electric fireplace

Electric Fireplaces: A Safe Alternative to Gas Fireplaces

The realistic flames of a Touchstone Sideline Smart Electric Fireplace look like a gas fireplace

Natural gas appliances have made the headlines lately regarding safety concerns and health risks. According to TIME Magazine, studies show that gas stoves emit toxic fumes into homes and can potentially cause childhood asthma. A few major cities, such as New York City and Los Angeles, are already planning to ban gas stoves in some new apartments and homes. The state of California is also taking the initiative to ban gas fireplaces, stoves, and heating for new construction by the year 2030. On a national level, The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission will now assess the health risks surrounding the use of gas stoves and consider new safety standards.

What This Means For You

While it will take legislators and the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission years to get new standards in action, you can reduce your exposure to potentially harmful emissions now by replacing your gas fireplace with an electric fireplace. An electric fireplace is also a wise choice for new home construction or renovation.

Is an Electric Fireplace a Better Alternative to Gas?

What exactly makes an electric fireplace a better option?

1. Better for Health

Bask in the warm flames without polluting your own air—electric fireplaces have no carcinogenic emissions, no gas leaks, no gas smell, no smoke, and no lung irritants. Electric fireplaces are a better option for those with asthma or allergies than wood burning or gas burning fireplaces.

2. Install Anywhere

Since no venting or natural gas line is required, you can install these fireplaces in any room you would like (kitchen, bathroom, patio, you name it). They are safe and easy to add to a new or existing home. All you have to do is plug them in!

3. Safe

Touchstone’s electric fireplaces allow you to enjoy comforting, natural-looking flames without the dangers of tending a real fire. With a cool-to-the-touch front glass, these fireplaces are safe to have near children and pets.

4. Energy Efficient

Touchstone’s LED technology requires less energy to warm up a room, using just 5000 BTUs for a 400-square-foot space.

5. Cost Efficient

In general, electric fireplaces are cheaper to purchase and use, compared to gas fireplaces. A Touchstone electric fireplace costs about $50-$80 per year to operate, which is a significantly lower price than natural gas. They effectively add supplemental heat to a room, so you can lower your thermostat and save money on your heating bill as well.

6. A Smart Choice

For added convenience, a Touchstone Wi-Fi enabled Smart Electric Fireplace can be operated by mobile app and connected to smart home devices including Amazon Alexa® and Google Home®. More clever than gas fireplaces, Touchstone electric fireplaces have timers and auto shut off for added peace of mind.


Do Electric Fireplaces Look Real?

Electric fireplace LED technology has noticeably improved since the hallmark of the "faux fireplace." Some discount brands skimp on quality, but premium brands such as Touchstone focus on the LED flames' realistic movement, speed and intensity to replicate a real fire. Touchstone fireplaces are often mistaken for gas fireplaces. With Touchstone, you can get the same authentic fireplace look, without the energy costs and potential risks of a natural gas fireplace.

Natural Looking Flames without the Potential Risks of Gas

Check out the realistic flame display of the Touchstone Sideline Elite® Smart Electric Fireplace:

 

 

 

 

References: Time Magazine, JANUARY 10, 2023 - What the Potential Ban on Gas Stoves Means If You Have One https://time.com/6246316/gas-stove-potential-ban-impacts/