When the cold winter months roll around, how much do you usually pay in utility bills to heat your home? No matter where you live, supplemental heating is a clever way to increase your home’s energy efficiency and reduce those monthly bills. If you think about how much time you spend in each room, you may find that you spend more time in some rooms than others. Supplemental, or zone, heating allows you to keep the thermostat turned down and supplement the heat in the rooms that you use most with electric fireplaces and stoves, gel fireplaces, or gas fireplaces.

Save Energy. When you use traditional heating systems to heat your home, a large amount of energy is used to heat rooms that you are not even using at the time. Supplemental heating uses less energy and lowers your impact on the environment, because the fireplace or stove only operates when you are in the room.

Save Money. Reducing the amount of energy spent on heating your home can dramatically lower your monthly utility payment. Switching to supplemental heating with a fireplace or electric stove is a simple step that can save you a lot of money.

Supplemental Heating Options. Supplemental heating lowers your impact on the environment and saves you money, all while maintaining a comfortable temperature in your home. There are a variety of supplemental heating options that fit all styles and budgets. Here are a few of our favorite electric and gas supplemental heat options:

Windsor 4-in-1 Vent Free Gas Fireplace Mantel Package

Comfort Smart Cream Gloss Freestanding Electric Stove

Hampton 26″ Electric Fireplace Entertainment Center

More information about supplemental/zone heating can be found here.

The world of electric fireplaces is growing and with more and more individuals choosing the convenience and style of electric fireplace inserts these products can often be confusing for customers new to the electric fireplace market. Many customers who are looking for an electric alternative to fit within an existing fireplace consider purchasing electric fireplace log inserts. These inserts are freestanding log sets that are designed to be placed into an existing fireplace. They come in a variety of sizes ranging from 20″ to 24″ wide and 11.75″ to 21.75″ high, depending on the unit.  These units are designed to heat a modest space of 400 sq. ft. and they usually produce between 4600 and 4700 BTUs. For customers who have a two sided fireplace, that is a fireplace facing two rooms, it is often suggested that they consider buying two fireplace inserts and place them back to back. This approach often creates the illusion of a single electric fireplace insert even though there are actually two units lined up against each other.

Another category of electric fireplace inserts are plug-in electric fireplace inserts. These electric fireplace inserts are designed to be installed in previously constructed mantle packages that come in a variety of designs and styles. These electric fireplace inserts are a fully assembled black box that slide easily into place. No assembly is required with these units and they effortlessly plug into any 3-prong, 120 volt household electrical outlet. Units such as these range in price from approximately 250 dollars to 1,100 dollars depending on the size and various features of the unit. They are often sold as a pair in conjunction with a mantle package such as the Dimplex Hartford Package.

The final type of units which are sometimes labeled as an electric fireplace inserts are built-in units. These units are very similar to the plug-in electric fireplace inserts discussed earlier except, they are designed to be built directly into a wall. Built-in electric fireplace inserts can effortless slide into any interior or exterior wall and are a great option for individuals looking to give there home a contemporary feel.  These units are often capable of producing the most heat of all the various types of electric fireplace inserts because they can be directly wired into the wall.

Regardless of which type of electric fireplace insert may suit your needs, it should be noted that each type of electric fireplace insert can be perfect for a variety of situations.

This is an example of a plug-in electric fireplace log insert.

This is an example of a plug-in electric fireplace insert inside of a mantel.

Bet you could not have guessed the fastest growing fireplace category before reading the title above! Believe it or not electric fireplaces are “on fire”. The reasons for this growth are simple:

• Installation is easy, fast and inexpensive – all you need is regular household 120v current (in some built-in models you may choose to use 220v for higher heat output).
• Works for remodel or new construction whether you choose a built-in model, cabinet mantel, or insert.
• Operate the flame and heat independently.
• Low operating cost – uses very little electricity (as little as 3¢ per hour)

The most popular brands are Dimplex , Classic Flame, and Napoleon have some niche products that we like very much. For additional selections, see ElectricFireplacesDirect.com