Electric is certainly on-topic at the moment, and for good reason. It’s an energy source that will almost certainly transform how we get around, with the rise of the EV and the part they will play in lowering global carbon emissions. However, we are not talking about transport or how good (or bad) EVs are, for that matter. As a manufacturer of fires, many of which are powered by electricity, we are very keen to educate customers and potential customers as to the advantages of electric.
^ our iRange 1500 displayed in a kitchen setting
Whether you’re renewing your ageing electric fire or making a switch to electric, or considering doing so sometime soon, you will possibly be asking the question – why go electric?
There are a number of reasons why you should embrace, or certainly consider embracing electric:
1. Zero Maintenance – Apart from the odd repair, generally speaking with an electric fire, there is no real maintenance or commitments around running them. Unlike a wood-burning stove, for example, which requires a degree of work with electric you switch on and enjoy. Heat follows soon after.
2. Efficiency – Efficiency is a hot topic at the moment. Electric is 100% efficient in so much as 100% of the incoming electric energy is converted to heat. This is incredible when you consider a traditional open fire is only around 20% efficient. Electricity does not combust anything to produce a heat output like wood or gas. There is no pipeworks or similar, all of which have a negative impact on heat output.
3. No Safety Inspections – Gas fires need a yearly inspection, but with electric, this is not needed, unless, of course, there is an issue with the appliance – in which instance a qualified electrician should be called. No annual safety inspection means you save financially.
4. Environmentally Friendly – Very closely related to point 2 above, electric fires are environmentally friendly as they are so incredibly efficient. Furthermore, they produce zero emissions at the point of use. There is no need for a flue to vent emissions like you require with a wood-burning stove or gas fire.
There is always a bone of contention, however, as to how the electricity is produced in the first place, which really determines how environmentally friendly it is. In the UK, almost 50% of electricity is produced by renewable energy such as solar, wind, geothermal, hydropower etc. So there is a good chance your electrical appliance is powered by a clean, green, sustainable renewable source.
Electric fires used to play second fiddle to gas fires and stoves. Nothing is further from the truth nowadays. Electric fires have evolved and grown in popularity. Modern electric fires are now the pinnacle of design and efficiency.
Below are just a few design features found in the Charlton & Jenrick range of electric fires:
LIVEFLAME – A realistic flame effect with various flame colours and 5 flame speeds. Sometimes you want to alter the mood in a room. LIVEFLAME makes this possible. Simple and easy to use, and incredibly popular. Never get stuck with the same flame ever again.
THERMOCONTROL REMOTE – Easily control the features of your fire and view the room temperature too. Designed to help you relax and enjoy your fire from your fingertips.
PROGRAMMABLE 7-DAY TIMER – Pre-set the fire so you can enjoy the heat as you walk through the door – don’t sit in the cold waiting for the room to warm up!
AMBIENT LIGHT BED – You can enjoy 13 different options or an automatic cycle through them all. Like with the LIVEFLAME this is designed with you and your comfort in mind.
TAILORED FUEL BED – Ice crystals or a range of hand-painted ceramic logs. What would you prefer? A tailored fuel bed provides the finishing touch to your fire.
ACTIVE GLOWING EMBER FUEL BED – Some of our higher-end electric fires have this feature where you have the option of five brightness settings and thirteen colours.
MOODS SETTINGS – We can offer optional LED lighting on some of our electric fires. These can be fitted in the fireplace and furniture surround. Up to 6m in length for our Polaris models and 4m for iRange.
ECO DESIGN COMPLIANT – All our electric fires are compliant with EcoDesign 2022 standard.
ANTI-REFLECTIVE GLASS – This comes as standard on a range of our electric fires. Anti-reflective glass can help give you an uninterrupted view of the fire. Ideal if you have a lot of natural light and windows in a room, which can increase reflection and gla
You can view more of our range of electric fires here.
^ Our Polaris 1600e
