5 reasons why you should choose built-in electric fires for your home
Electric fires have come a long way since their early iterations. Nowadays, new built-in fires offer homeowners advanced features and realistic flame effects that rival traditional fireplaces.
They’re both convenient and eco-friendly, eliminating the need for additional fuel sources and converting almost 100% of their useable electricity into heat. It’s no wonder they’re a staple in UK homes!
Built-in fires have been popular in the UK since the 70s and 80s. But in recent years, they’ve made a modernised comeback, with the range of vintage styles and new designs growing steadily.
To learn more about the top 5 reasons why you should choose a built-in electric fire, read on!
1. Easy installation
Built-in electric fires are designed for simplicity. They can be installed by recessing them into a wall and plugging into a standard electrical outlet (for a more permanent solution, inset fires can also be hardwired).
For homeowners, this means significantly lower installation costs and a shorter setup time. The fact they don’t need a chimney or flue makes them particularly advantageous in modern homes or apartments (where adding such structures may be impossible!)
Plus, many models come with comprehensive installation kits and detailed instructions, allowing even those with minimal DIY experience to set them up without difficulty.
Inset electric fires like the Flamerite Ennio 3 electric fire and Elgin & Hall 16" Chollerton Edge Inset Electric Fire come with comprehensive installation instructions so that you can set your fire up yourself (and in record time!)
2. Low maintenance
If you live a busy life and don’t have time to manage a wood-burning stove or gas fire, electric fireplaces are virtually maintenance-free!
Built-in electric fires don’t produce real flames, which means there’s no need to deal with the mess associated with wood or coal. There is no chimney to clean, no ash to dispose of, and no need to worry about sourcing fuel!
Another low-maintenance aspect is the absence of venting requirements.
Traditional fireplaces require a chimney or flue, which needs regular inspection and cleaning to prevent soot build-up. But electric fireplaces are vent-free, which eliminates these concerns.
3. Energy-efficient
Built-in fireplaces are renowned for converting nearly all the electricity they use into heat. By wasting minimal amounts of energy, they’re the ideal choice for homeowners looking to save money on their utility bills.
All modern electric appliances are designed to be highly efficient space heaters. They allow you to heat only the rooms you use most, a concept known as zone heating.
Zone heating means you don't need to waste energy heating your entire home when you're only spending time in one or two rooms.
For example, setting the central heating to a lower temperature and using an electric fireplace in the living room can keep your home at a comfortable warmth while reducing your usage.
Plus, many electric fires come with advanced features like thermostatic controls and programmable timers. These features allow you to schedule and regulate your temperature precisely.
LED lights in electric fires also consume significantly less electricity compared to traditional bulbs and have a much longer lifespan, thereby reducing the frequency of replacements!
4. Safe
Another merit of LED flames is that they use visual effects to simulate the appearance of a real fire.
With these bulbs, there’s no risk of sparks or embers igniting nearby materials. It’s this feature that makes electric inset fires a safe option for homes with children and pets.
The surfaces of many electric fireplaces are designed to remain cool to the touch. Some models even feature "safe-to-touch" glass that stays at a low temperature, which prevents burns and can add an extra layer of safety for families.
5. Easy to use
Electric fireplaces can be activated with the mere push of a button.
Many models come with remote controls, meaning users can adjust the heat and flame settings from the comfort of their sofa. If you’ve got a busy lifestyle or mobility issues, electric fires eliminate the need for physical effort.
Modern electric fireplaces often include digital displays and programmable timers, meaning homeowners can set specific times for the fireplace to turn on and off without manual intervention.
Choose Fires2U for your new built-in fireplace!
Inset electric fires exemplify everything we love about modern designs.
These space-saving units slot easily into a space for convenient, safe heating. They’re ideal for those living in smoke-controlled areas, modern apartments without chimneys and homes with children or pets.
So, if you’re ready to start your search for the perfect built-in fire, we’ve got you covered. Browse brands like Flamerite, Elgin & Hall and Be Modern and find the fire that’s made for you.