How do you measure your firebox for an electric fireplace insert?

You need two measurements: opening width at the widest horizontal point inside the masonry or prefab face, and opening height from the hearth surface to the underside of the lintel. The electric fireplace insert facing frame must overlap the masonry face by at least 1 to 2 inches on all sides, so the insert body needs to be smaller than your opening while the facing frame must be larger. If your opening falls outside standard dimensions, contact us before ordering to confirm which extended facing frame options are available.

Do you need to close the existing chimney damper when using an electric insert?

Yes, close the damper and secure it before operating your electric fireplace insert. An open damper lets cold air draft down from above, working against your heater and allowing your conditioned room air to escape up the flue. If your damper is stuck open or missing, a chimney professional can install a top-mount damper or chimney balloon for permanent non-combustion cavity use. Do not seal the flue permanently with masonry if you may want to use it with a gas or wood appliance later.

Can you use an extension cord with an electric fireplace insert?

No, NEC ANSI/NFPA 70 prohibits extension cords as permanent wiring for appliances above 1,500 watts. Your electric fireplace insert needs a properly rated outlet within its power cord's reach. If no outlet exists inside or immediately adjacent to your firebox cavity, an electrician can add one through the firebox floor or wall. This is the right solution because it avoids a visible cord running along your baseboard to a distant receptacle.

Can you run the flame effect without heat in warm weather?

Yes, most current electric fireplace insert models include an independent flame-only mode that runs the LED or water vapor visualization without activating the 1,500W heater. Flame-only mode consumes approximately 30 to 60 watts, less than a standard incandescent light bulb. This makes your insert a year-round visual feature rather than a seasonal heater you only use in winter.

What is the difference between an electric insert and a built-in electric fireplace?

An electric fireplace insert is sized to fit inside an existing masonry or prefab opening, requiring no framing or wall modification. A built-in electric fireplace installs inside a purpose-built framing bay in a standard wall, sitting flush with the finished surface and surrounded by your choice of tile, stone, or trim. The insert is right if you have an existing firebox to convert; the built-in is right for new construction or renovation where you want a flush wall installation without an existing cavity.

Electric Fireplace Inserts

Electric fireplace inserts convert non-functional fireplaces into working electric hearths with no gas plumbing, liners, or chimney work required. Browse our electric fireplaces catalog to compare insert formats alongside wall-mount, built-in, and mantel configurations for your home.

Effortless Restorations and Timeless Warmth: A Practical Guide to Electric Fireplace Inserts

If you have a fireplace opening you are not using, a plug-in electric insert is the lowest-friction upgrade available. You keep your existing mantel, tile, and masonry surround exactly as they are. The insert slides into the cavity, the facing frame covers the gap between the insert body and the masonry edge, and you plug into a nearby outlet. There is no contractor required, no permit process, and no structural work. Many homeowners complete the installation in a single afternoon.

Before selecting an electric insert, compare the full electric format family to confirm this is the right approach for your space:

No existing firebox: You can build a purpose-built framing bay for built-in electric fireplaces that installs flush with your wall surface, or mount a wall-mount floating fireplace directly to any finished wall with no cavity at all.

Want a full surround included: An electric fireplace with mantel arrives as a complete freestanding console with mantel shelf and decorative surround, no existing opening required.

Covered patio or outdoor space: Outdoor electric fireplaces are weather-rated for semi-enclosed environments where a standard indoor insert cannot be used.

For the complete electric format comparison, browse our Electric Fireplaces catalog.

Precision Architectural Measurements and Sizing

Capturing Accurate Cavity Dimensions

Securing the exact dimensions of your existing opening is the most crucial step in achieving a flawless and integrated aesthetic. You must capture the maximum horizontal width inside your masonry face and the exact vertical height from the hearth floor to the underside of the lintel. These precise numbers ensure your new appliance seats perfectly within the original brickwork without disrupting your room design.

Surround Overlap and Framing Aesthetics

To conceal the internal hardware beautifully, the facing surround frame must overlap your masonry edge by at least 1 to 2 inches on every side. If your historic opening is unusually expansive, consult with our design team to verify if an extended facing kit is available for your chosen model. This elegant trim piece guarantees a pristine transition between the modern firebox and your classic architecture.

Electrical Infrastructure and Cord Management

Evaluating Receptacle Proximity

Your new insert requires a dedicated power source within close reach of the installation cavity to maintain a clean visual footprint. Most premium models feature appliance cords measuring 5 to 6 feet in length that exit discretely from the rear or bottom of the chassis. If your cavity lacks an internal receptacle, a licensed electrician can seamlessly route a new outlet through the firebox floor in just one or two hours.

Avoiding Permanent Extension Hazards

Running a heavy appliance cord across your baseboards disrupts your interior design and creates a significant tripping hazard for your family. Furthermore, strict national electrical codes prohibit using temporary extension cords as a permanent wiring solution for heating appliances drawing over 1500 watts of continuous power. Investing in a properly concealed outlet ensures your hearth remains both visually stunning and absolutely safe.

Chimney Draft Mitigation and Damper Sealing

Halting Cold Air Infiltration

Leaving your original chimney damper open is a critical oversight that completely undermines the thermal efficiency of your new heating installation. An open flue allows freezing winter drafts to plummet downward, forcing your heater to work twice as hard to maintain a comfortable ambient temperature. You must permanently close and secure the damper plate before initiating your first firebox ignition to ensure total climate control.

Implementing Permanent Draft Blockers

If your chosen insert lacks an integrated damper clamp, a certified chimney professional can install a top mount chimney cap or a specialized draft balloon. These weatherproofing upgrades completely seal the non combustion cavity while flawlessly preserving your historical masonry structure. Avoid permanently sealing the flue with cement, as this preserves your ability to upgrade to alternative fuel systems in the future.

Year Round Visual Ambiance and Efficiency

Independent Optical Engineering

One of the greatest luxuries of an electric restoration is the ability to enjoy dancing flames without generating unwanted room heat. Premium modern inserts feature independent optical modes that separate the stunning visual display entirely from the thermal heating coils. This sophisticated engineering allows your hearth to remain the captivating focal point of your room throughout every season of the year.

Minimalist Energy Consumption

Activating the flame visual effect exclusively draws an incredibly low 30 to 60 watts of electricity. This means you can enjoy a beautifully illuminated firebox on a warm spring evening at essentially zero operating cost. Unlike traditional wood burning units, this versatile appliance provides continuous architectural elegance long after the winter freeze has passed.

Find the Right Electric Fireplace Insert for Your Existing Opening

Whether you are confirming your firebox measurements for a specific model, locating the nearest outlet for your power connection, or deciding between a 120V and 240V output for your room size, our NFI certified experts can walk you through every specification and code requirement. Call us anytime, and enjoy free shipping on all qualifying orders over $99.

Frequently Asked Questions about Electric Fireplace Inserts

How do you measure your firebox for an electric fireplace insert?

You need two measurements: opening width at the widest horizontal point inside the masonry or prefab face, and opening height from the hearth surface to the underside of the lintel. The electric fireplace insert facing frame must overlap the masonry face by at least 1 to 2 inches on all sides, so the insert body needs to be smaller than your opening while the facing frame must be larger. If your opening falls outside standard dimensions, contact us before ordering to confirm which extended facing frame options are available.
Do you need to close the existing chimney damper when using an electric insert?

Yes, close the damper and secure it before operating your electric fireplace insert. An open damper lets cold air draft down from above, working against your heater and allowing your conditioned room air to escape up the flue. If your damper is stuck open or missing, a chimney professional can install a top-mount damper or chimney balloon for permanent non-combustion cavity use. Do not seal the flue permanently with masonry if you may want to use it with a gas or wood appliance later.
Can you use an extension cord with an electric fireplace insert?

No, NEC ANSI/NFPA 70 prohibits extension cords as permanent wiring for appliances above 1,500 watts. Your electric fireplace insert needs a properly rated outlet within its power cord's reach. If no outlet exists inside or immediately adjacent to your firebox cavity, an electrician can add one through the firebox floor or wall. This is the right solution because it avoids a visible cord running along your baseboard to a distant receptacle.
Can you run the flame effect without heat in warm weather?

Yes, most current electric fireplace insert models include an independent flame-only mode that runs the LED or water vapor visualization without activating the 1,500W heater. Flame-only mode consumes approximately 30 to 60 watts, less than a standard incandescent light bulb. This makes your insert a year-round visual feature rather than a seasonal heater you only use in winter.
What is the difference between an electric insert and a built-in electric fireplace?

An electric fireplace insert is sized to fit inside an existing masonry or prefab opening, requiring no framing or wall modification. A built-in electric fireplace installs inside a purpose-built framing bay in a standard wall, sitting flush with the finished surface and surrounded by your choice of tile, stone, or trim. The insert is right if you have an existing firebox to convert; the built-in is right for new construction or renovation where you want a flush wall installation without an existing cavity.