Today, more homeowners are switching to electric fireplaces to replace messy and time-consuming wood fireplaces. In addition to easier maintenance, electric fireplaces are cost efficient and provide lasting warmth that doesn’t require constant attention to prevent logs from rolling onto the floor of your living space.
When you are ready to convert a wood fireplace to an electric unit, follow these steps to ensure a smooth transition.
- First, you will need an electric fireplace insert to act as a heat source. This metal box will fit squarely in the center of the wood fireplace. Lift the electric fireplace onto sturdy cardboard and slide the unit towards the rear wall of the fireplace.
- Next, you will need to remove the chimney damper. This is done by taking a flue liner and sliding it down the chimney all the way to the bottom so you can attach the liner to the electric fireplace flue collar adapter. If there is any excess liner, simply take a pair of scissors and cut it away.
- With a piece of chalk, mark lines around the top and sides of the electric fireplace insert. Make sure the lines are parallel to the sides and front.
- Push your insert slightly to line up with pre-drilled holes that should be present on the top and sides. Fasten the top extender panel to the electric insert, ensure the panel covers the chalk line and tighten all the screws.
- Next, use chimney caulk and apply it to all the seams between the top and side panels and the joints between the insert and all three panels.
- Lastly, attach insulation strips to the rear of the panel. Move the electric fireplace into the center of the hearth and ensure the extender panels are not touching the rear wall.
Simple enough! Now you have a beautiful, easy to use, clean electric fireplace that will provide you and your family with warm fires on cold nights all winter.
