Everything to Know about Electric Fireplace Safety

Posted on Oct 18th 2022

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Everything to Know about Electric Fireplace Safety

Electric fireplaces are a low–cost, energy–efficient way to bring warmth to your home. If you’re considering installing an electric fireplace, you may have questions about safety and proper upkeep. Keep reading to learn everything you need to know about electric fireplace safety, brought to you by the experts at Custom Electrical!

What is an Electric Fireplace?

An electric fireplace is essentially an electric heater that mimics the look and function of a fireplace with artificial flames. They work by drawing in cool air and heating it with internal coils. Warm air is then expelled back out with a fan, imitating the warmth of a fireplace without the dangerous side effects of wood or gas.

Are Electric Fireplaces Safe?

Yes, electric fireplaces are a safe addition to your home! While safety issues can occur with the improper use of any electric appliance, electric fireplaces are very reliable. They easily warm up a room without smoke, dangerous fumes or combustible materials, making them a safer alternative to a wood or gas fireplace. However, electric fireplaces still come with some precautions.

Using an Electric Fireplace

Here are a few safety tips to keep in mind while using an electric fireplace:

  • Remove anything flammable from the immediate area of the fireplace, and never place anything on top of the appliance. The radiating heat can create a fire hazard.
  • Unless you have a model equipped with automatic shut–off, try not to leave your fireplace on or unattended for long periods of time.
  • Though the flames are artificial, the fireplace's exterior will still become hot to the touch during use. Make sure children and pets keep their distance while the fireplace is on.
  • Avoid plugging your fireplace into an extension cord. An extension cord unable to handle the heat generated by an electric fireplace can overheat and create a fire hazard.
  • Do not allow any liquids near the fireplace, as this can damage the appliance.
Electric fireplaces are fun - but remember Custom Electrical's tips to keep them safe!

Installation and Maintenance

Proper installation and maintenance are also essential parts of electric fireplace safety. Here are a few ways you can ensure your fireplace stays in good condition:

  • Choose a fireplace from a well–known brand that produces quality products and trust the professionals of Custom Electrical to install it. They will take proper safety measures.
  • Have a professional electrician inspect your fireplace at least once a year to ensure it is functioning correctly.
  • Periodically check cords, plugs, and the outlet where your fireplace is plugged in for signs of damage or electric shortages.
  • In comparison to wood and gas fireplaces, electric fireplaces require minimal cleaning. You can clean the exterior, interior, and glass by dusting with a clean, dry cloth.
  • Don’t try to move your fireplace outside unless it is outdoor–rated. Indoor electric fireplaces lack proper protection against the weather, making it easy to damage them outside.
Contact Custom Electrical

Custom Electrical is proud to have served Utah residents with high–quality residential electrical services for over two decades. From installations to repairs, our team of licensed and insured electrical technicians ensures the safety of your electric fireplace. Contact us today to learn more!

We make sure you get the most for your money. Read what our customers have to say and then give us a call!

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I will come to them every time. They are friendly, honest, and always on time! Absolutely recommend.
— Samantha Thompson
Posted July 25th 2023
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Had these guys and gals help me update my electrical as well as run some power out to a shop. The whole process was super smooth, Kourtnie nailed the paperwork side of things (even got a permit and inspection that I had no idea we needed) and Cory was great to work with on the installation side of things. The price was the same from the original bid all the way to the final product, which is always nice. The work itself was exactly what we agreed upon. Really nothing but good things to say about my whole experience. Would totally recommend these guys to any of my friends!
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Posted June 16th 2023
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Professional, clean, honest, and quick. They’ll be my first call next time I need work.
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Posted May 13th 2023
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Posted May 1st 2023
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We are so appreciative of the work that Morgan and his team did on behalf of Custom Electrical for our new home. Custom Electrical provided a thorough, exact, and honest/fair bid right from the start, and they stuck to it! We had a budget, and they respected it. They were always timely and very professional. Attention was paid to every detail, and they made sure things were just how we wanted them. They went above and beyond in so many ways, from being patient with our kids running around to coming back an extra time to make sure everything was just right. We will be recommending them to everyone we know. Thanks you guys!
— Rachel Keller
Posted December 27th 2022
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5 stars and a forever customer! My family moved into an older home and we've had Custom Electric over several times to help get our home working a bit more how I would like it. I appreciate that I am always able to get someone to my home quickly- whether it's to install a light switch or rewire an entire room. Everyone who's been in my home has been professional, friendly, and consistent in their quality work. Maybe most of all, I am grateful for the honest communication and great customer service! After the last visit, I had some concerns that were cleared up right away with kindness and respect (especially for dealing with a not so electrical savvy me). I would send everyone I know and love who have electrical need to Custom Electric- they won't let you down!!
— Kaitlyn Bown
Posted December 14th 2022
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We had a baseboard heater stop working in our baby's room. Custom Electric came out and quickly repaired the problem. Scheduling was easy, the technicians and staff were all very professional and great to work with. When we need electrical work done in the future, we will definitely be working with them again.
— Andy Harris
Posted December 13th 2022
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Posted December 1st 2022
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Even though they were booked up, they still came the same day I called to help me out.
— Robert Corbett
Posted September 9th 2022
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Ethical, professional, integrity, and grateful are just a few words that describe working with Custom Energy/Electric. Josh is an amazing Boss and leads by doing. If you are looking for a job with him and this company you can’t go wrong. Highly recommend Dane Tidwell
— Dane Tidwell
Posted April 27th 2022
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Impressive! Very helpful service!!
— Dana Bell
Posted April 12th 2022
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Definitely 5 stars fo Custom Electric! They are my go-to for any electric work needed. They were fast and courteous. The quality of work was too-notch! Thank you!
— Tonya McMillen
Posted March 8th 2022
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Went out of their way to get everything hooked up and power to our new house.
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Posted January 6th 2022
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Fantastic experience, use their services!
— Tony Perides
Posted December 30th 2021
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So happy we went with Custom Electrical! Cory was amazing to work with and extremely helpful. We are looking forward to working with them again in the future to finish our basement.
— Whitney Manis
Posted December 21st 2021
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Custom Electric did a great job for us! Quick, efficient, and inexpensive. Our technician was great. Very kind and helpful.
— Renelle Smith
Posted November 10th 2021
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These guys/gals are always very helpful. I got a tech out to the house same day I called to repair a GFI receptacle that kept tripping open. Cory (technician) troubleshoot the problem, corrected it and was gone in about 30 minutes. I have used them for other projects with no complaints. I use them without hesitation for any electrical issues.
— Bk J
Posted October 28th 2021
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Really good to work with quick follow-through
— Kennley Savage
Posted October 11th 2021
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Corry came here. Did a terrific job in he was nice, explained to me what and why he was repairing certain places, checked each out finished the places in kitchen, got the ceiling fans up, he was friendly and knew what he was repairing. Good job Corry
— gail Erichsen
Posted April 19th 2021
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These guys did a amazing job. From start to finish. Very professional , yet very relatable. Will recommend this company to friends and family
— Denise Pyper
Posted August 27th 2021
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