Our coleman fireplace insert starts to warm and then shorts out

Fireplaces have become the heart of the home, a warm place to gather with friends and family. Fireplaces turn any blank wall into a gorgeous focal point. A fireplace fits any decor and is a stylish addition to any room. Electric fireplace logs have improved greatly over the past few years and now days can look so good that they can fool people into believing that they are looking at a real fire, something which is especially true when you have crackling effect of fireplace logs, which aim to imitate the sound of a real fire.

Even though electric fireplaces do not generate flame, most provide the effect of a fire, which ranges from an orange light shined through plastic logs to simulate the appearance of coals burning, to an elaborate flame projection on the doors of some of the free-standing models. If you need a fireplace to heat your home you may want to consider a gas fireplace for better efficiency. If you need a fireplace for more decorative purposes a cheap electric burning unit might better suit your needs. The electric fireplace has experienced a quantum leap from those electric logs with reflective tin foil drums that adorned the hearth while the lava lamps were in vogue. An electric fireplace can add a great deal to a home, in terms of both form and function, and are also very effective at heating up a room.

Electric fireplace heaters simulate the look of a fireplace, but don't actually burn gas or wood like a traditional fireplace. Electric fireplace inserts simply fit into existing fireplaces and provide an artificial fire that creates the warmth and ambiance you want with just a flip of a switch. A modern electric fireplace insert does not require any type of venting system and many units are portable.

Even though these fireplaces do not generate flame, most provide the effect of a fire, which ranges from an orange light shined through plastic logs to simulate the appearance of coals burning, to an elaborate flame projection on the doors of some of the free-standing models. They plug into the wall, and can run on a "flame only" setting, or can be used as a heater, typically with 4,500–5,000 BTU (4,700–5,300 kJ), that can heat a 400 sq ft (37 m2) room. Since there is no real flame or combustion taking place, electric fireplace heaters release no toxic fumes or dangerous gases.

Everyone knows that a fireplace is about more than heat, especially when you're looking at a real fire, when one of the most entrancing things about it is the fact that you can see real flames. Most electric logs use a standard 110 volt power source, and come with various levels of flame of brightness. By choosing a really good set of electric fireplace logs, and particularly those which have a crackling effect and real flames, you can be assured that your fireplace will not be simply a unit in the room to make the room feel warm, but will be something that you enjoy looking at as well.

Electric fireside inserts are also a good option if there are issues with your hearth which make them a hazard with wood burning fires. Electric fireplace log inserts typically include an electric fireplace log set and an ember bed, and inserts are incredibly easy to install. Electric fireplace inserts are safe and clean. Most importantly whether you choose a modern electric fireplace or any other type make sure it will be most cost effective and suitable for its purpose in your home.

http://www.fixya.com/support/r3710316-portable_heat_flame_electric_fireplace

Pellet stoves usually use wood pellets as their primary heat source. A pellet stove is defined as a stove that burns either compressed wood or biomass pellets to make heat to warm a home or other space.

Pellet stoves come as either free-standing units or fireplace pellet inserts which can be vented into an existing chimney. As an insert, you are able to replace your wood burning stove with this efficient and cost effect stove. Inserts also give the homeowner more of the look of a fireplace than that of a pellet stove. Pellet inserts can also be a great alternative for people who have busy lifestyles and are looking to get the beauty of a fire but prefer a cleaner burning renewable heat source.

Pellet stoves are freestanding structures that can give you the feeling that an old pot bellied stove did, tucked into a corner of a living room, den, or kitchen. Either the pellet inserts or freestanding stoves are a great alternative heating solution for keeping a house warm during the winter.

Many stove manufacturers recommend the using a corn and pellet mixture, but some are UL listed for many fuels other than pellets. These can include wheat, corn, sunflower seeds, and cherry pits.

Pellet stoves are a bit more efficient, burn cleaner, and are easier to use than conventional wood burning stoves. Pellet stoves often look very similar to wood stoves or fireplace inserts, however the similarities end there.

If you are considering burning alternative fuels then you will want to look into a pellet stove as a great way to heat your home. Pellet stoves and pellet insets have many great advantages over regular wood stoves that make them a practical heat for busy lifestyles.