Electric fireplace inserts are electrical appliances and may need to be replaced after several years once the lifespan of the unit has come to an end.

Once an old electric fireplace insert has been removed, a replacement electric fireplace insert can then be installed.

To replace an electric fireplace insert:

• Identify the model of your current electric fireplace insertand determine its dimensions (height, width and depth).
• Ensure that the replacement electric fireplace matches the dimensions of the old one(in terms of the area that sits within the existing fireplace or other form of installation).
• Check that the new electric fireplace insert has the same electrical connection typeas the previous (plug-in or hard-wired) for ease of installation.
• Install the new electric insertin line with the manufacturer’s guidelines.

Before replacing an electric fireplace insert you’ll need to consider the dimensions of the old one and ensure that the new appliance matches.

This will help allow for a seamless installation with no amendments required to the object it’s being installed within.

If the new insert is too small then there can be a gap around the insert and the surround. Too large and the electric insert may not fit without adjustment to the surround.

Consider the size of the area of the insert that’s being installed. For example, if we were to replace our electric fireplace insert we’d need to get a new one with the same back area dimensions so that it fits properly into our existing fireplace.

If our replacement electric fireplace insert was wider than this one then it wouldn’t fit.

If buying a replacement electric fireplace insert that’s of the plug-in type then you may need to ensure that the new insert has the right length of power cord required to reach the outlet.

Once the electrical connection has been sorted, either by plugging the new insert into the outlet or having a professional wire it in, the replacement electric fireplace insert can be installed in line with the manufacturer’s guidelines.

See our article on how to install an electric fireplace insert in an existing fireplace for more information regarding installation.