User:Lrz22/Electric fireplace

The electric fire was invented in 1912 and became popular in the 1950s. Electric fireplaces found in 1950s homes were typically small and could be easily moved.

Techniques for electrical "flame effects" have been around since at least 1981.

Commercial electric fireplace techniques include the Optiflame, introduced in 1988 by Dimplex.

Dimplex claims to have produced the first electric fireplace with a "realistic" wood-burning flame effect in 1995. It is unclear what specific technique is being referred to, although it may be U.S. Patent 5,642,580.

In 2008 Dimplex launched the Opti-myst effect which simulates both flames and smoke.

In 2013 Dimplex launched the Opti-V effect which combines realistic flickering flames with three dimensional LED logs that sporadically sparks and an audio element of crackling logs.

Heating technology
Many electric fireplaces have metal heating coils that produce heat as electricity flows through it. The heated air is then pushed out into the space by a fan. Other electric fireplaces use PTC ceramic heating techniques or infrared technology.

Controls
Electric fireplaces are typically controlled by a remote or a set of buttons in which the temperature, lighting, and flames effects can be controlled.

Disadvantages of electric fireplaces are that they:
 * can be more expensive to operate in rural areas compared to gas or wood burning heaters due to price of electricity.
 * are sometimes not as realistic as real flames, even those in gas fireplaces. Additionally, they can lack other sensual cues of a real fire like the smell of burning wood, or crackle of a burning log.

Advantages of electric fireplaces are that they:


 * do not require chimneys.
 * are often portable.
 * do not require remodeling to install.
 * are more economical.
 * are more convenient.
 * are safer to use (no risk of catching fire, inhaling smoke or gas, or overheating).
 * do not require the maintenance needed for wood burning or gas fireplaces.
 * can be installed without professional assistance.
 * are safer for the environment than wood burning and gas fireplaces.