Summary of article: It is not recommended to use our fireplace inserts in semi-outdoor locations.
The line between indoors and outdoors is occasionally a little blurred: campers, RVs, poolside cabanas, sunrooms, screened-in porches, and other such spaces allow you to enjoy the comforts of home and the beauty of nature together. The idea of adding a cozy fire, available at the touch of a button may seem like the perfect addition to this space but this is generally not recommended.
Use of our fireplace inserts need not be limited only to the living room, but neither are all other locations necessarily suitable. Even if electrical requirements for your intended area are met, environmental and other factors can take their toll, possibly rendering the unit inoperable. When deciding whether a location is acceptable for a fireplace mantel or TV stand, consider the following:
Intended location matches the recommendations found in the owner's manual.
The owner's manual includes important instructions for safety and use. Reading through this, ensure you are able to follow all manufacturer recommendations. Avoid areas with high humidity, that do not allow adequate clearance at the front and rear of the unit, or in locations where water may come in contact with the fireplace. Below are a few that may be particularly applicable:
5. Always unplug this appliance when not in use.
10. Do not use outdoors.
11. This heater is not intended for use in bathrooms, laundry areas and similar indoor locations. Never locate this appliance where it may fall into a bathtub or other water container.
14. Connect to properly grounded outlet only.
17. The heaters must not be located immediately below a socket-outlet.
22. Always plug heaters directly into a wall outlet/receptacle. Never use with an extension cord or relocatable power tap (outlet/power strip).
Avoid exposure to water.
Humidity can vary significantly in semi-indoor locations. Screened in porches and the like may be subject to indirect moisture such as condensation, humidity, or rain, which can create potentially dangerous conditions for electrical appliances. Additionally, if the air is often damp, this may damage the heater and render the fireplace inoperable.
Only plug into a grounded wall outlet.
Many campers are capable of powering major appliances such as a stove or microwave, and as such can technically meet the electrical requirements of a fireplace insert, but because that power is sometimes supplied by an AC source and sometimes DC, this may adversely affect the fireplace insert.
Allow enough clearance in front of and behind the fireplace insert.
For proper ventilation, allow a minimum of 5mm distance between the wall and the back of the fireplace. If the fireplace is encased in a mantel or TV stand, allow that 5mm between the wall and back of the unit. Additionally, it is recommended that nothing flammable be within three feet of the front of the fireplace insert. This can be a challenge in small spaces and locations where foot traffic is more precise.
Consider whether the heater will be enough to heat the space.
The fireplace insert has a fan that pushes the heat out from the unit. It will heat an area up to 400 square feet, but if the location is draftier or more open, you will only feel the heat if you are directly in front of it.
Follow all CPSC recommendations for the use of electric heaters.
Recommendations by the CPSC directly correlate with those found in the fireplace insert owner's manual and include:
- Routinely inspecting heaters and never operate if damaged.
- Never leaving heaters running if unattended or while you are sleeping.
- Ensuring that there is a tight connection between the plug and outlet.
- Never powering with an extension cord or power strip.
- Never touching the heater if you are wet.
- Never running the heater's cord under rugs or carpeting.
The warranty covers manufacturer defects only.
Our products include a limited 1-year warranty that protects against manufacturer damages and defects. Should the heater stop working or display a non-repairable error code, our claims department will review your ticket to determine if the product was used accordance with the manufacturer recommendations. If a damaged fireplace is not covered under the warranty, a replacement may be available for purchase.