Are Electric Fireplaces Safer than Traditional Ones?

For the homeowners out there that want the beauty and warmth of a fireplace ,the question still looms. Are electric fireplaces safer than traditional ones? Here are a few answers to help you make the decision on which type of fireplace to purchase while at the same time keeping your family safe.

Electric fireplaces of today are much better than they used to be a few years ago. Now they use much less electricity and are made to be lightweight so that they can move around when you want a change in décor. This is great for the person who thrives on change and loves to move the braided rugs around.

With electric fireplace you do not have the risk of a chimney fire. Every year during the cold season there are many house fires due to the buildup of creosol in the chimneys. With an electric fireplace, you never have to worry about a chimney fire. This is one huge safety factor that might just be all the convincing you need!

Another major concern when choosing a traditional fireplace over an electric fireplace is the chance of carbon monoxide poisoning. With a traditional fireplace, there is always the risk of this happening. Every home should be equipped with both a carbon monoxide detector and a smoke detector, yet many are not. Lives are taken every year buy this silent killer. If you don't want to worry about this deadly poisoning, using an electric fireplace is probably your best bet.

In the question are electric fireplaces safer than traditional ones, the answer is always yes. You'll never have to worry about fires, poisoning, or even small nuisances like hot embers. Sparks that fly out of the fireplace can singe carpets. If this happens and a singe is all you get, you are lucky. When a spark flies out and starts a fire this can be very dangerous resulting in a house fire.

For those with family members that have respiratory problems, "electric fires" do not emit any fumes or smoke. With a conventional fireplace, when getting the fire started there is usually some smoke that gets into the house and stays there.
While burning a fire in a traditional fireplace, there is always the chance of back draft. This happens when the chimney is still cold or if it is windy outside. If a strong wind comes up than the smoke can be reversed in the chimney and fill the house with smoke, thus causing damage and breathing issues. This is not good for any family member, much less for someone who's breathing is already compromised.
Another problem is that with an "old-school" fireplace your clothes may smell like smoke. This can be great if you choose it, but those who are headed to the office for work may not want the smell. With an electric fireplace you never have to worry about this.

Another benefit is that these "electric fires" can be moved throughout the home. If the little ones are getting mobile, then this may be a great time to move the fireplace to another area for safety reasons. So if you are still asking the question: "are electric fireplaces safer than traditional ones?", the answer is a loud, resounding yes!