marge954

We purchased a free standing electric fireplace with a mantle and space for the DVD player. We used it for a month and the electric bill went from $120 to to $260. It has a blower and was set on 70 degrees and our house is very small and well insulated. We now use just the flame setting and pretend it's warmWhen my brother saw it he said, "Geez, you bought a very large space heater!"

ranger

Thank you. You helped me make my decision.I have decided to go with the floor model.

Irishrose2

I have a floor model without a mantle. I built it a base and put on the hearth in front of the real fireplace. It looks very much like it is the fireplace, especially when it is turned on. It doesn't effect my electric bill much, but I don't use it 24 hours a day, either. Adjustable heat, choice of flames, timer, back lights (yick), option to hang on the wall, etc. I can also move it to access the wood burner if the power should go off. Works for me.