An electric fireplace insert gives you the look of a fire and a boost of heat at the press of a button, with no wood, gas, ash or smoke. This guide explains what an electric fireplace insert is, how it works, what it costs to run and how it compares to wood, gas and bio fuel fireplaces, so you can decide whether it is the right choice for your home.

What Is an Electric Fireplace Insert?

An electric fireplace insert is a unit that slots into an existing fireplace opening or a purpose-built wall recess. It plugs into a normal wall socket and combines two things:

• A flame effect – usually LED lighting projected onto a screen or through a mist, creating the look of flickering flames behind glass.
• A fan heater – an electric heating element with a fan that blows warm air into the room.

Most units let you run the flame effect on its own or together with the heater, and come with a remote control, thermostat and timer.

How Does an Electric Fireplace Work?

Air is drawn into the unit, passed over an electric heating element and pushed back into the room by a fan, much like a fan heater. The flame effect is separate and uses very little power, so you can enjoy the look of a fire year-round without adding heat. Because nothing is burned, there is no need for a chimney or flue.

Pros and Cons of Electric Fireplace Inserts

Pros

• No chimney, flue or gas line needed
• No wood to store, no ash to clean and no smoke
• Instant on and off with a remote control, thermostat and timer
• Flame effect can run without heat for year-round ambience
• Usually the simplest type of fireplace to fit

Cons

• Heat output is limited by a standard plug – typically about 1.5 to 2kW, enough for a small to medium room
• Running costs depend on your electricity tariff and can add up if used as a main heat source
• No heat or flames during power cuts or load shedding
• The flame effect is realistic, but it is not a real fire

Are Electric Fireplaces Expensive to Run?

It depends on how much you use the heater. The flame effect on its own draws very little power. The heater is what uses electricity: a 2kW heater running on full for one hour uses 2kWh.

To estimate your cost, multiply the heater's power in kW by the hours you use it and by your tariff per kWh. For example, at a tariff of R3.50 per kWh, running a 2kW heater for three hours costs about R21 (2kW × 3 hours × R3.50). Your actual cost will depend on your municipality's tariff and how often the thermostat cycles the heater on and off.

How Much Heat Does an Electric Fireplace Produce?

Most electric fireplace inserts produce up to about 2kW of heat, similar to a portable fan heater. That is plenty to take the chill off a bedroom, study or small lounge. For large or open-plan living areas, a wood fireplace or gas fireplace producing 5kW to 15kW or more will heat the space far more effectively.

Can You Put an Electric Insert in an Existing Fireplace?

Yes. This is one of the most common reasons people choose an electric insert. If you have an old open fireplace that you no longer use, an insert can be sized to fit the opening and plugged into a nearby socket, giving the fireplace a new life without building work. Measure the width, height and depth of the opening before you shop, and ask a qualified electrician to confirm the circuit can handle the load. It is also a good idea to block or seal the chimney to stop draughts.

Types of Electric Fireplaces

• Fireplace inserts – designed to fit an existing fireplace opening.
• Built-in or wall-recessed units – fitted flush into a wall or TV unit for a modern, linear look.
• Wall-mounted units – hang on the wall like a picture frame.
• Freestanding electric stoves – portable units styled like a traditional stove that can move from room to room.

Electric vs Wood, Gas and Bio Fuel Fireplaces

• Electric – easiest to fit and use, but lower heat output and depends on the power supply.
• Wood fireplaces – the most heat and a real fire, and they keep working during power cuts. They need a flue and firewood.
• Gas fireplaces – real flames and strong heat at the push of a button, and many models keep working during power cuts. They need a gas supply and professional installation.
• Bio fuel fireplaces – real flames with no chimney, gas line or electricity, ideal for ambience and moderate heat.

Is an Electric Fireplace Insert Right for You?

An electric insert is a good fit if you want the look of a fire in a smaller room, have an unused fireplace to fill, or want something simple to install. If your priority is serious heat for a large home, or warmth that keeps going when the power goes out, a wood, gas or bio fuel fireplace is usually the better choice.

Not sure which option suits your home? Contact our team or call 012 492 9834 for expert advice, or visit our showroom at One Highveld Building, 5 Bellingham Street, Highveld, Centurion.