White electric fireplaces are becoming more and more popular. This is not their first burgeoning in popularity. In the late 60s and early 70s they were quite the thing as decorative items. (Of course at the same time, silver Christmas Trees were the rage). In England they have existed for years. In the US they have been lately showing up as replacements for chimneys that need re-lining and other failures mostly in order to have a live fire and to save landlord money. Electric is the way to go. Looks real, feels real…it must be real. It’s not to be discounted. Again, this is not the first dance for this very popular and useful item. As will all other items electronic, this thing is almost better than the reality. Fire better than fire? Maybe.
In the 1950″s everyone got their 3 bedroom ranch and it couldn’t be sold without a fireplace and maybe a swimming pool. Then we aged. Gas/electric log fires in a fireplace are a step-child of the “must have a fireplace” and now seem ubiquitous. Every home now has to have a non-wood fireplace to be sold. The lazy-baby boom generation does not want to chop wood. You would have thought we were all Abe Lincoln to hear the desire for fireplaces, but no one wants to swing an axe. A white electric fireplace fits the bill. No question it’s good to cuddle around a fire. Sick, in love, lonely…fire is from an essential stage of emotion. Electric? Pretty good. In our mind is what we make it and fire is fire. Electric, non-electric, if it looks like fire, we’re in.
Okay, now that I’ve said no-wood-electric is good with me, let’s see if you even know what it is: first, does the fireplace require a three prong connection (one would hope so) and is there an outlet? (Electric) Are mantel styles adjustable? Modern? Victorian? (sign of electric) Facings should fit and have a theme as there are usually facades. Chimneys are not required but is there a way for any excess heat to exit? Not a big deal unless you have absolutely no exit airways.
Live well and prosper. Try to live green.
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