and then for ambiance, it probably doesn't matter much. If the intention is to use it regularly for supplemental heat, then gas would probably be a better way to go.
I went to their website and it looks like a nice product. I was particularly interested in their insert for existing fireplaces, as I've been looking for something along those lines myself, but unfortunately it's too wide to fit my fireplace.
Doesn't 5000 btu sound wrong? I could not find that on the site, but sure sounds whimpy to me.
Spheramid Enterprises Architectural Woodworks
I'll just do it>
About 1.5 kilowatts by my calculation.
how many btu per Kw? I am toying with the idea of one as well, the ad from Lowes just says it heats a 400sqft room. We have some of the cheapest ele. in the country, and looks like propane is still climbing up.
Spheramid Enterprises Architectural Woodworks
I'll just do it>
According to Machinery's Handbook, 1 watt = 3.412 Btu per hour.
Thank you. so your estimate would be close 5kbtu=about 1.5kw per HOUR?
Spheramid Enterprises Architectural Woodworks
I'll just do it>
Well, strictly speaking, watts is already a rate, so watts per hour is redundant. But yes, 5000 Btu per hour is 1.465 kW, or roughly equivalent to the amount of heat you'd get from twenty 75 watt light bulbs.
And 1.465kw is about the typical size of a small electric space heater. It would warm you up if you were sitting right in front of the thing, but it wouldn't do much for the rest of the room.
With those kind of figures, I think I'll stay with my 19.00$ 1500watt ceramic space heaters.
Spheramid Enterprises Architectural Woodworks
I'll just do it>
Around here people use fireplaces for show mostly. I know of a few households who love their stylish new electric fireplaces for the fact that you can have a fire for show without heat in warm weather, or where they don't have fully zoned heating and this would cause great differences in temperature between rooms. I think that's their best application.
For actual heating when actual heating is needed, I can't imagine using any kind of fireplace as the anchor unless it was a special-case residence such as a heritage structure/look, cottage or chalet.
Edited 12/31/2004 5:26 pm ET by hacknhope
I have a Dimplex electric fireplace in my living room. I do not know how many btu it is rated for but in terms of a heat source it is basically useless. I does look very good which is why I bought it, but the turning sound of the mechanism that I assume drives the flames, is loud enough to drive you nuts. I know 4 other people that have Dimplex fireplaces and they are all like this. Just turn it on and stand within about 10' in a quiet room and all you will hear is vroooom vroooom vrooooom.......
thank you all for your responses. We would not be using the electric firebox for heat at all, strictly looks. We need something since we have the existing fireplace and chimney. Our other alternative is to extend the chimney and the $$$ they want for that is ridiculous! I know for a fact that the fireboxes give off 5000 BTUs and we would only be using it to turn on for company or ambience every once in a while. The other benefit is small children. We are having a baby in March and the firebox does not get hot enough to burn anyone who touches it (in comparison to gas which gets extremely hot!)
I never noticed the noise of the dimplex and I was in a showroom with 10 of them on. Could it be an older model?
I keep doing research and found another company with very nice looking electric fireplaces (but haven't seen them in person) Has anyone heard of formglas electric fireplaces? http://www.formglasfire.com
Thanks again everyone.