How to remove an inbuilt electric fireplace 

Whether you want to increase your property’s resale value or update the look of your old fireplace, you’ll probably need to remove the old electric fireplace to create room for the new one. So, how exactly do you go about it, especially if you’re dealing with a built-in electric fireplace? Well, that’s what this blog post is all about. Just read on to learn how to remove an inbuilt electric fireplace. After all, it’s a relatively simple process as it doesn’t need any major demolition! 

Step-by-step guide on how to remove a built-in electric fireplace 

Step 1: Disconnect the power 

The first and most important step before you remove an inbuilt electric fireplace is to disconnect the power to avoid electrical shock. So, locate the main switch supplying power to your fireplace at the circuit breaker and turn it off. After ensuring the power is off, you can now start removing the inbuilt fireplace unit. 

Step 2: Remove the trim around your electric fireplace 

If there is some trim around your fireplace, you need to remove it to access the inbuilt fireplace. To accomplish that, use a drill or screwdriver to remove the screws holding the electric fireplace trim in place. 

Also, you may want to remove all or some of the rockwork, drywall, brick, and framing around the electric fireplace. Use a mallet or hammer to break these framing materials apart and pry them away with a crowbar. 

Step 3: Remove any connections hold the inbuilt fireplace unit in place 

Remove any bolts or screws that are holding your built-in fireplace in place. Typically, there are 4 bolts/ screws holding the unit in place; two at the bottom and two at the top. Interestingly, the fireplace will easily slide away from the wall once you remove all the screws. 

Step 4: Disconnect the power cord 

After pulling the fireplace away from the wall, disconnect any electrical cable that is attached to it. This includes the main power cord and any other wiring that is connected to the device. Disconnecting the power cord will allow you to remove the fireplace from the wall completely. 

Step 5: Vacuum or sweep up any dust around the fireplace area 

Once the fireplace is out of the way, clean up any dust and debris that may have accumulated around the unit and dispose of it properly. Make sure you vacuum any cobwebs and other dirt that might have found its way into the hole behind the electric fireplace. Also, make sure you thoroughly vacuum and sweep the area around the fireplace once the entire project is complete. 

Step 6: Install a new electric fireplace insert or repair the damage with drywall 

Now that you’ve removed the old fireplace, look for a new electric fireplace that you can insert into the hole left behind by the unit. However, if you don’t plan to install a new fireplace, you can simply leave the hole as it is or cover it up with some drywall. Either way, you have successfully removed the inbuilt electric fireplace from the wall. 

How to replace an inbuilt electric fireplace 

As I’ve already mentioned, you can install a replacement electric fireplace once the old one has been removed. After, the lifespan of every inbuilt e; electric fireplace will eventually come to any just like any other electrical appliance, calling for a replacement. 

Luckily, replacing an inbuilt electric fireplace is as easy as removing the old one if you observe the following guidelines; 

• Measure the dimensions of the old inbuilt electric fireplace (height, width & depth) and look for the best replacement model on the market. 
• Make sure the dimensions of the replacement fireplace match the dimensions of the old one to ensure they fit perfectly in the hole left behind on the wall. If the replacement electric fireplace is wider than the old one, it will not fit. And if it’s too small, it will leave a gap around the fireplace and the surround. 
• In addition to the dimensions, check that the new inbuilt electric fireplace has the same type of electrical connection (hardwired or plug-in) as the previous model for easy installation. Also, you should ensure that the new fireplace has the right length of electric cord to reach the power outlet. 
• Follow the manufacturer’s guidelines while installing the new inbuilt electric fireplace in place. 

Conclusion 

As you can see, removing an inbuilt electric fireplace is a relatively straightforward process. Best of all, it will take your little time and effort to get the unit out and replace it with a modern one!