The drawbacks of electric fireplaces are
(1) they use electricity and are not heating alternatives in the event of power outage,
(2) they are not very realistic-looking, so they provide little ambience,
(3) they produce very little heat and cannot be depended upon to supplement other heating systems, and 
(4) they are very expensive to operate.
There are two major types of electric fireplaces to consider. The first in a fireplace insert. In this case, the existing wood-burning fireplace is often removed (although sometimes the electric fireplace can be installed within the old space. With attention to instructions, this installation can probably be accomplished by experienced do-it-yourselfers. It will be necessary, however, to connect the new fireplace insert to an electrical line. The electric fireplace creates no heat, so it is not necessary to have a flue or chimney. The lack of heat also means that the surround and the mantel can be made of almost any material you want to use.
The second type of electric fireplace is what many call a “fake fireplace.” These units are complete “fireplaces” with an image of a fire in the fireplace and a surround/mantel combination. The surrounds might be made of anything from pine to high quality marble. These units are far less expensive than adding or remodeling a fireplace.
Because these units need to just be plugged into an electrical outlet, they can be placed literally anywhere you want to put one. Some appear to have glowing embers, while others have flames. The burn completely clean and they are the safest option for children or pets.
The most commonly mentioned downsides of electric fireplaces are
(1) They lack the sound, smell and heat of a wood or gas fire
(2) They have an inferior appearance of fire
(3) They have little, if any, heating capacity, and
(4) They are expensive to operate.
Despite the drawbacks, electric fireplaces are popular. Before you finalize your remodeling plans you should ask, “Will an electric fireplace meet your needs?”
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