For homeowners who only want to heat a specific part of their house or create a cozy aesthetic in a specific room, an electric fireplace is a fantastic solution. It uses less electricity than the central heating system, so you can stay comfortable all winter without running up the utility bills. However, there are specific safety tips you should follow to avoid harming yourself or your property throughout the winter season.

How to Safely Use Your Electric Fireplace This Winter

1. Keep it Electrically Grounded

Only plug your electric fireplace directly into a standard 3-prong grounded-to-earth 120-Volt outlet. This protects it by sending any excess electricity into the earth rather than overheating the wires and electrical components inside and creating a fire hazard. For that same reason, don’t use a 3-prong adapter to make it fit into a 2-prong receptacle, and only use an extension cord if the manufacturer’s instructions say it’s safe.

2. Protect the Power Cord

Keep the cable out of the path of regular foot traffic to avoid fraying the wires and creating a potential fire hazard. This also protects you from tripping and knocking the fireplace over. It’s also recommended to leave it exposed rather than hiding it under a rug or carpet. While in use, the cord releases heat and can cause a fire if flammable materials trap that heat.

3. Remove Flammable Objects

The heat generated by the fireplace can ignite any nearby items, so keep all curtains, throw rugs, and furniture at least 3 feet away in every direction. You should also avoid putting any flammable object on top of the fireplace, even if it feels cool to the touch, because it might still be venting heat, or you could forget it’s there the next time you turn it on.

4. Keep the Air Moving

Avoid blocking the fresh air intake and vents that discharge the warm air. This causes the system to overheat, which damages its internal components and increases the chances of a fire. They are typically located at the bottom front of the unit, but you should check your user’s manual to ensure you keep these areas unobstructed.

5. Avoid Burns

The exterior of the fireplace becomes hot when it’s in use, so never touch it when it’s turned on. If you want to move it, wait 15 to 20 minutes for the bulbs to cool before doing so. It’s also important to not leave young children alone when it’s in use, as they could burn themselves or pull the fireplace over on top of them.

 

To find the best electric fireplace for your home, visit the building supplies experts at Western Hills Builder Supply in Cincinnati, OH. For more than 90 years, they’ve provided local homeowners with a variety of home improvement and landscaping supplies, including fireplaces and pizza ovens. They’ll work with you to find the perfect unit to fit your home’s unique needs. Learn more by calling (513) 574-6200 today or browse their inventory online.