Electric fireplaces with the effect of a living flame in the interior

A fireplace with the effect of a living flame will help bring a zest to the interior, add a home to comfort and home heat. Modern models completely imitate the real fire, and those gathered around the hearth will even hear the characteristic crash of burning logs. At the same time, such an accessory has neither smoke nor the threat of fire. It does not require compliance with all fire safety requirements, is quite simple to install, ergonomic, and therefore can be installed even in urban dwellings.

Fireplaces of this kind are, rather, heating appliances, characterized by the presence of a fire imitation system. Devices with the effect of a real flame are a complex mechanism.

It includes 2 main, but autonomously working systems:

• heating system;
• live fire imitation system.

Among other components of such devices include:

• device to simulate the flame;
• a model of the furnace;
• artificial, imitating natural coals and logs;
• decorative grate;
• remote control with which you select and set the mode of operation of the electric heater.

Visually, most of the fireplaces are divided into 2 parts - this is the portal (the outer part framing the flame) and the firebox (firewood or coal is placed here, the fire burns). Some models do not have a portal. The center, in turn, is built-in (it has a certain size, it is embedded in the portal and is connected to the power supply network) and interchangeable (it needs a special frame, usually made to order).

Unlike standard wood and gas fireplaces, electric has several advantages.

• Its installation does not need to be coordinated with the relevant authorities, and for installation in most cases it does not even have to call a specialist.
• Electric fireplaces are easy to maintain, because they have neither a chimney to be cleaned, nor a firebox, periodically covered with soot. All care is to wipe the dust from the surface, replace the light bulbs and change the water.

• Safety is due to the fact that when it is burned, no toxins and carbon monoxide are released, and improper operation of the system is also excluded.
• Small dimensions, no need to organize a chimney allow the use of electric fireplaces even in small rooms that do not have impressive ceiling heights. The only type of room where installation of an accessory is unacceptable are rooms with high humidity.

• The presence of a thermostat in the fireplace allows it to heat the room to a certain temperature, without overdrying the air. There is a mode to completely turn off the heat.
• The presence of additional options, among which the most popular are humidification and air purification, the possibility of musical accompaniment of the work of the hearth.
• The cost of electric fireplace on average is 5 times less than the purchase price and installation of gas or wood analogue. Moreover, the operation of the electric version is also cheaper.The main item of expenditure - the payment of electricity.
• No need to worry about the sources of combustion, because the fireplaces are powered by electricity.

Many fear that the installation of electric heater will lead to a significant increase in energy costs. Such concerns are unfounded, since when using the decorative functionality of the fireplace (without heating) the cost of paying bills will increase slightly. When used as a heating system, it consumes as much electricity as household heaters.

Decorative fireplace can be of several types.

• Kaminokompleksy, consisting of separate parts - electrofireplace and a portal to it. And they can be sold as a set, or separately (the buyer himself combines elements based on their stylistic requirements). Finally, you can buy a fireplace, and make a portal to it yourself.

• Compact devices, externally similar to the design of a plasma TV. This model is optimal for a small apartment, because the fireplace design can be built into the wall or placed in a special niche, and even just hung on the wall.

By the way, embedded versions with sufficient power may well replace several battery sections. Built-in models, located in wall niches, look compact, do not change the geometry of the room.

Mobile devices, which in some way resemble stoves stoves, if necessary, they are easily transferred from room to room. It is simple to activate such fireplace - it is enough to insert the plug into the socket.

• Miniature focirepresenting small baskets, wrought iron fireboxes. It creates the illusion that they are filled with wood and coal, which slowly smolder. It is also not difficult to turn on such a firebox - just connect it to the power grid.

If we talk about the technology of flame, then fireplaces are of several types.

• Electromechanicalin which the flame is produced by halogen or LED light. When the engine rotates, the special mask of the lamp shines, and glare and reflections characteristic of fire appear on the screen.
• Steamin which the effect of fire is provided by steam. It is highlighted with colored lights. Thanks to a couple it is possible to get not only the appearance of fire, but also smoke.

Steam or water accessory allows you to get the most realistic burning. This is achieved by highlighting the water vapor lamps. Despite the variety of designs of such devices, they all have the same "stuffing" - these are steam generators and a lighting system. And so that the steam is scattered throughout the fireplace, in its device there is a special diffuser.

The device has a water tank that needs to be refilled periodically. It is necessary to monitor the quality and degree of water purification, otherwise the tank will quickly become covered with sediments, and the device itself will become unusable. Based on the volume of the container, the hearth does not require topping up water from one day to several days of work.

• Fireplace on the screen of which video of the burning center is shown. Modern models have a 3D perspective, thereby achieving maximum realism of the displayed image. The disadvantage of video fireplaces is the cyclical nature of the image, that is, after a certain period of time the video flame begins to repeat,go in a circle.

Depending on the “fuel” used, there are several types of fireplaces.

• On the wood. In varying degrees, they can imitate natural logs from almost completely preserved to significantly burned. Dummy logs, like the real ones, can be placed by the fireplace in a special basket or niche of the fireplace. Such a decoration will overwhelm with authenticity and harmony.
• On coals. Usual coals are placed on the pallet. When lamps work, the effect of glowing coals is obtained.
• On the rocks. In this case, decorative stones are placed in the firebox.

Burning a false fire can emanate from corruption, a small fire to a more imposing flame.

Depending on the size, there are fireplaces of such types:

• standard (520x620xx240 mm);
• wide (up to 1000 mm);
• extra wide (up to 2500 mm).

"Heaters" perfectly fit into most living rooms and cabinets in a classic style. The most common options for finishing materials for such fireplaces are wood, stone, tile, decorative plaster, stucco can be the decor.They are characterized by monumentality, the presence of portals. In the kitchen or in the dining room, as well as in the office look stylized stoves-burzhuyki.

For interiors in modern style It is better to choose electric fireplaces framed with glass, plastic, mirrors, various modern materials with tinted or metallic effects.

The beauty of modern-style devices is that they can have a neutral shade or stand out in a bright color accent of the room. However, they usually have a simple concise form and unobtrusive finish.

For dining country style It is appropriate to use fireplaces, more like stoves. They are big enough, have portals. As a finishing material, you can use tiles that imitate brickwork, stucco under clay or chalk surfaces.

It is unfair to assume that the fireplace will not fit into the modern "urban" styles - hi-tech or loft. However, in such rooms, he should not have the usual decor. Preference should be given to the original form of fireplaces. Interestingly look bilateral devices, which also can be used for zoning space.

The loft interior harmoniously looks accessories in a retro style, within which eclectically combines elements of antiquity and modern elements.

In order to save, as well as to achieve exclusivity of the fireplace, its portal can be done by hand. Homemade portals can be made of various materials. The most affordable and inexpensive will be drywall, it is recommended to use its moisture-resistant variety. Another budget option is a portal made of chipboard or fiberboard (made on the basis of pressed wood).

To create more noble and unique interiors, the choice should be stopped on a tree. However, this design will be quite expensive.The same can be said about the stone portals. Their choice is diverse - from the more affordable shell rock to luxurious granite. These materials will not work and cut at home, so you have to order cutting elements for facing the fireplace in specialized workshops.

First cut the portal pedestal. The best material for it is laminated MDF, since it is characterized by resistance to moisture and high temperatures. The base should be wider than the portal itself. For a classic fireplace, a pedestal is made - a rectangle, while the same element in the corner fireplace has a five-pointed shape.

The skeleton of the fireplace is best to perform their drywall. It is stable, easy to cut and has a low cost. First of all, the framework is performed with the help of profiles (rack and guide). First, on the wall is drawn the markup of the future fireplace, exactly corresponding to the sketches. It is also transferred to the ground.Once again, carefully checking the accuracy of the markup, proceed to the installation of profiles. The result is a parallelepiped of profiles.

To enhance the upper part of the parallelepiped, where there will be a “chimney-board”, additional profiles are criss-crossed. Similarly, with the help of profiles, imitation of the chimney is done. However, you can do without it.

Reliable operation of the electric heater is determined by the quality of the wiring. It uses self-extinguishing wire, which is laid exclusively in a metal sleeve into the portal. In the presence of a grounding system in the room is used wiring from the triple wire!

The socket must also be grounded, optimally if it is ceramic. If the outlet is located behind the fireplace, make a separate switch for it. So you can easily disconnect the device from the mains.

On the construction of the profiles with dowels for metal fastened chopped sheets of plasterboard.

The joints between the sheets of drywall are hidden with putty.To protect the corners of the structure from damage, you can use perforated corners. After completing the mounting of drywall, perform a rough finish design - ground, putty, make holes for ventilation.

The manufacture of a fireplace with its own hands decorates it.

As an interior detail, electric fire should be selected taking into account the characteristics of the room.

First of all, it is necessary to determine the place of installation of the fireplace. In the presence of a free corner in the room, you can stop the choice on the corner electric fireplace with a portal. Such models look monumental and give the room a special reliability and thoroughness. However, when such versions are in small rooms, they can be cumbersome. In this case, it is better to purchase mobile or built-in, mounted fireplaces.

The next step is to choose the type of fireplace. It is important to evaluate not only the technical characteristics of the models, but also their own strength.After all, different types of fireplaces require different care. So, it is enough to remove dust from fireplaces-screens, while mechanized analogues periodically require repair and adjustment. Will have to turn to professionals. In the steam versions, you need to take care of the condition of the cartridge and do not forget to add water.

Once you have decided on where your future fireplace is (that is, you understand what size the device should be) and what type it is, you can begin to evaluate the external characteristics. It should take into account the style of the interior, the color scheme of the room.

The fireplace, like any appliance, must be equipped with overheating protection. These are usually auto shut-off systems when certain criteria are met (overheating, long-term operation). If you are looking for a model for heating, pay attention to its power. This indicator should be at least 1.5 kW.

The fireplace should be installed after careful calculations. You must make sure that it looks harmoniously and compactly in the interior.Buying electric fireplace for a private house, crowding out the usual fireplaces, choose a massive, classic model. Otherwise, the device will simply be lost in a large area.

Today, in the electric fireplaces market, there are 2 main types of them.

• Mass production, that is, manufactured according to established schemes. As a rule, these are mobile devices weighing up to 25 kg and costing up to $ 700.

• Exclusivewhich are made by manufacturers according to specially developed schemes. Typically, such fireplaces can not be found in stores, they are presented in catalogs and are made directly for the customer. Such fireplaces are distinguished by maximum realism and unique design. It is logical that their cost is higher, it starts at $ 1,000.

Among modern manufacturers, some brands deserve attention.

• Hark. Decorative fireplaces from Germany are characterized by the highest quality and the same high cost. Produced standard designs, that is, serial production is adjusted.
• Dimplex. Irish fireplaces are popular with buyers.The latter is due to the variety of models of fireplaces, as well as the possibility of manufacturing a furnace under the order. In addition, the manufacturer offers very large fireplaces (Marana). The Opti-Myst series of this brand is considered the most realistic. This is achieved through a three-dimensional image of the flame, which can be viewed from any angle.

How the Dimplex electrofireplace with a live flame works, look in the following video.

• Electrolux. A distinctive feature of the manufacturer - an abundance in the line of built-in fireplaces at an affordable price. There are many models that cope with the heating function due to the presence of a fan heater or mirror reflectors. At the same time the maximum possible power in these models is 2 kW. More expensive models are equipped with air humidifiers and imitate the sound of crackling when burning logs.

• Helios. Fireplaces of this brand are also characterized by maximum realism, in addition, the models combine advanced technology and perfect design. Attention should be paid to the electric "RealFlame", referring to the steam. There is a soundtrack effect, heating function, 2 heating modes.

• Athena. Production of these fireplaces is conducted in Russia according to Chinese technologies. These models are especially loved by owners of small city apartments, because the models are compact. Most structures are based on MDF, which accounts for their durability and affordability. The decorative stone is often used as decoration, however, no extra or frilly elements were found near the fireplaces of this brand.

When placing the fireplace is important to take into account the stylistic features and the size of the room.

Traditionally, fireplaces have in the living room. In this case, the best location for them are walls parallel to the window. For rooms in the classic interior is better to choose wall-mounted fireplaces with the body and the portal, as well as angular counterparts. But a small corner counterpart without a portal is an excellent solution for small areas.

When placing a fireplace in the bedroom will be able to fill the room with an atmosphere of warmth and romance. The hearth should be placed in front of the bed, decorating the fireplace wall with photos.

In classic interiors, fireplaces with stone, wooden decor look good. They are used for lining the centers in the style of rustic, country. It is noteworthy that it does not have to be completely lined with stone.

Most often, fireplaces are installed in living rooms and bedrooms, but this is not the rule. Nothing prevents to install electric fire, for example, in the bathroom. True, for this it must be large enough.

Do not forget that regardless of location, the fireplace should become the stylistic center of the room. To do this, all accents should be directed to the hearth. This can be done, for example, using an embedded model against a white wall.