This is an example of a Table Top Electric Grill

Table-top grills offer consumers the temperature control and high heat temperatures that traditional grills offer within an ultra portable frame that can be set up next to any standard household outlet. These portable units are great for tailgating or small cookouts with the family. They can be used both indoors and outdoors, so regardless of the weather conditions you can ensure that your family can have a taste of summer.

This is an example of a Base Electric Grill

Base grills also offer consumers great temperature control and searing temperatures but they can also provide ample cooking space ensuring that your grill can handle dinner parties of almost any size. Base grills are constructed out of restaurant quality stainless steel to ensure long life and durability. Finally, the automatic control system eliminates the guesswork out of grilling your favorite meals and ensures that every dish you prepare can be cooked with ease.

This is an example of a Built-In Electric Grill.

The final category of electric grills that are available to consumers are called built-in electric grills. Built-in units are designed to be permanent fixtures of your dream outdoor kitchen. They are a great option for consumers searching for a way to add the temperature control of an electric grill to their outdoor renovation. They can be seamlessly integrated into your choice of counter-top and their stainless steel construction ensures that they will provide years of reliability.

With all these great grilling options there can be little doubt that electric grills offer consumers a perfect option for cooking all their favorite summer treats.

This unit is a Duraflame Electric Fireplace Insert

One of the most important factors consumers consider when making a fireplace purchase is installation. Fireplace inserts are designed to be installed into either a wall, preexisting cabinetry, or a an existing fireplace, making them substantially more complex to install than wall mounted units. As far as installation is concerned, built-in fireplace inserts have a distinct disadvantage when compared to their electric fireplace counterparts. Unlike all the other types of electric fireplaces, which simply slide into place, built-in units require individuals to create a hole in an existing wall in order to accommodate the exact dimensions of the unit. Often the installation of plug-in fireplace inserts can be completed fairly easily as long as your unit fits within the existing cabinetry. However, consumers still need to measure their opening to ensure a proper fit. Log set fireplace inserts are designed to slide into an existing wood fireplace opening, thus making them the easiest to install of all the insert units. However, they do require that consumers prep their opening by closing their flue and capping any gas lines that are connected to their old fireplace.

Another aspect where fireplace inserts and wall mounted fireplaces differ, is their guidelines for installation. Most fireplace inserts are designed to be mounted within a wall or cabinetry, ensuring that they can be placed closed to electronics and materials without any concern for safety or unit malfunction. In contrast, wall mounted units often required a designated amount of space between their borders and other materials or electronics. This factor is a very important consideration while consumers are considering the layout of their room. If a consumer is looking to mount a large flat-screen television over their fireplace, they may need to consider a built-in unit instead of a wall mounted one.

This is a Dimplex Inspiration Wall Mount Electric Fireplace

Regardless of the type of electric fireplace you choose for your space, it is always important to read the installation instructions thoroughly. Taking the time to read the instructions will help ensure that your installation goes smoothly and that your product is installed correctly.

One major step that individuals can take to reduce the cost of their utilities is to practice the strategy of zone heating. Zone heating is a home heating strategy that focuses on warming the spaces of a home that are in use most often. Like many aspects of energy efficiency it requires consumers to be proactive about reducing their energy use. The most important element of zone heating is that consumers focus on where they spend the majority of time within their home. For example, if an individual practicing zone heating was planning on watching a movie for two and a half hours, they would lower their home thermostat down several degrees, say from 70 degrees to 60 degrees and then place a portable infrared heater in the room in which they are planning on watching the movie. This strategy would allow them to maintain a comfortable room temperature around the individuals watching the movie while reducing the temperature in rooms that are not in use. When practiced regularly, this strategy can help lower the cost of heating ones home because portable heating units can cost as little as 12-14 cents an hour to run, while gas heating systems can cost upwards of a dollar or more an hour depending on the current prices.

Diagram of a Duraflame infrared heater.

The principle of zone heating revolves around the efficient use of a portable heating unit such as an infrared heater. A Duraflame infrared heater can warm up to 1,000 sq. ft. making it the perfect appliance to assist individuals looking to warm large portions of their home without having to rely solely on the use of their permanent heating system. These units contain 6 infrared, quartz heating elements and a high velocity, whisper quiet fan to ensures that warm air is circulated quietly and efficiently throughout your living space. With this efficient technology, consumers can be assured that their heating bills will be lower while they stay toasty warm in whichever room they choose. With the use of units such as Duraflame infrared heaters, there is no excuse for consumes to ignore the money saving benefits of heating their home in an energy efficient manner.

This unit is a Duraflame Electric Fireplace Insert

1. The first advantage that electric fireplace inserts have over traditional fuel sources is the price of operation. Traditional fuel sources can cost dollars an hour to operate while electric fireplace inserts average around 8-10 cents per hour. This savings in cost can add up to hundreds of dollars over the lifetime of a fireplace.

2. The second advantage that electric fireplaces offer over traditional fireplaces is the lack of real flame. Every consumer in America knows the dangers that open flames can produce. Houses burn down almost daily in America because of unattended fires and countless individuals have suffered severe burns from open flames in their very own fireplace. With the fan forced heat of electric fireplace inserts, consumers no longer have to worry about these dangers while they still enjoy the ambiance of their very own fireplace.

3. A third advantage of electric fireplaces is the convenience of operating them. By simply pressing the buttons on a small remote a consumer can effortlessly turn on their fireplace from across the room. Backbreaking hours of chopping wood or attaching gas lines are no longer necessary with the advent of electric fireplace inserts. Simply plug these units into any standard 120 volt outlet and enjoy your fireplace.

4. The fourth advantage of an electric fireplace insert is the adjustable features these unit include. Most fireplace inserts come complete with several adjustable features including, flame brightness levels and heat output. By simply flipping a switch or turning a knob any consumer can maintain complete control over the comfort level and ambiance in the room where they install a fireplace insert.

5. A final advantage of fireplace inserts is that they can function without the production of heat. Unlike traditional fireplaces, fireplace inserts can operate without the production of heat and simply operate with just a flame display.  This allows for consumers to maintain a romantic ambiance within their living space in spite of warm changes in the weather. Regardless of the temperature, fireplace inserts are guaranteed to portray a beautiful flame effect that will have even the most skeptical guest gazing in delight.

Williams Infrared Heater by Duraflame

Over the past few months infrared heaters have taken the home heating industry by storm. Their ability to heat large spaces, up too 1000 square feet, has proven to be very helpful for individuals across the country looking to lower the cost of heating their home. Infrared heaters are the perfect units for practicing zone heating. Zone heating is the practice of using smaller heating sources within a room and lowering the overall temperature of your home in order to decrease the overall cost of one’s heating bills.  Infrared heaters are perfect for this practice because they can easily maintain a warm temperature in rooms that individuals may spend extend periods of time in, such as a TV room or a dining room, allowing individuals to lower their thermostats while they are using these spaces.

With this zone heating approach many individuals have saved hundreds of dollars and now that April is warming up consumers can save even more money when purchasing an infrared unit. Many sites have infrared heaters currently listed under inventory clearance in order to make room for new products next fall. These listings can lead to consumer savings of over 40% off the original list price. With these kinds of discounts there is no reason consumers should not consider making an investment in a new infrared heater.

This is a ClassicFlame 26" Electric Fireplace Insert

The first step every consumer should take is to call the manufacturer of their original unit and inquire about the recommended replacement inserts that are available. For most consumers this will mean contacting either Dimplex (1-800-668-6663) or Twin Star Inc. (1-866-661-118). After you have discussed the current options available for replacement, the next step every consumer should take is to verify the measurements of their old unit with the measurements of the new unit they wish to purchase. The dimensions of almost every available fireplace insert can be found online. This is a crucial aspect of replacing fireplace inserts, because even the slightest discrepancy in measurement can lead to week long delays and frustration for the consumer. After the measurements have been confirmed and the unit has been ordered, the process becomes very simple.

When your unit arrives, the first step of installation should involve a thorough inspection of the unit to determine if any damage occurred during shipping. If damage did occur you can chose to deny delivery of the unit or accept the delivery but immediately inform the retailer from whom you purchased the unit that the item has arrived damaged. Following this key inspection, the unit should be un-boxed and simply slid into place. If the measurements were calculated correctly the installation of your new fireplace insert should be completely painless.

This is an example of the fireplace insert dimensions listed online.

By following these simple directions consumers can ensure that they are making the correct choice when purchasing a fireplace insert. There is no doubt that taking the simple steps of talking with the manufacturer and carefully cross referencing the dimensions of your old and new units can save consumers weeks of waiting and many hours of frustration.

A completed installation of a Dimplex BLF50

When purchasing a fireplace always consult the manufacturer’s recommended power supply wire specifications while you are preparing for the installation. A unit wired for 120 volts uses three non-metallic sheathed cables with ground wire for the power supply, while a unit wired for 220 volts uses four cables. Always use the appropriate wires to meet local and national electrical codes for the unit’s rated power consumption. All wires should be 12 gauge solid wires with a dedicated 15 amp breaker for 120 volts. When installing 208/240 volt builder’s box models use two dedicated 15 amp breakers.

Plan to use at least 8 inches of service cable for the connection of the power supply wire to the junction box on a fireplace insert being installed before you finish the wall. Allow up to 4 feet of service cable for connection of the power supply wire to the junction box on fireplace inserts after finishing the wall. It is advisable for do-it-yourselfers to enlist a professional electrician.

Electric fireplaces have a zero clearance design. However, no combustibles should be placed on the top surface of the fireplace. Combustibles may be installed to the edge of the unit. Insulation and vapor barriers should be placed a minimum of 2 inches from the unit. Use your unit’s dimension specs when constructing the framing. Make sure you accommodate any air intake system the unit may have, particularly if you are customizing the installation of a plug-in unit designed for per-existing cabinets. If these guidelines are followed in addition to the instructions and warnings listed in the manual of the purchased unit, there is no reason any consumer should fear completing a fireplace installation project.

This is a Dimplex Matte Black Electric Stove

In addition to their efficiency and convenience, electric stoves also offer consumers a large variety of styles and sizes. Ranging from smaller units like the Duraflame DFS-450 to much larger units like the Dimplex Celeste Freestanding Electric Stove, electric stoves come in a large variety that can fit almost any setting. Whether you are looking for a small unit to keep the kids warm in your basement playroom or a more formal unit to put in the corner of your study, there is an electric stove option that can fit your needs.

In recent years the technological advances made by companies like Dimplex and Duraflame have produced realistic flame displays that can fool even the most curious guest. With pulsating logs and flickering  flames, these displays project a realistic nature that is guaranteed to make you feel cozy and warm. The style of these stoves is designed to bring to mind the style of traditional wood burning units, but unlike traditional units these stoves can easily be placed into the corner of any apartment, condo or loft. This allows for the ambiance of a fire even when a traditional wood burning installation would be impossible.

A Freestanding Dimplex Electric Stove

A Dimplex Built-In Electric Fireplace

1. Electric fireplaces do not produce a real flame.

This first fact may seem like an obvious one, but it is often a common source for confusion when people are looking to buy an electric fireplace. Electric fireplaces use fan forced heat to warm your home. Warm air is blown out of the unit into your living space providing the warmth of a fire without the danger of flames.

2. Electric fireplace inserts come in many shapes and sizes.

One of the most confusing aspects of the electric fireplace industry is the many different types of electric fireplace inserts that are available.  The variety of electric fireplace inserts that are offered come in three major categories, built-in units, plug-in units, and log sets. Built-in units are designed to be recessed directly into a wall, while plug-in units are designed to slide into existing mantel cabinetry. Log sets consist of smaller units that are designed to slide directly into an existing fireplace that may have once contained wood or gas logs.

3. Electric fireplaces can cut down on indoor air pollutants.

Did you know that burning wood and gas can lead to the emission of dangerous indoor air pollutants. In fact, the Environmental Protection Agency list wood and gas as sources for pollutants such as carbon monoxide. By switching to a zero emission electric fireplace you can cut back on these dangerous pollutants and prevent your family and friends from being exposed.

4. Electric fireplaces are a great source of supplemental heat.

Zone heating is a strategy for heating your home that can save your household hundreds of dollars a year. The principle of zone heating revolves around the concept of lowering your household thermostat to a minimum temperature while you are spending time in an area near a source of supplemental heat, such as an electric fireplace or an infrared heater. This strategy can allow an individual to stay comfortable and warm without having to pay to heat space they are simply not using.

5. Electric fireplaces have come a long way in the last 10 years.

With advances in technology such as Dimplex’s Opti-Myst display, the days of consumer fear when it comes to electric fireplace displays are passing. New technologies are producing realistic 3-D displays that are guaranteed to fool your guest as they toss the occasionally wad of paper into the perceived flames displayed before them.

Opti-Myst Flame

Fortunately for individuals who are concerned about the dangers of indoor air pollutants, new innovations in heating, such as the electric stove, have made warming your home much safer and healthier. Electric stoves provide the convenience of thermostat control without the dangers of open flames and flammable gas. In addition, these units are designed to be both energy and cost efficient, often drawing as little as 12.5 amps for just cents on the hour while easily heating spaces up too 400 sq. ft.

With units like this Dimplex Electric Stove projecting more realistic flame effects than ever before, it is no surprise that electric stoves are beginning to establish a firm foothold in the consumer market of household, heating appliances.

This is a Dimplex Freestanding Electric Stove