Electric Fireplaces

No, electric inserts don't require ventilation. They're self-contained, zero-clearance units powered entirely by electricity with no combustion process, so there's no heat, smoke, or emissions to vent out of your space.

This vent-free design creates genuine installation flexibility that gas or wood alternatives simply don't offer. You can frame an insert directly into existing walls, recessed cabinetry, or even non-load-bearing studs without needing structural modifications, chimney infrastructure, or specialist venting approvals. All the heat stays in your room, there's no energy loss through a flue.

Electric inserts are particularly well-suited to apartments, condos, and renovations where traditional fireplaces would be impractical. Since no combustion occurs, there's also zero indoor emissions, making them an environmentally responsible choice. A single installer can handle the full installation; you'll only need to confirm local electrical requirements with your electrician.

You can run them in heat mode for warmth or flame-only mode year-round for ambience with minimal energy draw, giving you complete control over how and when you use the fireplace.

Electric fireplace inserts heat approximately 28 square metres [300 sq ft] at 1,500 watts or 56 square metres [600 sq ft] at 3,000 watts, depending on your electrical supply. EcoSmart Fire electric inserts deliver 5,000 BTU per hour at 120 volts or 10,000 BTU per hour at 240 volts.

Electric inserts are ideal for zone heating, concentrating warmth exactly where you need it and delivering targeted efficiency without the installation complexity of whole-home systems. Unlike wood or gas fireplaces, they require no chimney, flue, or gas lines. Zero-clearance installation means you can frame them directly into walls alongside other design elements. The flame-only mode (LED operation at 42 to 71 watts) lets you enjoy ambience without heat output. All warmth radiates directly into the room with no venting loss, delivering efficient comfort where it matters most.

These figures are indicative; actual heating performance varies with room insulation, ceiling height, climate, and airflow.

There are many types of indoor electric fireplaces, including freestanding and built-in models. EcoSmart Fire’s Electric Fireplace Series is designed to be framed by wood or metal studs and installed into a wall. With low-energy LED flame technology, our electric fireplace inserts resemble an authentic open flame fireplace. Recessed into a wall, the electric fireplace displays sleek linear lines for a luxurious modern finish. An existing gas fireplace or wood-burning fireplace can be converted into an electric fireplace.

Please speak with a specialist for more information.

Electric fireplace installation depends on your chosen setup. Plug-and-play models connect to standard electrical outlets on a dedicated 15-amp circuit and require no professional installation. Hardwired installations use 240V and need a qualified electrician to handle circuit and switch installation to local electrical codes.

The zero-clearance, vent-free design of EcoSmart Fire electric fireplaces eliminates installation complexities that traditional fireplaces demand: no chimney, no venting infrastructure, no structural engineering for flue loads. This design freedom means you can position a plug model almost anywhere an outlet exists: inside cabinetry, under a window, as a room divider, or within a feature wall. Hardwired units offer the same placement flexibility but require initial electrical roughing-in before drywall.

Always consult your model's installation manual and local electrical codes before beginning. If you're uncertain about circuit capacity or wall preparation, a qualified electrician can confirm requirements and handle any hardwiring. For plug models, a standard dedicated circuit is typically all that's needed.

Yes, EcoSmart Fire electric inserts are designed to operate in flame-and-light-only mode, delivering ambiance without any heat output. Independent flame and heat controls let you enjoy the visual appeal of the fire, including adjustable flame patterns and colour options via remote control, whenever you want, regardless of season.

Running in ambiance-only mode consumes minimal energy; the LED system draws a fraction of the power used for heating, making it cost-effective year-round. This makes electric inserts ideal for trans-seasonal use, extending your enjoyment of the fireplace feature during warmer months when heating isn't needed.

The design philosophy prioritises flexibility: whether you're seeking warmth on a winter evening or pure ambiance during summer gatherings, you control exactly what the unit delivers.

No, electric fireplaces do not need to be vented. They operate as vent-free, self-contained units that produce zero emissions, no harmful smoke, or greenhouse gases. Unlike gas or wood fireplaces, electric models require no gas lines, chimneys, or venting systems, making installation simple and versatile.

Yes, electric fireplaces can operate in flame-only mode, allowing you to enjoy flame effects without any heat output. This gives you complete control over when and how you use the fireplace, activating the flame display independently via remote or touch control while leaving the heating element off.

Flame-only operation consumes minimal electricity, comparable to a standard light bulb, making it ideal for year-round ambience. In warmer months, you get the visual appeal of a fire without overheating your space. In cooler seasons, simply switch the heating element on when you need warmth. EcoSmart Fire electric fireplaces offer three distinct modes: No Heat (flame only), Low Heat, and High Heat, so you can tailor the experience to the season and your comfort level.

This flexibility means you can enjoy the fireplace year-round, whether you're seeking atmosphere on a warm evening or warmth on a cool night.

Yes, EcoSmart Fire electric fireplaces can be installed in virtually any room of the house due to their zero-clearance, vent-free design. Unlike traditional fireplaces or gas inserts, they require no chimney, gas line, or external venting, making them suitable for any interior space, from living rooms and bedrooms to offices, kitchens, and even wet environments like bathrooms and laundries where ventilation is available.

Installation requires a dedicated electrical circuit: a 120-volt, 20-amp circuit for standard units, or a 240-volt, 20-amp circuit for higher-capacity models. A qualified electrician should handle the wiring to meet local building codes and safety standards (CSA C22.1 / ANSI/NFPA 70). Maintain a minimum floor clearance of 180 mm [7 in], and avoid mounting directly above heat-sensitive finishes like wallpaper, laminate, or veneer. The zero-clearance construction allows you to frame the unit directly into wood or metal stud walls (load-bearing or non-load-bearing) without structural modifications.

The versatility of placement is one of the key advantages: you can position an electric fireplace in locations where traditional fireplaces simply won't fit. This design freedom means you're limited only by electrical access and your aesthetic vision for the space.

EcoSmart Fire's electric fireplaces offer two installation options: plug-and-play via a standard household outlet, or hardwired into your wall for a built-in appearance.

The plug-and-play model requires no electrician, installs in under an hour, and works with any standard 15-amp outlet, ideal for flexible placement or rental properties.

For hardwired installation, a licensed electrician will connect either a 3-wire (120V) or 4-wire (240V) configuration to a dedicated 20-amp circuit with a 2-pole breaker. Hardwired fireplaces integrate flush into walls or cabinetry, creating a seamless architectural feature with no visible cord.

Both options include full-function remote controls and touch-sensitive operation as standard. The choice depends on your design vision: quick, flexible installation versus permanent, integrated placement.

Hardwired models cover larger areas (240V reaches 56 m² [600+ ft²]), while plug-and-play suits more intimate spaces. Installation typically meets CSA C22.1 and ANSI/NFPA 70 electrical safety standards, ensuring reliable, code-compliant operation.

Operating an electric fireplace insert costs approximately 12-24 cents per hour with heating enabled, depending on your local electricity rate and heat setting. At a typical rate of $0.15 per kWh, running at maximum output (1500W) costs roughly 22.5 cents per hour, or about $197 annually if used 24 hours daily. Drop to the lower 750W setting and you halve both consumption and cost.

The real cost advantage becomes clear when you compare annual operating expenses to traditional fireplaces. There are no fuel purchases, no annual chimney cleaning (typical cost: $100-$300), no flue maintenance, and no efficiency losses up the chimney. Every watt converts directly to usable heat or ambiance.

What many owners discover is the flexibility to enjoy flame-only mode year-round. The LED lighting system draws approximately 85W - equivalent to a household light bulb - making ambiance viewing extremely economical. This lets you run the visual appeal without activating heating, extending enjoyment across seasons at just pennies per hour.

Calculate your own cost: multiply your wattage setting by your hours of use, divide by 1,000, then multiply by your local electricity rate. This transparency means you know exactly what to expect from day one.