Will an electric Fireplace heat my Basement?
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As families grow and needs change, homeowners find themselves updating or finishing their basements into additional living spaces. For instance, some convert it into a man cave with space for family and friends to watch a ball game, while others turn it into a movie lounge or family room.
However, before you turn your home’s basement into a living space, you’ve to figure out how to keep the room warm to make it cozy and comfortable. While there are various basement heating options, some people prefer electric fireplaces because of their energy efficiency.
But will an electric fireplace provide enough heat to warm your basement?
Let’s find out!
Can an electric fireplace heat a basement?
Yes, you can indeed use an electric fireplace to heat your basement as it’s an excellent source of heat for any space. Although electric fireplaces are not as popular as gas and wood-burning fireplaces, they’re safer and more cost-effective. However, they’re typically best used for supplemental heating instead of using them as the primary heat source. Also, the insulation in the basement will play a significant role in determining how effective your electric fireplace is.
Can you use an electric fireplace as a primary heat source for your basement?
Electric fireplaces can sometimes be used as the primary form of heating your basement. However, they are mainly used as a supplement to the central heating system.
In addition, you have to consider the annual average temperature in your area before you buy an electric fireplace for heating your basement. If you live in a particularly warm region, you can use a modern electric fireplace with a mantel as the primary heat source for your basement. However, this is not possible in most parts of the USA since the annual average temperature is too low.
Pros and cons of using an electric fireplace in your basement
Of all the types of fireplaces you can install in your basement, electric fireplaces are the easiest to maintain and install. After all, electric fireplaces do not need a ventilation system as they don’t emit any fumes. Instead, these units plug directly into a wall outlet and use electricity to heat inner coils. The unit then distributes heat into the room with a small, internal fan. In addition, these fireplaces are available in various sizes and styles, making it easy to find the right model to suit your basement needs.
On the downside, although the flames produced by electric fireplaces appear lifelike, they are not real. Moreover, these units cannot be used during power outages as they depend on electricity. More importantly, they can significantly increase your electricity bill depending on the frequency of use and how much electricity your electric fireplace uses.
How much space does a basement electric fireplace heat?
Unlike gas and wood-burning fireplaces, electric fireplaces produce heat from a fan blowing over a heated coil, instead of the flames themselves. As a result, they are the least efficient type of fireplace when it comes to heating a space.
In general, an electric fireplace can heat a room of up to 400 sq ft. Therefore, you’ll need additional heating for basements that are larger than this.
The most important factors that will determine the amount of space your electric fireplace can heat are its size and wattage. In that regard, an electric fireplace with a wattage of 1500 – 2000 W has a maximum heating capacity of 400 to 500 sq ft. However, if you choose a larger electric fireplace with more wattage, the size of space it can heat will certainly increase. For instance, a larger unit with a wattage of 3000 – 4000W can heat a room of up to 800 – 1000 sq ft.
Apart from size and wattage, other factors that will influence how much space an electric fireplace heats are; the number of people occupying the basement and the quality of insulation. So, if you usually have a large group of people in the basement of the space that has poor insulation, you’ll need a more powerful electric fireplace to heat the area efficiently.
Best Electric Fireplaces for basement heating
1. Dimplex Ignite XL Series Electric Fireplace
The Dimplex Ignite XL electric fireplace has a heat boost setting that quickly warms any space by delivering its maximum heat output for a certain duration. For instance, the Ignite XL100 model can heat an area of up to 1000 sq ft, making it an excellent option for large basements.
In addition, this unit uses its patented Comfort$aver ceramic heater technology, allowing it to use 11% less energy than other electric fireplaces. Specifically, this technology will automatically adjust the heater wattage and fan speed to match your basement’s heating requirements. On top of that, this electric fireplace has other incredible heating features like a built-in thermostat and timed heat boost.
In addition to producing a significant heat output, this electric fireplace has one of the most realistic flame effects on the market. Thanks to its Multi-Fire XD technology that allows it to reproduce a natural flame effect. Even better, you can change the color of these flame effects to suit your preference ambiance or let it cycle through various colors at a relaxing speed.
Lastly, this unit comes with a remote control that you can use to change various settings. Alternatively, you can use the backlit touchscreen panel on the unit.
Key Features
- Available in 4 different sizes; 50, 60, 74 & 100”
- Fully recessed in 2 X 6” wall construction
- Can be hardwired using 120 / 240V for powerful heating
- Heat boost setting
- 100” model can heat a room of up to 1000 sq ft
2. Touchstone Sideline Electric Fireplace
To start, this electric fireplace is available in various sizes, ranging from 28 to 100”. Interestingly, each of these sizes produces enough heat to warm any basement of up to 400 sq ft. So, if your basement is 20 X 20 sq ft or smaller, this unit will indeed meet your heating needs.
Moreover, this fireplace has five flame control settings to add impact and realism. And unlike most electric fireplaces, this unit comes with both faux fire logs and a crystal ember bed. That way, you can use both the crystals and logs together or in any combination you like.
To control these settings, you can either use the included remote control or input buttons on the fireplace. These control options make it easy to change various settings like color, heat output, flame intensity, and timer options. Also, you can turn on the flames with or without the heat to enjoy the calming glow of your electric fireplace even in the hot months.
Key Features
- Recessed design
- Comes with a remote control
- Available in different sizes from 28 – 100”
- Can be hardwired or plugged into a 120 V outlet
- All sizes heat a space of p to 400 sq ft
3. Napoleon Alluravision Deep Series Electric Fireplace
When it comes to installation, the Napoleon Alluravision can be mounted on the wall and plugged into a regular 120V outlet. Unfortunately, while this makes it easy to install, its heat output is nothing close to that of other models like Dimplex Ignite XL. So, if you want an electric fireplace with a powerful heating option, this unit may not be the best option for you. However, if you intend to mainly use the fireplace for its flame effect, Napoleon Alluravision provides a much simpler installation process and equally realistic flames.
Talking of flames, this unit has 4 different flame color options (multi-colored, blue, yellow & orange) and 5 different flame speeds. As a result, you’ll easily find the perfect flame color and speed to match your family’s needs while using this unit for endless warmth and entertainment in your basement.
As for the control, this fireplace comes with a remote control and a backlit touchscreen panel that dims when not in use to save energy.
Key Features
- Comes in different sizes ranging from 42 to 100”
- Can be hardwired or plugged into a standard 120V outlet
- Heats a room of up to 400 sq ft
- Can be recessed or mounted on a wall
- Includes a remote control
Conclusion; Can I put an electric fireplace in my basement?
As mentioned earlier, you can use an electric fireplace to supply heat to your basement. However, this will depend on various factors including your personal preference and the efficiency you want to achieve. Luckily, if you decide to put an electric fireplace in your basement, there are several options available, including the 3 models we’ve listed above!
