How to turn on electric fireplace [An easy to follow step-by-step guide for 2023]

Electric fireplaces have become a popular choice for home heating as they are a convenient, cost-effective, and eco-friendly alternative to traditional wood-burning fireplaces.

If you’re new to electric fireplaces, turning them on may seem like a daunting task, but it’s actually quite simple.

In this article, we will guide you on how to turn on an electric fireplace and provide step-by-step instructions on how to do so with or without a remote.

How to turn on electric fireplace

Turning on an electric fireplace is usually universally simple. 

You can generally turn the fireplace on using a control panel located on the front of the fireplace, or with a remote if your fireplace came with one.

Your fireplace’s control panel design and location will vary depending on the model you have.

Important: The main thing to note if you are struggling with getting your electric fireplace to produce heat is that: most electric fireplace on/off buttons turn on the flame effects only, and not the heating element. To also use the heating element there will usually be a flame icon on your panel or remote that will turn on/off the heat.

Type of electric fireplace and control panel

The type of control panel your electric fireplace has will be model dependant.

But, as a general rule, there are two types of control panel:

• Recessed/hanging electric fireplace: Many recessed/hanging electric fireplaces feature a touch control panel. Some stay lit up constantly and some are dimmed when you are not actively touching the control panel making it difficult to spot if you don’t know what you’re looking for. The image above is from an auto-dim, touch screen control panel.
• Freestanding and built-in: Many freestanding and built-in electric fireplaces feature traditional button or knob control. This control panel is normally located at the top or bottom of the front of the fireplace. If your electric fireplace has a door, it’s normally located behind the door.

If you are still struggling to find the control panel. check your user manual, it should give you clear guidance on where the control panel for your model is located.

How to turn on electric fireplace with remote

Most modern electric fireplaces come with a remote control that allows you to turn the fireplace on and off, adjust the flame intensity, and control the temperature from the comfort of your couch.

Here are the steps to turn on an electric fireplace with a remote control:

1. Locate the remote control: Make sure that you have the remote control of your electric fireplace within reach.
2. Insert batteries: If the remote control uses batteries, insert fresh batteries in the remote.
3. Press the power button: Locate the power button on the remote control and press it. This should turn on the electric fireplace.
4. Turn the heat on: The heating element is normally indicated via a flame icon (but can vary depending on feature options). Press the button that turns on the heat if you want warmth.
5. Adjust the flame intensity: If your electric fireplace has a flame intensity adjustment feature, use the up and down buttons on the remote control to adjust the flame intensity to your preferred level.
6. Adjust the temperature: If your electric fireplace has a temperature control feature, use the up and down buttons on the remote control to adjust the temperature to your preferred level.

How to turn on electric fireplace without remote

If you do not have a remote control for your electric fireplace or if the remote control is not working, you can still turn on the fireplace by using the control panel located on the fireplace itself.

You can also find replacement remote controls for most brands on Amazon such as Dimplex, Twin Star, and Duraflame.

Here are the steps to turn on an electric fireplace without a remote control:

1. Ensure your fireplace is plugged in to an outlet
2. Locate the control panel: Look for the control panel on the electric fireplace. This panel is usually located on the front of the fireplace at the top or bottom.
3. Press the power button: Look for the power button on the control panel and press it. This should turn on the electric fireplace.
4. Turn the heat on: The heating element is normally indicated via a flame icon (but can vary depending on feature options). Press the button that turns on the heat if you want warmth.
5. Adjust the flame intensity: If your electric fireplace has a flame intensity adjustment feature, use the up and down buttons on the control panel to adjust the flame intensity to your preferred level.
6. Adjust the temperature: If your electric fireplace has a temperature control feature, use the up and down buttons on the control panel to adjust the temperature to your preferred level.

Final thoughts

Turning on your electric fireplace should be a super simple process, particularly if you have the user manual in front of you.

Just remember, the generic on/off symbol is usually used to turn on the flames of the fireplace and not the heat. A flame symbol is usually used to indicate the option to also turn on the heating element.

However, make sure you always turn on the electric fireplace via the generic on/off symbol first.

Read more:

• Can electric fireplaces cause fires?
• How to clean an electric fireplace