Electric fireplaces are often chosen for their convenience and relatively low maintenance design. They offer unmatched convenience for homeowners who want the aesthetic appeal and heat of a fireplace without having to worry about monitoring gas or traditional fireplace cleanliness and function. However, there are still a few important elements of electric fireplaces that merit attention and occasional maintenance.
Changing Bulbs
Electric fireplaces won’t develop residue or particulate buildup inside the firebox, but there is something in the firebox that will eventually degrade in quality over time: the light bulbs! If you notice your fire becoming dimmer or less consistently bright, it might be time to replace your bulbs. Luckily, the process is simple for most models. First, it is imperative to turn off the fireplace and let it sit and cool off before you interact with it. It is typical for electric fireplaces to have removable maintenance panels on the back, but you may need to take out some screws or other fastening mechanisms to access the bulbs. The bulbs should be easy to spot inside the firebox. Consult your unit’s manual to determine what bulb will be a suitable replacement. If halogen bulbs are required, make sure to handle them with gloves! Natural skin oils can cause halogen bulbs to decay more quickly than usual. Some fireplaces use LED bulbs, in which case you shouldn’t need to replace them at all within the lifespan of the fireplace. How convenient!
Cleaning the Glass
The glass panel on the front of your unit is the most important element of your fireplace, aesthetically speaking. To ensure it is clean and shows off your fireplace perfectly, clean it with a lint-free cloth and warm, soapy water. Gently wipe and buff the exterior of the glass, and make sure that by the end it is completely dry to avoid water spots. Make sure you don’t use glass cleaners or other abrasive cleaners, as these can contain flammable chemicals and can reduce the lifespan of your fireplace.
Cleaning the Fan
The fan is the most important part of your fireplace when it comes to actually providing heat to the room. To determine if your fan requires cleaning, examine its spin pattern. Fans should spin easily with no resistance or hitching. If you decide to clean your fan, a vacuum with a thin nozzle attachment will be ideal. Simply take off the grille covering and brush and vacuum off any dust and debris you see on the blades and axle of the fan.
To learn more about Energy House and the fireplace products and services we provide, call 1-800-660-1496 or contact us online today!