20 Myths About Electric Fireplace Wall Hanging: Debunked
Wall Mounted Electric Fires Hanging Ideas In contrast to traditional wood or gas fireplaces Wall-mount electric fireplaces are ready to be installed straight out of the box. These fireplaces can be a great way of adding ambiance to your home without the need for renovations or venting. However, they usually require careful installation because they're usually heavy. Follow these steps to hang your new electric fireplace correctly. 1. Connect the Brackets A wall-mounted or recessed fireplace instantly elevates the look of any room. It's the perfect option for homes with no existing fireplace opening or for apartment living. Choose where you'd like to put your electric fire. You should select a spot that isn't prone to moisture and at least just a few feet from furniture and drapes. Once you've located a location you like, mark the wall with markings for the top and bottom plates of the fireplace frame. Use a tool such as a drill to drill exploratory holes in the wall, looking for studs with a detector and marking the drywall the location of the fireplace mounting brackets. Then, you can build the wall or patch and paint the drywall to prepare it for your fireplace installation. Depending on the type of wall-mounted fire, you might have to either install the firebox and screen as one unit or separate them by the use of a wall bracket. If you're uncertain about your ability to handle this aspect of the project on your own, consider hiring a general contractor or experienced carpenter. The majority of electric fireplaces come with templates for the installation process, but you should also have a spirit level and a pencil in hand to precisely mark the location where you'll attach the wall brackets. Make use of the template to make sure that the power cable from the fireplace will reach a nearby outlet to connect it. Install the drywall as smooth and flush as you can to give the fireplace a clean look. Add trim to the bottom edge and sand, paint and finish the frame. The majority of wall-mounted electric fires have hooks or slots on the back of the unit that you will insert into the slots or hooks on the mounting brackets. Make sure that the slots and hooks are properly aligned prior to you connect the fire to wall brackets. Once the fire is set you can add other elements like driftwood logs, crystal embers, or decorative rocks. 2. Check the Bottom Bracket The space that is above a fireplace mantel, chimney breast, or mantel is the ideal spot for hanging artwork. There is a delicate balance between an artistic arrangement and one that detracts the overall style of the fireplace. Generally, the rule of thumb is that a wall should be about 80% the width of the fireplace or mantel it sits above. This will keep it proportionate and will make it look nice on the wall. Other ornaments & decorative items placed on the mantel can also influence this size & proportional guideline. If you intend to hang a photo above your electric fire the frame must be constructed of glass or a material that can handle high temperatures. If you're unsure, a quick test with a heat-sensitive cloth should reveal whether the frame is suitable for this type of application. The risk of damaging artwork by smoke and hot stray heat is a typical concern when you display artworks over the fireplace. This is not a problem with gas or wood-powered fireplace. However should you decide to use an electric wall fireplace, it's important to check the instructions of the manufacturer. Most electrical fires have a mounting bracket which can be attached to the wall with hanging screws or wall-mounted fixing systems. If the latter option is used, it's recommended that you drill exploratory holes into a discrete part of the wall before you begin to install your electric fire. Then you can use an instrument to locate cables and pipes to ensure that there aren't any pipes or cables near the location you've chosen to mount it. If so, you can place your fire on the electrical socket or move it to a different location. If you decide to move it to a new spot you'll need to make sure that the power cable can be able to connect from the fire to the electrical socket – this is crucial for older homes or houses with solid walls. If you don't do this, your electric fireplace will not function properly. Some models come with a template to show you where to drill holes, while others require an apex level and pencil to mark the locations on your wall. 3. Connect the Power Cord If you've put in a recessed electric fireplace, you might need to relocate the plug socket from the wall to behind the unit. This can create an elegant look. Check the fireplace first to make sure it is operating correctly. Another method of mount an electric fireplace is to frame the space and build it into the wall. This creates a polished, traditional look and allows you to include a mantel. The owner's manual for your model will include information on framing, wiring and the best way to secure the fire place. When you're ready to mount your new electric fireplace on the wall, start by marking the installation location with a pencil or marker. Use a carpenter's level to ensure that the area of installation is level and flat. You can use a studfinder to mark the location so you know that you're drilling in a secure area. Use the electric drill after you've identified the location of installation to drill holes for bracket screws or hanging screws. Make sure to follow the exact instructions in your owner's manual for this step, especially in the case of installing the fireplace within a wall. If you're unsure of the best way to go about this you can always consult a professional to do the installation for you. You can also hide power cords from view by using cable organizer kits. These kits usually come with clips, sleeves or boxes for bundling cables. You can make use of wire snakes or fish tape to guide the cords. If you don't want to cut the drywall, a powerbridge kit can offer a cleaner and more secure connection. You can also disguise cords by using paintable wire covers or by attaching them to the wall. Be sure to keep the cover or tacks from the heat source, however. This will help prevent accidental contact and protect the cord. 4. Connect electric fires for the wall -mounted electric fireplace is a great option for home renovations or for those who do not have the space or the money to install a real gas fireplace. They are simple to hang and can be used straight out of the box and can be a great alternative for those looking for a chic modern design or the warmth fireplaces provide. These units can be put up on any wall as artwork, and they're electric and have fan-powered heating. It's a good idea create an inventory of all the tools and equipment you'll need before you begin the installation process. Read the user's manual to find specific details on how to mount your electric fire. Some models require that you screw brackets directly into the wall while others may feature an installation plate that slides into slots or hooks onto the brackets. If you're installing a recessed unit it is essential to ensure that all combustible materials are removed from the area around the installation. As a rule of thumb the materials should be kept 3 feet from the front of the fireplace and 1.5 feet away from its sides. After you've inspected all the components, you need to plug in your electric fireplace and verify that it works properly. This is a crucial step, as it will ensure that the flame effect screen and heater function as intended. This will give you a good idea of the final product's final state. Cover the cord after you are satisfied that it's functioning properly. This will keep the final product neat and neat. You can do this by applying paintable wire covers, or install a new outlet that allows you to place the cord behind the unit. This will provide an elegant finish to your fireplace.