Do Electric Fireplaces Need to Be Vented? An Expert's Guide

When buying and installing an electric fireplace, the first thing homeowners consider is where to install it without the need for extensive structural modifications or venting systems. This leads to an important question: Do electric fireplaces need to be vented?

Electric Fireplaces Do Not Need to Be Vented

Electric fireplaces do not require venting because they do not burn fuel internally like traditional wood-burning or gas fireplaces, which produce smoke, emissions, or fumes. Instead, electric fireplaces operate using electricity to generate heat and simulate flames.

This is great because the lack of venting for your electric fireplace has several benefits. Let's dive into these benefits to see why electric fireplaces are a popular choice for homeowners looking to easily incorporate fire in their homes.

How do Electric Fireplaces Generate Heat?

An electric fireplace does not require traditional fuels such as wood or gas to emit heat. It generates heat using electricity, and there are two main types of heaters that electric fireplaces use. 

Fan Forced Electric Fireplace Heaters

Fan-forced electric fireplace heaters operate by using an electric heating element to generate heat. Once the heating element reaches the desired temperature, an internal fan kicks in. This fan blows air over the heated element, warming it further. The now-warm air is then pushed out into the room through vents, circulating and distributing heat evenly. This method ensures efficient heating without the need for venting or combustion, making fan-forced electric fireplaces a reliable choice for warming up small to moderate sized spaces quickly and effectively.

Infrared Quartz Electric Fireplace Heaters

Infrared quartz electric fireplace heaters work by using infrared technology to produce heat. These heaters contain infrared quartz tubes or elements that are heated electrically. These elements emit ultraviolet light, providing a sensation similar to when you feel sunlight on your skin. An infrared quartz heater is highly efficient and effectively warms large rooms safely. This system can easily heat up to 1,000 square feet.

These two types of electric fireplace heaters are excellent alternatives to traditional wood or gas burning fireplaces. Both are completely safe, and require no venting.

Does an Electric Fireplace Need an Air Intake?

The simple answer is: No

Electric fireplaces do no require an air intake such as traditional combustion based fireplaces because it does not burn fuel. It operates using electricity to power it's heating elements. The air necessary for heat distribution is typically drawn from the room itself as shown in the image above. Fan-forced electric fireplaces use an internal fan to pull in room air, which is then heated and circulated back into the room. Infrared quartz electric fireplaces also use room air for their heating process, with the added benefit of emitting radiant heat that warms objects directly. This design feature simplifies installation and enhances safety by eliminating the need external air venting sources.

Already Have a Chimney? Here's What to Do

If you're considering upgrading from an existing wood burning or gas fireplace to an electric fireplace, you will no longer need a chimney, vent or flue. In most cases the chimney can then be closed off since electric fireplaces do not need to be vented. You can simply install an electrical outlet inside your existing fireplace opening, install your new electric fireplace insert by following the manufacturer's instructions, plug it in and enjoy your new fireplace!

This straightforward installation process removes the need for venting and annual maintenance associated with traditional fireplaces, offering a cleaner, hassle-free heating solution with minimal cleanup and DIY convenience.

Here is an image showcasing all the ways to block off your chimney:

The Top 5 Best Electric Fireplaces

 We put together a list of our top 5 best electric fireplace recommendations that offer both style and functionality to enhance your home or business's ambiance and warmth. 

1. Dimplex Ignite XL

 The Dimplex Ignite XL is available in 4 sizes: 50" | 60" | 74" | 100"

What we love:

• Multi-Fire XD™ Flame Effect: Remarkably realistic portrayal of flickering gas flames and natural flame movement in a wide range of color themes built to suit any mood or decor.
• Comfort$aver™ Heating System - The patented Comfort$aver™ ceramic heating system uses 11% less energy than the leading quartz infrared heater and is capable of heating spaces up to 1000 Sq. Ft.
• Less Frame, More Flame: It Features a clean front face with minimal trim makes the dazzling flames the focal point.

2. Dimplex Revillusion

 The Dimplex Revillusion is available in 5 sizes: 24" | 30" | 36" | 36" Portrait | 42"

What we love:

• Revillusion® Flame Technology: This is the most realistic artificial flame effect of any product on the market.
• Life-Like, Glowing Log Set:  A full grate of life-size hardwood-cast logs, tiered for greater depth and glowing for a more realistic flame experience.
• All-season Flames: Enjoy the unique charm of a fireplace 365 days a year using the flames without the heat.

Shop the Dimplex Revillusion Series Now

3. Touchstone Sideline

 The Touchstone Sideline is available in 8 sizes: 28" | 40" | 45" | 50" | 60" | 72" | 84" | 100"

What we love:

• Realistic Flames with Multiple Colors: Enjoy three natural flame color options and five intensity settings, creating a cozy ambiance with realistic flames in orange, blue, or blue-orange hues. The Sideline also offers 10-color ember bed options that operate separately from the flames.
• Wifi-Enabled:  Control the Touchstone Sideline 50 Electric Fireplace using the included remote control or Touchstone’s Smart mobile app. You can also connect it compatible smart home devices such as Alexa or or Google Home through the app for added convenience.
• Includes Log Set & Crystal Set: It includes both a log set and a crystal set, giving you the flexibility to customize the fireplace's look to match your home's aesthetic perfectly.

Shop the Touchstone Sideline Series Now

4. Modern Flames Redstone

 The Modern Flames Redstone is available in 5 sizes: 26" | 30" | 36" | 42" | 54"

What we love:

• Multiple Flame & Ember Bed Color Options: 10 flame color options and 10 ember bed color options. 
• All-season Flames: Enjoy the unique charm of a fireplace 365 days a year using the flames without the heat.
• Heats 400 sq. ft. with 5000 BTUs

Shop the Modern Flames Redstone Series Now

5. Napoleon Clearion Elite

The Napoleon CLEARion Elite is available in 2 sizes: 50" | 60"

What we love:

• The First Truly See Through Electric Fireplace
• Variety of Ember Bed and Flame Colors: 15 ember bed color options and 3 flame color options.
• Heating Capacity:  Up to 9,000 BTU’s and 3,000 watts, warms up to 800 sq. ft. 

Shop the Napoleon CLEARion Elite Now

Do Electric Fireplaces Need to Be Vented? Conclusion

No - Electric fireplaces do not need to be vented and they offer a modern, efficient and hastle free alternative to wood burning or gas fireplaces. They generate heat efficiently and without the need for an air intake. Moreover, electric fireplaces eliminate the need for a chimney, vent, or flue, simplifying the upgrade process from traditional fireplaces.

Electric fireplaces are a great choice for homeowners or businesses to add warmth and ambiance to their spaces.

We're Here to Help

Have any more questions? Call now and speak with a fireplace expert at (640) 500-4847.