Fireplaces come in handy in cold seasons, adding warmth to the interiors. They are also known for improving the curb appeal of a house when not in use. To achieve the best out of these devices, especially for the former role, you must understand how to work them. This also eliminates the risk of fire accidents and related misfortunes.
This article will disclose how to operate a fireplace alongside various safety measures.
Check the Surroundings and Power On
The first step of working a fireplace is powering it on. However, before starting the device, you inspect the surroundings to determine if they are fireplace-safe. This step involves clearing hanging fabrics, papers, and flammable materials near the fire area.
After that, you can power it on using the power button on one side of the device. A remote control is alternatively used when the fireplace doesn’t have a button system (rare), they are damaged, or for more convenience.
Adjust the Electric Fireplace Settings
Step two of working a fireplace is adjusting the settings linked to the heat, temperature, flame, time, and brightness.
Heat Settings
Many electric fireplaces have a heating system that delivers different levels of warmth. After powering them on, you can adjust the settings to achieve your preferred heat level. The adjustments are managed through the heat setting buttons on the gadget or remote control. You can feel the intensity change as you continue to adjust.
Temperature Settings
Temperature settings are nearly similar to heat ones. The main difference may be the model of the fireplace as some call them temperature and others heat. You can adjust them by clicking on the specified buttons or remote control.
Timer Settings
Timer settings seek to define how long you wish to have the fireplace on. Since this is a developing technology, a few electric fireplace models have allowed owners to set a specific period during which the device can run in a given session. Timer settings are mandatory because you can manually turn off the device after achieving satisfactory warmth.
Flame/brightness settings
Electric fireplaces have different flame appearances and brightness, which are changeable through simple controls. You can enjoy your preferred flame effect (wavy, steady, or mild), colour (blue-yellow or green-orange), and brightness (sharp or calm) with a click on the remote. Research shows this is the most embraced electric fireplace feature, allowing users to satisfy their preferences and style.
Chill and Monitor the Electric Fireplace
This is the relaxing period before an electric fireplace as you enjoy the calmness and warmth around your home. Constant observation is crucial while the device runs until the set or preferred time. Depending on the heat delivery and comfort, you can perform further adjustments during the session.
Power Off the Electric Fireplace
The fourth step of using an electric fireplace is powering off. After a session of great flames and warmth, you can finally power off the device through the power-off button. In some models, the power-on button serves double duty. This means you can still use it to power off.
Cooling Down
Cooling down is the fifth and last step of working an electric fireplace. When you switch it off, the flames become inactive, but that’s not enough to leave the room. Experts advise users to allow enough time for the device to cool down before retiring to their errands or bed.
You can tell the fireplace has satisfactorily cooled down when the external parts are no longer hot (perform a touch test after a while). Some models come with indicator lights that show when the device has cooled down completely. Other signs that an electric fireplace has cooled down include when the fan stops or when the general heat in the room drops.
Safety Measures
Here are tips to maintain maximum safety when working an electric fireplace.
- Professionalism: Electric fireplaces should be handled by professionals or people with enough knowledge to prevent accidents due to ignorance or inadequate skills.
- Kids and pets should stay away from a burning electric fireplace. Still, it would help if you didn’t leave them unsupervised to eliminate the risks of burn accidents and damages.
- Don’t touch a running electric fireplace, as this would inflict burns on your hands. However, the touch test stated earlier to check coolness is advisable only after a period (roughly 30 minutes) after powering the device off.
- Regular maintenance is critical to ensuring maximum safety with electric fireplaces. You can be guaranteed fewer accidents resulting from malfunctions when your fireplace is regularly checked.
Other safety practices for electric fireplaces include keeping a significant distance between the device and the rest of the furniture, ensuring adequate ventilation when the fireplace runs, unplugging when not in use, and not running fireplace wires and connectors beneath appliances, carpets, or furniture.
The safety operation of electric fireplaces translates to undisrupted sessions of pure warmth and relaxation. There, you have the steps of working these devices like a professional. By adhering to them, you can be guaranteed fewer accidents and inconveniences. Remember to consult a professional in an emergency.
