Hot Property

It's not your grandmother's old electric fireplace.

Something that many new to the Milwaukee real estate market find odd are all of the homes with artificial fireplaces. I have to explain to them that previous generations found electricity to be a luxury. So was a central heating system. Affluent homes didn't "need" a fireplace for heat, therefore, decorative fireplaces were a sign of wealth. Today, a real fireplace is the luxury.

So now, we have beautiful homes, filled with hardwood floors, leaded glass, Craftsman details and...a fake fireplace. What to do with this empty hearth in the middle of our lovely living room? How do we bring an artificial fireplace to life during an open house or increase resale? Not to worry - there are so many options available - from cheap to expensive budgets.

The cheapest route is candles. They add warmth and a bit of the flame feel. However, be careful that the ceiling of your fireplace opening is not flamable! You can add various candle holders, a fireplace screen with votives, beautiful fireplace candelabras or an actual log insert.

























The most obvious solution is to insert electric logs made for these fireplaces. They are still pretty much the same as grandma's logs, except new models offer realistic logs and fabric or foil "flames" that add a bit of realism from a distance. They are a bit cheesy, but kind of nostolgic and definitely a conversation starter!





The most expensive option is a zero-clearance gas fireplace.

This is good if the artificial fireplace is on an exterior wall. The opening is fitted with a firebox, which is vented to the outside with a small vent - about the size of your dryer vent. A natural gas line is run to the firebox, along with an electric on/off switch. The logs are set behind sealed glass, so no fumes escape into the house. No chimney is needed. This option gives real flame, convenience and heat - for about $1,000 to $5,000. This option will definitely pay off in resale value!

If your budget doesn't allow for a zero clearance fireplace, there are actually two other affordable fireplace insert options many people are not aware of - gel fuel and electric. A gel fuel fireplace insert has a metal firebox and ceramic logs for about $300. Or you can use a free-standing log set if your fireplace is fireproof. The cans of gel fuel (similar to cooking fuel cans) are hidden behind the logs. When lit, they pop, crackle and produce heat like a real wood fire. The drawbacks are that the fireboxes come in limited sizes, so your opening may need to be customized, the fuel cans can be expensive ($50 - $100 for 24 cans) and the gel fuel is not entirely odorless - in spite of manufacturer claims.



The electric inserts of today may surprise you. I know that I was amazed when I went to replace my bedroom gel fuel fireplace. After shopping around, I decided on a Dimplex Deluxe insert, which fit my fireplace. It uses a hologram technology and LED lighting to simulate a wood fire with glowing logs and shimmering embers, for about $350. It also comes with two heat settings. The only thing missing was the sound and smell, so as you can see in the video, I added another product called a Kracklebox sound system, about $50, which is great for gas and electric fireplaces.

And this is just the base model - Dimplex offers a larger, high-end insert called Multi-Flame, that offers brick interior, screen, glass doors & adjustable flames/embers for even more realism. And their new Optimyst insert (not yet available in the States) uses holograms and water vapor for stunningly realistic 3-D flames. Add a bit of firewood-scented incense and this is definitely NOT your grandmother's old electric fireplace. I've been so happy with my electric, I want to get another one for the living room!



So, next time you are out house shopping and find a perfect house, but with a fake fireplace - don't be disappointed! There are a lot of new and exciting products out there to warm up that empty hearth. And if your home doesn't have any fireplace at all, consider a free-standing electric fireplace or build one in - it can add value when it comes time to sell!


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