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Electric Fireplace Maintenance: Keeping Your Fireplace As Good As New

by Wyatt Fisk

The fireplace is consistently rated as one of the most preferred furnishings at home. Due to this, such fixture is regarded as an essential investment that could be placed at home. However, as a traditional wood burning fireplace could truly be hard to maintain, most homeowners nowadays prefer to use an electric fireplace because it is the most cost-effective alternative for natural gas or wood burning fireplace. Although the maintenance of an electric powered fireplace is not that labor extensive compared to its wood and gas burning counterparts, it is still necessary to regularly attend to its maintenance needs in order for it to last long.

An electric fireplace does not demand for chimney ventilation, which is often used for a wood burning fireplace to control the level of fire it produces. It does not require a homeowner to clean up any soot or ashes, which are often emitted by a wood burning fireplace. In addition, it does not use any logs to power it up, which makes it more preferable for home use. With an electric powered fireplace a homeowner spends lesser cleaning time.

To properly maintain your electric fireplace make sure that its wires and other electric components are in good condition. If the wires are either frayed or damage, replace it with new ones to avoid accidents. When the ember bed of your fireplace is dark on one side, make sure that you replace its bulbs with new ones. In the case of the heater system, it is important to consult professionals and do not do things by yourself, so that you can be assured that the heating and cooling system of your fireplace would be properly attended.

If your fireplace is enclosed in glass surrounds, the easiest way to clean it is to use a commercial glass cleaner and lint-free cloth. Turn the unit off hours before you clean it to avoid unwanted incidents. If a glass cleaner is not available, you can also make use of vinegar which is definitely a more eco-friendly alternative. On the other hand, if your fireplace has wood elements on it, such as wood fireplace surrounds, make use of an oil soap that could make the wood shiny.

Your fireplace mantel shelf is also a valuable part of your fireplace as it is where you place photographs and other decorative materials. As wood is the most common material utilized for a mantel shelf, it is more likely too catch dirt and other particles, which in turn requires regular cleaning. Vacuuming with a dusting brush attachment removes the dust from the shelf surface and prevents dirt from piling. But, if a vacuum cleaner is not available, use a soft clean cloth or soft paper towels instead.

Since your fireplace mantel shelf holds some of the decorative pieces inside your living space, it is subject to wear and tear, so make sure that you limit the things that you place on it and never make it a storage area. Also use pads, mats or felts under the objects that you place on your mantle shelf to avoid damage, stains and spills. By following these simple maintenance guidelines you can be assured that you will rightfully attend to the maintenance needs of your electric powered fireplace. With good maintenance you can definitely enjoy your fireplace for the years to come.

An electric fireplace is easy to maintain unlike its wood burning counterpart. By regularly checking its wires, heating and cooling system as well as the bulbs of its ember bed, you can extend the life of your fireplace. Similarly, it is also important to give emphasis on the cleaning of your fireplace mantel shelf and wood fireplace surrounds so that you can also maintain its aesthetic appeal.

Published June 21st, 2010

Filed in Home