Pro & Cons of Electric Fireplace Inserts

Pro -- Long Lasting

• Electric fireplace inserts have a longer lifespan than other fireplace options. Because they do not use a combustible fuel, electric fireplace inserts are not subject to corrosion as wood and gas fireplaces are. In fact, because no combustion is used to heat an electric fireplace insert, an insert that has been in use for 10 years should appear almost new.

Pro -- No Emissions

• Because an electric fireplace insert only simulates the appearance of a fire, it does not use combustible fuel. As a result, it does not give off harmful emissions such as carbon dioxide or carbon monoxide, so you can place an electric fireplace insert in any room of your home. In addition, electric fireplace inserts are much cleaner options than gas- or wood-burning fireplaces because they produce no soot or ash.

Pro -- Easy to Install

• Electric fireplace inserts offer easy installation, so homeowners can install an insert themselves. Unlike gas- and wood-burning fireplaces, which require proper venting and a chimney, an electric insert usually needs only to be plugged into a grounded outlet. As a result, it is portable and can be moved from room to room.

Con -- Artificial Looking

• Because an electric fireplace insert only simulates flames, you may be bothered by the obvious artificial look of its fire. Typically, its artificial flames are created by orange and red lights that shine through plastic logs meant to look like wood. If you are used to an authentic fire in a gas- or wood-burning fireplace, the look of an electric fireplace insert may not meet your aesthetic needs.

Con -- Expensive to Operate

• While electric fireplace inserts are less expensive to install than gas- or wood-burning fireplaces, they are often more expensive to operate. If your home already uses a significant amount of electricity, your budget may not be able to handle the increase that an electric fireplace may cause in your utility bill.

Con -- Unusable in Power Outages

• During power outages, you will be unable to use an electric fireplace insert. Gas- and wood-burning fireplaces don't require electricity, so they may be operated during power outages when the added warmth and light would be most welcome.