How to install an electric fireplace: axe your log burner and save some money

1. Choose your model and placement

The right electric fireplace can efficiently heat a space such as a lounge or dining room, but where you install the appliance and which model you choose will affect its performance.

Central placement within the room will ensure the fireplace distributes heat evenly throughout the space. Pick a spot that can be a focal point, such as a wall section near a sofa or dining table. A safe clearance should be between the fireplace and flammable objects or materials.

Once you’ve chosen a location, you can choose an electric fireplace. Freestanding models tend to be easiest to install, while wall-mounted models like the eFlame Sundance ($169, Amazon) are an elegant alternative that requires a little more effort due to their use of wall-mounting brackets.

Before you buy an electric fireplace, check its heat output to ensure the heating provided is sufficient for the room size.

2. Assess electrical requirements

Check whether your household electrical circuits can accommodate your chosen electric fireplace. Then, identify a power outlet close to the fireplace that is not currently used to deliver electricity to high-powered appliances.

“First, be sure you know the circuit load you are potentially going to use,” says Braden.

“If the load is too close to the maximum rated amperage of the wire/breaker (factoring in everything that you typically plug into outlets using that circuit), then a dedicated circuit will need to be run from your electrical panel, just for the fireplace,” he says.

“Be aware that heating elements pull a lot of amperage, so the voltage range on the fireplace would be 120V/240V.”

Most homeowners will need the help of a professional electrician for this step, especially if a new electrical circuit needs to be run to the fireplace's location.

3. Electrical connections

We’re now starting the hands-on work of installing an electric fireplace. Turn off the household electricity supply to the relevant room in your control box for your safety. Throughout the rest of the process, you can use a battery-powered light (or daylight) to see what you’re doing.

Some electric fireplaces come with a power plug that can simply be plugged into a power outlet, whereas others have exposed wires that may need to be connected directly to the household electricity circuit.

“If you have determined there is enough safe space on the circuit and the electric fireplace features just a regular plug, then there’s no preparation needed – just plug and enjoy,” says Braden.

“However, if your new electric fireplace has a power lead with loose wires at the end, this will need to be terminated at a nearby outlet.”

“If the fireplace needs a new circuit, then it’s more than likely the wire will just be free floating. Anytime a wire is not in the wall, it must be protected. I would recommend a small piece of metal-clad (MC) wire from the wall to the fireplace,” he adds.

4. Fit the fireplace

Position it in its intended location without turning on the electric fireplace or connecting it to a power source.

Freestanding electric fireplaces are very easy to fit. You may need to secure it to the wall with a few safety screws using a combi drill to ensure the appliance cannot topple forwards (an important safety feature for families with small children and pets). Apart from that, you can pretty much just shuffle the fireplace into position against the wall.

Use your combi drill to install the mounting brackets according to the manufacturer’s instructions for wall-mounted electric heaters. Then, lift the fireplace onto the brackets and secure it in place.

If you need to fit your electric fireplace against the wall, you may need to first remove a section of the baseboard (AKA skirting board). Measure the length of the baseboard section that needs to be removed, then use an oscillating multitool with a plunge-cutting blade to cut precisely through the wood. Carefully lever away the unwanted central section of the baseboard so that the electric fireplace can sit neatly in the gap.

If you do not want to remove any baseboards, look for a freestanding model that can be a little removed from the wall, a wall-mounted model, or one of the best baseboard heaters.

5. Finishing touches

With your electrics prepared and your fireplace in position, you’re ready to enjoy a warmer home.

If your electric fireplace is supposed to fit flush with your wall and/or skirting boards, you might want to apply some caulk or filler (following the product instructions) around the edges where the appliance meets a surface. This will create a seamless, inset appearance.