Getting Started with Your New Electric Fireplace – Your Top 3 Questions Answered

Bringing home a new electric fireplace is exciting. You get to cozy up, bask in the glow of the flames and explore all the cool features and settings. Before you get to the fun part, though, it’s important to make sure the unit is properly installed and that you know how to use it. That way, you can turn on your electric fireplace with confidence and enjoy it for years to come. Whether it’s your very first electric fireplace or you’ve had one before, check out the answers to these commonly-asked questions to help you get started.  

Can electric fireplaces be used outdoors?  

Like most electric appliances, electric fireplaces are not safe for outside use and should never be exposed to the elements. But electric fireplaces are portable, which means there are still many different ways you can set them up and enjoy them throughout the home. Install one in your living room to gather around and chat with friends, or add one to your bedroom or office to create a peaceful, calming atmosphere.  

However, you’ll want to avoid using an electric fireplace in areas like a bathroom or laundry room. Moisture in any form, whether it’s rain or water splashed from a bathtub, can damage the fireplace and pose safety risks. Using a fireplace in a location like a garage is also not recommended since flammable substances like paint or gasoline tend to be stored here. 

Are electric fireplaces safe on carpet? 

Most electric fireplaces can be placed on any type of flooring, including carpet. Gas and wood burning fireplaces require a stone hearth in case burning logs roll and fall out onto the floor. But since electric fireplaces don’t use a real fire, there is no risk of that happening.  

They’re also cool to touch (except for the grate that glows when the heat is turned on), so it’s okay to place them in areas frequented by children or pets. Depending on the model you choose, you also have the option of placing your electric fireplace in a TV stand or even mounting it to the wall. Just remember that while you can place an electric fireplace on a carpeted surface, you should never run the cord under the carpet. This can conceal damage caused by foot traffic or moving heavy furniture and prevents the cord from releasing heat, both of which are substantial safety hazards.  

Are electric fireplaces safe to leave on overnight? 

While electric fireplaces are extremely safe, leaving them on overnight (or any time they will not be attended) is not recommended. To make it easy to enjoy using your electric fireplace or stove when you’re awake and to give you peace of mind, products like the duraflame® Infrared Quartz Fireplace Stove with 3D Flame® Effect (Model # DFI-5010-01) come with the following safety features and advantages: 

• No dangerous smoke or fumes are emitted 
• Unit automatically shuts off if it overheats 
• Adjustable timer allows for automatic timed shutoff from 30 minutes to 9 hours  
• No real flames are present 
• No risk of chimney fires or chimney failure with this unit 

So, when you take advantage of the safety features and use your electric fireplace or stove as directed, there’s no need to be concerned about safety.  

Start Using Your Electric Fireplace 

Once your electric fireplace is set up and ready to go, it’s time to start enjoying it. An electric fireplace can transform any room to make it more warm, stylish, and inviting. Plan a movie night or a dinner party with friends and family to officially break it in. As you sit around the glowing flames together, don’t forget to try out all the settings and effects that your electric fireplace comes with. 

While every model is different, most are easy to set up, maintain and use all year round. And, the sooner yours is ready for use, the sooner you can start enjoying heat, realistic flames and a beautiful ambiance. If you have any questions about your duraflame® electric fireplace by Twin Star Home, call the helpline listed on the owner’s manual or contact us directly.