When seeking to create a focal point for a sitting room, electric fires can prove to be a very useful, and convenient, alternative to gas or solid fuel fires. Unlike a traditional fireplace, an electric fire does not distribute messy soot and ash on the floor or grate, and they do not require fitting up to a gas supply by a qualified tradesman, as in the case of a gas fire. Although electric fires are lacking in real flames, which provide comfort and warmth, there are many different styles of electric fire to suit both contemporary and traditional homes, including those with a realistic flame effect.
The biggest convenience of an electric fire is that you simply plug in to use – avoiding all the hassles associated with the solid fuel or gas fire. Ash and embers from a real fire literally get everywhere, and this can be very annoying. Also, electric fires do seem to require less maintenance than gas and solid fuel fires – no more having to pay someone to clean the chimney or regularly service the fire. Perhaps the greatest thing is that, although electric fires were traditionally convenient but did not ‘look the part’, this has completely changed today. Modern technology has ensured that those electric fires with flame effects look as realistic and inviting as a real fire.
Regarding the impact on the environment, fires powered by electricity are very energy efficient, thus wasting little heat. As already ascertained, electric fires cost, in general, around 14p per hour on maximum settings, and this means it only costs around £20 per month to use it for four hours every night. Compared with the cost of maintaining and running a solid fuel or gas fire, this is the cheaper option by far.
Electric fires really are easy to install and simple to run, and also very good value – if you want the warm glow associated with a real fire in your room, just turn on the glowing coals on your fire. These can be used with or without the electric heating element or heater, thus meaning that you can have the cosy look without having to use fuel. There is little risk with the electric fire – for example, there is no risk of carbon monoxide poisoning. All in all, electric fires require no regular servicing for their operation, reduce costs and increase convenience.
