Electric fireplace inserts are commonly found installed within existing open fireplaces and other forms of bespoke installations such as entertainment centers, but compared to other types of fireplace insert, electric inserts may not have as long of a life span.

As electric fireplace inserts are electrical appliances with moving parts, there can be more that can go wrong.

As a result, an electric fireplace may need to be removed, either for cleaning and maintenance purposes or to replace the unit altogether.

To remove an electric fireplace insert:

• Check to see if anything is holding the insert in place, such as brackets, and remove them.
• Check to see whether the insert is held in place by the fireplace surround and/or back panel.
• Remove the fireplace surround, if required, to access the electric insert.
• Remove the electric fireplace trim, if required to remove the main unit.
• Pull out the electric fireplace insert, being mindful that the unit will be plugged into the electrics somewhere behind.
• Disconnect the electric insert from the electricsby pulling out the plug, or have an electrician disconnect the insert if hard-wired in.

To replace an electric fireplace insert, install the new insert in reverse order to how the previous insert was removed and follow any installation guidelines outlined by the manufacture as set out in the owner’s manual.

As we’re currently installing our own electric fireplace insert into our existing fireplace, we know how we can remove that insert when it comes round to fixing or replacing it.

Read on to see more in-depth guidance and pictures on how to remove and replace an electric fireplace insert.