Electric fireplaces are great for warming up your space while also being a style centerpiece of your house. They have replaced the traditional fireplaces for obvious reasons – the hassle-free outlook and less smoke. They, however, require a considerable amount of care to prevent a possible fire outbreak.
There are several concerns about these appliances, but the truth is that they are much safer than firewood ones. Below are some ways to ensure your prized warmth appliance does not end up in smokes. The electric fireplaces are very easy to take care of so this should be a breeze to anyone.
1. Switch it off When Not in Use
This might seem blatantly obvious, but it’s hands down the biggest cause of electric mishaps. Switching it off when no one is around and when children are unsupervised goes a long way in preventing an accident. Plus, it helps you not to overwork your unit, and boosts its longevity.
Also, ensure you switch the device off when going to sleep or when you are involved in other activities outside the appliance’s range.
2. Seek Professional Help
Having someone with the expertise to make the installation will go a long way into making sure no wrong steps are made in the whole process. The good thing is that once it’s properly set up, chances of mishaps are greatly reduced since everything is in the perfect state to start with.
A professional will also make obvious recommendations on the accessories for the fireplace. This includes power guards and cut off devices if your fireplace does not come with them as part of the package. They will also ensure that obvious installation mistakes do not happen to start with. Also, when you experience any issues, remember to call in an expert and not try to fix it yourself.
3. Go for the New Devices Only
Sometimes it’s easy to fall for the obviously cheaper option when shopping for a heating unit. Although you can quite frankly get away with buying a second-hand lamp, it’s not exactly the case with electric fireplaces. There are several reasons why.
The first one is you may obviously not have a complete history of how the device has been performing throughout. This especially applies to when you are getting it from a stranger. It may have an unforeseen fault, and since there is no warranty, it might cost you more money to repair than you got it for.
New appliances also have greater longevity and are bound to serve you longer. But, in the event of any fault, you’re assured it won’t be as costly to handle as compared to a used one.
4. Keep Foreign Materials Away from the Fireplace
Combustible materials, such as clothes, bed sheets or pillows, should be kept as far away from the electric fireplace as possible. Substances such as paint, thinners and turpentine can also get into the appliance and cause spillage, which may, in turn, go up in flames.
Other non-combustible materials, such as plastic and other particles, may interfere with the air circulation or outlets in the fireplace. Ensure these items are kept far away and keep watch on your kids as they may put foreign materials to your unit.
5. Do Not Add Any Modifications To The Appliance
Although you may be tempted to add a few modifications to your device, it’s highly recommended that you do not. This is because you may end up interfering with the circulation system or the inlets and cause an unexpected mishap.
You should also ensure that upon any accident only proper parts and accessories are used to replace the original ones. This also naturally applies to any maintenance procedure for the device; only genuine parts should be used.
Electric fireplaces are clearly very easy to maintain and provide your home with warmth. These safety procedures are pretty straight-forward and easy to follow through. Don’t forget that proper care and maintenance will help prevent accidental fires and keep the unit running at its optimal performance.