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Home Decorating

Electric fireplace on a screened porch or patio?

8 years ago

I'm trying to decide whether an electric fireplace would provide any warmth outdoors. We are planning an expansion of our existing screened porch to provide both dining and lounging space. We spend a lot of time on our porch and are looking for a reasonably priced option to extend that time - something to take off just a little chill. Our current vision includes a sitting area with a TV and maybe a fireplace but we don't want wood or gas.

If you have any experience with a similar setup or advice I'd love to hear it. Thanks!

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Comments (2)

missymoo12
8 years ago
I have no experience with an decorative electric FP but do know that most may only carry 1500 watts on a 120 volt amperage. This is the same as the small plug in heaters such as Eden Pure. They may take the chill off but not be terribly comfortable depending on the outside temp. Are you enclosing the area that would make all the difference.

I used one of the small Eden heaters,1500watt ,in an unheated 1880's summer kitchen 10 X 12, but fully insulated and enclosed for my rescue kitties and it kept the temp around 50 at night in a Pa winter. Not too warm but enough to keep the water thawed.

My experience with outdoor heaters is that the propane heaters give off more heat. It is what we use in the greenhouses...

If you are planning on watching TV then you may want to give consideration to the actual TV and whether it will function in cold temps. Some can be touchy.
panko9
Original Author
8 years ago
Thanks Missy!. I think you are right that the electric fireplace won't do the job. We like the look and idea of a fireplace but have decided against it. After research and cross-posting on the porches forum I may look at the infrared wall-mounted heater. In reality we were spoiled with an unseasonably warm and long fall and spent more cool evenings out there than before. We won't be out in the true cold much. As for the TV, we have been carrying a flat screen in and out - amazing how portable those are. We'd like something a little more permanent but would bring it in when the weather turns too cold. I appreciate the advice.
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We put in a sun porch at our last house. It was not much more expensive than a screened porch. Adding the heating ducts and basement is what would cost more (for a four seasons room). The drywall and windows were not that expensive and more durable in winter. It was a lovely room we could use for about 10 months of the year on the end of a field in cold, snowy WI. So many things happened in that room. I started seeds in that room, built puzzles, used it as an office and an escape to watch tv. What was a must was the patio door, which originally went to the backyard. We left it with the remodel, so I could close off the room. I also put in drapes to close off that door and we used it as extra sleeping quarters when guests came to visit and we kicked our son out of his bedroom. He didn't mind. There was a tv in there. It was a good place to go and relax to get away from the household bustle and watch the weather, so a comfortable couch, loveseat, or futon is paramount! We also installed speakers, plenty of outlets, a spot for hooks for dirty things that come in from the back garden, and a ceiling fan. That room was pure heaven!
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