There are no two ways about it. There is something unquestionably romantic and comforting about an open fire. Here in Ireland, a roaring fire is associated with family, endless winter nights, and a sense of homeliness. However, as we move through the 21st century, the open fire is quickly becoming a relic of a bygone era.
Building regulations introduced in 2014 have effectively banned the construction of Chimneys in all new builds. More and more chimneys in older buildings are getting blocked up to comply with clean air regulations.
Although it may have been unthinkable 20 years ago, a solid fuel fire is now a novelty rather than a rule.
It’s little wonder the open fire is going the way of the thatched roof. Frankly, it’s an incredibly inefficient way to heat a room. 80% of heat from an open fire is lost up the chimney leaving an abysmal 20% to heat a room. That’s not to mention the constant need to shovel in fossil fuels like coal or turf. The smoke produced by open fires is harmful to the environment and, of course, affects the purity of the air.
Modern heating methods like solar energy or thermal dynamic home heating produce much more efficient results without negatively affecting the environment.
While most conscientious homeowners will strive toward achieving a carbon-neutral home, it’s hard not to miss the beauty and comfort of an open fire. Perhaps it’s primal but staring at a fire is incredibly comforting and relaxing.
Our love of open-top fires has led to some strange compromises. A station in Norway that broadcasts a 6-hour show that exclusively shows a burning fire regularly attracts up to 1 million viewers. Netflix has three dedicated shows that exclusively display a blazing fire.
This shows that as a society, we are aware of the inefficiency and environmental damage of open fires we still love staring at dancing flames.
Perhaps that’s why my electric fires that show realistic flame effects are becoming ever more popular. Dimplex is one of the most prominent companies that specialise in electric fires with flame effects. In today’s article, GetLocal will explore the Dimplex company and examine some of its electric fire options.
getlocal.ieDimplex
The Dimplex company has been in business in one form or another for seven decades. In the early 90s, they acquired subsidiary companies, forming the Dimplex group as we know it today. Of its 70 years in business, Dimplex has grown to become the world’s largest electrical heating business. Along with being the largest, they can also boast of being one of the most innovative companies on the market.
One of their key achievements came about in 1995 when they created the first realistic wood-burning electric fire. Their electric flame technology does an incredible job of replicating the look of real flames. As technology has improved, the look of these electric flames has become almost indistinguishable from a real fire.
Dimplex is a company that has continually expanded its product line, which now includes everything from outdoor heaters to stoves and hot water pumps.
Dimplex’s other notable achievements include the sheer number of electric fires they have sold. Their website shows Dimplex has sold over 45 million heaters in the United Kingdom alone. Their customer service has won numerous industry awards. As a company, they are members of various energy and environmental committees.
All in all, Dimplex manufactures quality heaters at a price point that makes sense to most homeowners.
Dimplex Electric Fires
Dimplex manufactures a considerable amount of appliances. However, the cornerstone of their product line is the Dimplex electric fires. As a market leader, they provide a variety of electric fire types that broadly fall into the below three categories.
- Free-standing electric fires
- Electric insert fires
- Electric wall-mounted fires
All four categories contain a range of products suitable for various homes, commercial premises or public buildings.
Free-Standing Electric Fires
These are probably the most common and cost-effective fires available. Perfect for sitting rooms, they produce an efficient level of heat. They are also fitted with Dimplex’s patented realistic wood fire-burning technology. They have an ever-expanding range of free-standing electric fires, which are energy efficient and straightforward to install.
Some of the most popular free-standing electric fires include the:
- Cheriton deluxe Pro
- Mozart cream
- Your Minster radiant fuel effect fire
Electric Insert Fires
When it comes to imitating our traditional hearth fire, few electric options come close to the insert fire.
As the name suggests, these fires can insert into a repurposed fireplace. By taking advantage of Dimplex’s patented wood fire burning technology, they create a convincing illusion of a fire burning. Insert fires are incredibly easy to install, as most come in a standard size. These Modern electric fires are also energy efficient, producing a high amount of heat, making them perfect for heating a medium-sized room. Dimplex’s range of electric insert fires includes
- Atherton Optimyst Electric Inset Fire
- Braemar Brass Optiflame 3D Electric Inset Fire
- Dakota Black Insert Fire
Electric Wall-Mounted Fires
For those looking for something a little more modern, electric wall-mounted fires are perfect for homes with a more contemporary interior design. Available in a range of sleek modern Styles, electric wall-mounted fires are literally mounted onto a wall. Wall-mounted fires are often rectangular in shape. Their thin design makes it easy to install on all types of walls.
However, it may be necessary to hire a professional to mount the fire securely for stud walls. Compared to electric insert fires, wall-mounted fires come at different prices. Some more budget-friendly varieties cost upwards of €500, with some more opulent designs going up to around €6000. Their range of Electric wall mounted fires includes
- Artesia Wall Mounted Fire
- Bizet Optiflame Wall Mounted Fire
- RTOPW20E Optimyst Electric Wall Mounted Fire
Not sure what type of Dimplex electric fire is right for your home? We highly recommend speaking to a Dimplex supplier who may be able to advise on the correct fire for your budget and home heating needs.
Pros and Cons of Electric Fires
While Dimplex electric fires remain at the very cutting edge of technology, like all electric power heaters, they have advantages and disadvantages.
Advantages of Dimplex Electric Fires
- Very easy to install
- Available in a massive range of types and styles
- Fitted with the very latest in realistic flame effect technology
- They require almost no maintenance
- No mess to clean up
- Minimal installation costs
- Perfect for use in apartments or properties without a chimney or a flue
- Most come with service life guarantees
Disadvantages of Dimplex Electric Fires
- It may not be suitable for heating, particularly in large rooms
- It can be expensive if used over long periods
- They must be installed close to an electrical outlet
- Wires can look untidy and may need to be hidden behind walls which can push up installation costs
- Individual fires may have a shorter lifespan when compared with other heating solutions
The above is an introduction to Dimplex electric fires. When you’re considering purchasing a Dimplex electric fire, always discover local. GetLocal makes it easy to compare and contrast Dimplex electric fires between local retailers. With GetLocal you don’t have to compromise on price or selection when updating your electric fire; shop local with GetLocal.
Dimplex radiator FAQ
Q: Do you need to service a Dimplex radiator?
No, Dimplex radiators are completely maintenance-free. A light dusting now and then is all this heating solution requires to keep running.
Q: What is the lifespan of a Dimplex radiator?
This depends on the individual warranty of the product. We recommend inquiring about how long the fire is under warranty before being purchased. Even out of warranty, a Dimplex radiator should run for 10 to 20 years.
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