Are electric fireplaces safe against a wall?

Author: Dr. Jeffry Johns II  |  Last update: Sunday, February 15, 2026

In most cases, you can put your electric fireplace anywhere in the home you want. Depending on the model you choose, you can mount it to the wall, set it on a TV stand or install it into the wall. It's safe to use electric fireplaces on most types of flooring, including carpet.

Can I put my electric fireplace against a wall?

The beauty of an electric fireplace is it can be installed in just about any spot. You can build a bump out wall frame for the fireplace and cover the wall in your favorite tiles, wood planks, stone or textured wallpaper. Or you can simply insert or hang the fireplace on a wall painted in your favorite color.

How deep should a wall be for an electric fireplace?

If you plan to cut into the wall or build out a wall to accommodate your fireplace, it's best to find out how deep your preferred fireplace is. Depths range from 4” to 9” for contemporary models and up to 17” for traditional models that can go into a wall or cabinet.

How much clearance does an electric fireplace need?

Clearance requirements depend on how much wall space is needed for an electric fireplace in the living room. Requirements recommend keeping all combustible items at least three feet back from the fireplace.

How safe are wall mounted electric fireplaces?

Yes, electric fireplaces are generally considered to be safe, especially when compared to traditional wood-burning or gas fireplaces. Here are some reasons why they are safer: No Real Flames: Electric fireplaces produce heat through electric coils and display flames via LED lights.

Fireplace Safety: How Safe are Electric Fireplaces?

Are wall mounted electric fireplaces worth it?

They're much cheaper to install and operate than wood-burning and natural gas fireplaces. Having just the flame running (without heat) on an electric fireplace, which you might want for ambiance, only costs about one or two cents an hour.

Do electric fireplaces reduce home value?

Fireplaces can boost property value by 6-12%. Electric fireplaces often offer the best return due to low costs and minimal maintenance. Energy-efficient features attract eco-conscious buyers. Different types—wood-burning, gas, electric, gel, or ethanol—can impact your home's value and marketability.

Where should an electric fireplace be placed?

To achieve the electric fireplace's visual effect at eye level from a seated position, the floor's recommended distance should be about 40-42″ inches off the floor. This is a comfortable enough distance and precisely places the flames in your line of sight from a seated position.

How to secure a fireplace to a wall?

Typically, the fireplaces are set on top of a solid hearth, with either mortar or another bonding material acting as bedding between the stone components. Use mechanical fixings such as steel brackets, dowels, and screws to hold the components in position and secure them to the wall.

Do you need drywall behind an electric fireplace?

Easy Installation, Anywhere

Doing this makes it possible to put an electric fireplace anywhere in your home without worrying about compromising a load-bearing wall or the insulation on an exterior wall. It simplifies pulling wires too, but you'll still have to apply drywall, tape and mud.

How much ventilation does an electric fireplace need?

Q – Do Electric Fireplaces need venting? A – No, Electric fireplaces do not create any emissions and therefore do not need to be vented through a chimney, direct vent, or other source like gas and wood fireplaces do.

Do you need a hole in the wall for electric fireplace?

Unlike all other types of electric fireplaces, which simply slide into place, built-in units require you to create a hole in the wall to accommodate the exact dimensions of the unit. They often need to be hard-wired into electricity.

Can you enclose an electric fireplace?

A fireplace enclosure is a one-piece frame that mounts the electric fireplace and sits outside the opening against a flat surface, often referred to as the fireplace frame. The feature can enhance your electric fireplace and draw more attention, ensuring it is the main focal point in the room.

Are electric fireplaces safe for TVS?

You certainly can put your TV above an electric fire, and it is completely safe if it is installed properly. Ensure you can meet the distance requirements and you will have no problems enjoying your TV when it is placed above an electric fire.

Can you install an electric fireplace anywhere?

Electric fireplaces are versatile and can be installed in various locations within a home, thanks to their easy installation requirements. Unlike traditional wood-burning fireplaces, electric fireplaces do not require a chimney or venting, making them suitable for installation in virtually any room.

Can you put an electric fireplace against a wall?

Wall mounted electric fireplace can be simply hung on pretty much any wall, just like a flat-screen TV or a picture. Most wall-mounted electric fireplaces come with brackets and hardware needed for installation.

How close can a fireplace be to a wall?

The minimum distance from walls when installing a fireplace is determined based on the specific requirements of the manufacturer. However, in general, it is recommended that the back wall of the fireplace be at a distance of at least 20 cm from non-combustible materials.

Do electric fireplaces really warm a room?

In general, electric fireplaces can warm a room up to 400 square feet. Here are some of the other benefits of an electric fireplace when it comes to heat. This Scion electric fireplace creates a built-in flush design, allowing for a clean look with no visible heat vents or mesh screen.

What are the disadvantages of an electric fireplace?

Lack of Authentic Experience

For many, the biggest drawback of an electric fireplace is its inability to replicate the authentic experience of a wood-burning fireplace. The distinct sound of crackling wood and the characteristic smell of burning logs are conspicuously absent in electric models.

Do electric fireplaces run up electric bill?

The average total cost to operate the flame and heater is approximately 8¢ per hour (when the heater cycles at 50%). These amounts can fluctuate depending on the electricity rates in your specific area. Compared to a gas fireplace, which can only be used with the heat-activated, gas often runs at 17¢ per hour.

What increases house value the most?

10 quick wins for adding value before selling
  1. Redecorate. ...
  2. Fix superficial defects. ...
  3. The front door. ...
  4. Declutter. ...
  5. Heating and lighting. ...
  6. Garden appeal. ...
  7. Create a driveway / off-road parking. ...
  8. Look smart and be energy efficient.

Are wall mounted electric fires expensive to run?

Even in larger fires, the total power rating of all the LEDs is likely to be less than 30 watts. You could have the flame effect running all day and it would cost less than 7p. In fact, you could have it running six hours a day for a full month and it would still only cost around 50p.

Do electric fireplaces look cheap?

When they first came out they were definitely tacky! Luckily, competition and technological progress pushed the industry to evolve. Today, electric fireplaces look so realistic that they can be mistaken for gas or wood fireplaces. Manufacturers constantly think of ways to make electric fireplaces more realistic.

How long do electric fireplaces last?

The lifespan of an electric fireplace is about 10–20 years, and minimal repairs and servicing should be needed. In both cases, following the manufacturer's instructions for care and maintenance can help increase the lifespan of your fireplace.

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