Frequently Asked Questions About Electric Fireplaces  

We handle Dimplex fireplaces and their line of Symphony and Symphony Encore units. The following questions and answers are related specifically to these fireplaces. Many other manufacturers have different standards.

Are electric fireplaces easy to maintain?

Yes. Every 2 to 3 years the light bulbs, readily available at any hardware store, will need to be replaced.  You will be able to do this easily yourself.

Are electric fireplaces safe?

The Symphony fireplace has full electrical certification throughout North America for complete peace of mind. To ensure the safety of your family members, no combustible energy sources are used to produce the flame. This means that you never need worry about oxygen depletion or carbon monoxide poisoning in your home, and the glass remains cool to the touch to ensure children don't burn their hands.  Other safety features include impact resistance safety glass and safety cut out with reset controls.

Will this fireplace mantel fit into any room?

Yes.  Our mantels are available in a wide range of attractive trims and mantel surrounds to match or accent the individual decor of your home.  The space saving cabinet and corner style units tuck into any room.

Where can I put my fireplace?

You can put your fireplace in just about any indoor area as long as it is clean and dry.  Whether you want to add ambiance to your living room, family room, bedroom, kitchen, foyer or dining room, as long as there's an outlet, there's no problem.  Our fireplaces are perfect for single family homes, condominiums, apartments, mobile homes or cottages.

Are these electric fireplaces expensive to operate?

The Symphony Electric fireplace operates for pennies a day.  The flame uses slightly under 300 Watts of power.  With an average electricity rate, the unit operates for a remarkable 2¢/hr, providing all the warmth, ambiance and romance of a fireplace.  When you choose to activate the heat feature, the total cost to operate the flame and heater is approximately 7¢/hr.  BTW, gas fireplace manufacturers regularly advertise running costs of 17¢/hr!

How efficient are electric fireplaces?

Symphony fireplaces are 100% efficient.  All of the energy supplied to the unit is converted into heat, which stays in the room to keep you warm.  No heat energy is vented outside as in gas units.

How do the electric fireplaces distribute heat in a large room?

Our fireplaces distribute a warm, gentle, even heat over a wide area by means of a silent fan-forced heater.  It will produce about 5115 BTU of total heat.  So, working in conjunction with your home's primary heating system, the fireplace is capable of taking the chill off just about any size room when required.

Can I install it myself?

Yes!  Just take it home and plug it in.  The Symphony fireplace plugs into any standard 120-volt outlet and does not require a dedicated circuit.  It's as easy as plugging in a lamp!  In addition, the fireplace does not require any venting pipelines for fuel or expensive professional reconstruction to your home.  Even installing it into an existing fireplace opening is fast and easy!

May I relocate my fireplace if I want to?

Yes!  Unlike gas fireplaces, which require venting and fuel pipelines, the Symphony fireplace just needs to be unplugged.  When you need a change, you can move it to a different room and when you move to a new home, you can take your investment with you!

The flame looks so real.  How does it work?

Dimplex has developed a patented electric flame technology which provides a realistic, wood-turning flame effect.

Can the flame be adjusted?

Yes, our fireplace controls allow you to adjust the background light and speed of the flame to create an ambiance to suit any mood.

Will the flame operate without heat?

Yes!  The Symphony flame and heater operate independently of each other.  This means you can enjoy the ambiance of a realistic flame all year round.

Click here to compare the use of electric fireplaces to the use of a wood burning fireplace:

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