Fireplaces, particularly the inherent fire element, are a sought-after inclusion in contemporary Australian homes.
Once a necessity for warmth and comfort, fireplaces now serve as either a soothing component or a bold statement in modern design. They have transformed into the focal point of both indoor and outdoor spaces, crafting a welcoming atmosphere for family gatherings and social interactions.
Over time, various types of fireplaces have gained popularity based on the prevailing needs. For instance, traditional wood-burning fireplaces were common in older residences. The convenience of use led to the prominence of gas fireplaces.
In more recent times, electric fireplaces have garnered attention, especially with advancements in ‘flame effect’ technology, resulting in more authentic-looking flames. Despite the impressive features of the latest electric models, some designers and specifiers may not be aware of the growth in this category. Many still perceive electric fireplaces as less authentic, less powerful, and providing less value for money compared to their gas counterparts.
Several broader social, economic, and industry trends are progressively dispelling these misconceptions.
The contemporary market is marked by an increasing environmental consciousness among consumers and a push to transition away from energy derived from fossil fuels. This shift aligns with the escalating cost of natural gas, coinciding with the Australian government’s emphasis on renewable energy sources. Additionally, there is the recent emergence of highly efficient electric fireplaces equipped with ‘smart’ technological features and realistic flame patterns, significantly enhancing the outdated ‘flame’ technology.
Within this whitepaper, we delve into these advancements and emphasize the primary reasons why electric fireplaces are surpassing gas alternatives as the more environmentally friendly, user-friendly, budget-friendly, and aesthetically pleasing choice for modern Australian homes.
THE GAS CHALLENGE
Exploring the Environmental Implications of Gas
There is a growing apprehension about the gas industry, particularly among environmentally conscious consumers who are alarmed by the continuous impact of fossil fuels on the natural environment. Historically, natural gas was hailed as the preferred choice for cooking, water heating, and space heating due to being a ‘cleaner’ fossil fuel. In comparison to oil or coal, the combustion of natural gas for energy generates fewer global warming emissions and fewer emissions of almost all types of air pollutants.
However, recent revelations suggest that natural gas might be a more environmentally detrimental energy source than initially believed. Comprising mainly methane and other hydrocarbons, natural gas forms naturally underground when the remnants of plant and animal matter are subjected to intense pressures. Methane gas naturally leaks from the ground, and additional emissions occur during the gas extraction process.
Methane stands out as a highly potent greenhouse gas, being 80 times more effective at warming than carbon dioxide over a 20-year period. A 2015 report by the Environmental Defense Fund argued that the natural gas released during the extraction process could offset a significant portion of the clean-burning benefits associated with this energy source.
While proponents of natural gas contend that its short-term greenhouse gas reductions, compared to coal-fired power, are crucial for transitioning to a carbon-neutral energy future, studies reveal that natural gas is a highly emissions-intensive energy source and a significant contributor to Australia’s expanding carbon footprint. The Climate Analytics Science and policy institute found that between 2015 and 2020, the emissions growth from natural gas would essentially nullify the carbon pollution reductions achieved through the 23% renewable energy target.
THE ASCENDING GAS PRICES
Current industry trends signal a notable upswing in the cost of gas, a factor that could prompt homeowners to reconsider their choice of gas-powered appliances.
In 2021, the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission, the nation’s competition watchdog, projected an ongoing surge in gas prices across the southeastern states for the next two years. This was attributed to potential shortages in gas supply and a global increase in demand for gas. Despite contracted gas prices in the East Coast market remaining relatively stable through February 2021, the report highlighted the possibility of these lower prices being unsustainable due to a tightening supply situation. Modelling in Victoria further suggests that gas prices could become unaffordable by the end of the decade, with anticipated supply shortfalls from 2022.
The increasing cost, coupled with concerns about reliability in regional areas, presents additional reasons why gas may lose its appeal as an energy source for a significant number of Australian domestic users.
EMBRACING AN ENTIRELY ELECTRIC HOME
In Australia, government incentives are driving a surge in rooftop solar installations. These solar rebates function as financial incentives for households adopting renewable energy systems. The number of Australian households benefiting from rooftop solar has reached approximately three million. In 2020 alone, there were 378,451 rooftop solar installations – marking the highest number in the industry’s history. Reports indicate that Australia is at the forefront of global solar installations, boasting a total installed capacity of just under 17GW nationwide.
The proliferation of rooftop solar installations has paved the way for the feasibility of an all-electric home powered by renewable energy. There is a growing desire among people to maximize the use of the electric energy they generate, not only to diminish their environmental impact but also to cut costs. By utilizing their self-generated solar energy, homeowners sidestep retail electricity charges and save money by using electric appliances during daylight hours when their solar systems are active.
Health considerations also play a role, as the combustion of gas releases carbon dioxide and nitrous dioxide (NO2) into the air. Exposure to high concentrations of NO2 can pose health risks, particularly for individuals with asthma or respiratory issues, and prolonged exposure may contribute to the development of such conditions. Studies have underscored the adverse health effects of gas, particularly in children, who face an elevated asthma risk in homes with gas stoves.
THE ADVANTAGES OF ELECTRIC FIREPLACES
A growing number of Australians are seeking to disconnect from the gas grid and save money by embracing efficient electric appliances and generating their own solar energy. In this context, a significant and lasting shift in the market from gas fires to electric fireplaces seems inevitable, facilitated by recent technological advancements in the latest electric models.
Electric fireplaces made their debut in the early 1910s but gained widespread popularity only in the mid-1950s. The initial electric fireplaces were impractical, expensive, and challenging to install and maintain. Moreover, they suffered from unrealistic flame effects, limiting their acceptance in the market.
From the 1980s, advancements in electrical “flame effects” occurred gradually, achieving somewhat realistic-looking flames by the mid-1990s. In recent years, new manufacturers have entered the market, continuously innovating and improving, offering advanced solutions that include smart, Wi-Fi-connected technology, multi-dimensional flame effects, and a variety of shapes, profiles, and finishes to suit any design aesthetic.
The Amantii Bespoke electric fireplaces, available from Castworks, embody nearly four decades of experience in the fireplace and heating industry. Designed with modern aesthetics, these fireplaces complement a diverse range of living and working spaces, incorporating the latest technology and styles to deliver a world-class electric fireplace.
Amantii’s focus on technology and performance shines through in the advanced flame effects featured in its bespoke models. These models combine flame, quality, and sound to present a highly realistic flame experience. With options for two flame patterns (standard and realistic flame), customizable brightness and speed levels, and multiple flame colours, users can tailor the LED flame effects to their preferences. Ember bed lighting with multi-colour LED lights adds a captivating element, while a crackling fire sound (sampled from a real fire) enhances the overall fireplace experience.
As more individuals turn to electric fireplaces for a cost-effective, environmentally friendly, and functional alternative to gas fireplaces, Amantii stands out with its range of Bespoke models. These models require no ventilation, boast superior construction, and ensure a long-lasting electric fireplace.
Contrast this with the installation of new gas products, which often entails additional costs associated with ventilation installation and compliance testing to meet Australian standards. Amantii bespoke models are rated for indoor or alfresco areas, offering design versatility as they can be fully recessed or wall-mounted.
In today’s homes with a minimum 6-star energy rating, heating appliances don’t need to produce as much heat as they did a decade ago. Amantii electric fireplaces are ideal for zone heating, allowing users to heat specific indoor spaces while keeping the central thermostat lower, avoiding wasted energy on unused areas. Users can also enjoy the LED flames without heat, providing a cozy ambience in warmer months while consuming minimal energy.
Amantii models feature the latest in smart technology and intuitive controls. Through a WiFi app, users can set the fireplace to turn on before arriving home or automatically when the weather is cold. The patented thermostatic remote gives users complete control over adjusting flames, temperature, or timer settings.
Electric fireplaces emerge as a healthy and efficient solution for modern spaces, addressing concerns about gas as a heat source due to health and safety risks. Amantii’s electric fires eliminate these risks entirely with designs that fully enclose the heating element, emitting no gases or particulate pollution from the source.
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