Water Vapor Fireplaces: Help You Set the Mood
What type of fireplace adds beauty to your home, is environmentally friendly, and sets the mood for memorable gatherings? Water vapor fireplaces and inserts meet these demands and more.
Beyond the aesthetics you expect, these fireplaces can operate 365 days a year and safely eliminate the risk of burning anything with their cold flames powered by water. With the decorative fireplace trend on the rise, we have identified the best products and benefits so you can make informed decisions when updating your space.
Table of Contents
- What Is a Water Vapor Fireplace?
- What Components Do Water Vapor Fireplaces Have?
- How Much Electricity Does a Water Vapor Fireplace Use?
- Is a Water Vapor Fireplace Healthy?
- How Do You Install a Water Vapor Fireplace?
- Do Smart Water Vapor Fireplaces Exist?
- What Are the Best Models of Water Vapor Fireplaces?
- What Are the Pros of Water Vapor Fireplaces?
- How Do You Maintain Water Vapor Fireplaces?
What Is a Water Vapor Fireplace?
The new technology powering water vapor fireplaces creates a realistic flame without the danger of a real fire. These designer-friendly fireplaces run on electricity and water and use LED lights to deliver the illusion of fire. They plug into a standard outlet, and once you add water to the tank, you can spend time enjoying your fireplace.
So, water vapor fireplaces are excellent alternatives for anyone living in or around a high fire-threat area or those concerned about fire risks from a traditional hearth.
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What Components Do Water Vapor Fireplaces Have?
Water vapor fireplaces contain an evaporator, a reservoir, a lamp, and a heater. Here's a closer look at these components:
- Evaporator – is what creates the ultra-fine mist in the fireplace. Once the unit is turned on, this is where the water will flow. At that point, it begins the evaporation process that produces the mist that you can feel if you place your hand above the fireplace.
- Reservoir – contains water, which is a crucial ingredient for the fireplace. Once the unit is powered up, it moves from the reservoir to the evaporator.
- Lamp – reflects light onto the mist that creates the illusion of fire. The lamp also allows the mist to rise, driving an essential function as mist tends to settle.
- Heater – radiates heat within the room. The only component that performs this function, as everything mentioned above serves to create the image of the flame.
How Much Electricity Does a Water Vapor Fireplace Use?
Water vapor fireplaces are budget-friendly. With most of the product models operating on a household outlet, the energy consumed is comparable to that of a space heater used to warm a room.
Is a Water Vapor Fireplace Healthy?
If you are looking for a healthy, fossil fuel free alternative to a traditional hearth, water vapor fireplaces deserve a spot on your list. These water mist generators do not produce toxic emissions or soot.
Recent research and development at AFire have enabled their group to equip their new water vapor fireplace models with Germicidal Ultraviolet C (UVC) Lamps. They say that UVC radiation disinfects the air and water tanks and kills viruses, spores, bacteria, pathogens, and microorganisms while the water vapor fireplace is operating.
How Do You Install a Water Vapor Fireplace?
Installation is simple for most water vapor fireplaces. They are generally delivered with easy installation directions and simply need to be plugged into an outlet.
However, larger units or commercial models will have detailed instructions and require a professional product installer. Specifically, if you have purchased a water vapor fireplace insert and need advice, the group at AFire produced a short instructional video here. To save time and money on your water vapor fireplace, be sure to check the installation requirements with the manufacturer before purchasing any model.
Water vapor fireplaces or inserts can be installed quickly and, in many cases, within an hour. Often it is the effort to create the surrounding design and the final decor that will make the most time and vary depending on the project scope.
Do Smart Water Vapor Fireplaces Exist?
Specific water vapor fireplace models and inserts currently on the market can be connected to smart-home systems and offer a user-friendly experience.
What Are the Best Models of Water Vapor Fireplaces?
Two leading companies have popular brands to enhance your unique spaces. You'll want to check out the following models:
- AFire Water Premium
- Dimplex Opti-Myst Pro 1000: cassette and built-in versions
- AFire Original
Let's take a look at each of these in detail now.
AFire Water Premium
The AFire Water Premium water vapor fireplace has received exceptional consumer ratings for functionality and design. From an adaptability standpoint, it is available in three different dimensions to fit in various size rooms. From a health viewpoint, this unit includes the new UVC water and air disinfection system. Another feature that has attracted several customers includes the significant changing flame color capability (30 different options) with a simple touch of a button. It also has intelligent capabilities via the mobile app and has a dedicated remote for the unit.
Dimplex Opti-Myst Pro Cassette
A popular and reliable fireplace insert from the company with 30 patents covering various areas of flame technology and more. The Dimplex Opti-Myst Pro 1000 Cassette model is available in various colors, sizes, designs, and functionality that customers find irresistible. With this insert, two units can be linked together to create a massive fireplace. Heating capabilities with an output of 1,500 BTUs is another strong selling point for this unit. The ability for the heating element to work quickly and reach maximum output is another critical feature.
Dimplex Opti-Myst Built-In
Leading the ranks as the best value for the money and found to function beyond expectation are critical comments for this favorite among price-conscious customers. Other positive reviews of the Dimplex Opti-Myst Pro 1000 Built-In model mention that it is made of high-quality materials and arrives with river rocks plus driftwood which adds to the appearance and authenticity. Ease of installation and assembly are other noteworthy benefits. This model can be a single-sided unit or can be converted to a see-through fireplace placed in the middle of the living space.
AFire Original
Rounding out the top four is a second impressive AFire offering, the AFire Original. The user-friendly remote control and the option to connect with smart-home systems add significant value. This model is designed to help customers avoid condensation. The new healthy, UVC air and water disinfection function is also part of this water vapor fireplace. Adaptability is a crucial feature as it is easy to build into a wall based on its configuration.
What Are the Pros of Water Vapor Fireplaces?
Fortunately, you can enjoy the budget-friendly freedom to design a stunning display with new water vapor fireplaces and inserts. Here are additional benefits:
- They do not lower air quality in your home as traditional and gas hearths do
- No fire risk
- Easy installation of models included in this article
- Timesaving by removing the work of cutting wood, checking on burning logs, and cleaning up ashes
- Retain peace of mind as products discussed in this article comply with safety standards: CE (Europe), IC (Canada), and FCC (USA)
- A limited number of basic components in models discussed keep their reliability high and maintenance costs low.
How Do You Maintain Water Vapor Fireplaces?
Regular maintenance and cleaning of your water vapor fireplace can extend component life and save you money. Here are simple steps to follow:
- Using a soft cloth, dust the outer shell of your fireplace or insert.
- Mix up soap and water for cleaning the top cover assembly of your model every other week.
- Clean and rinse the water tank and evaporator once a month to clear out any build-up.
- Rinse and dry air filters every other week if there is any discoloration or build-up.
By following this routine, you will have your water vapor fireplace fully functioning for years to come.
Disclaimer: This article does not constitute a product endorsement however Rise does reserve the right to recommend relevant products based on the articles content to provide a more comprehensive experience for the reader.Last Modified: 2021-07-08T17:54:52+0000Article by:
Kelly Isley
Kelly Isley is a writer, author of four books and ASJA member. She has also been renovating homes for 12+ years, is an engineer, pilot, football fan, and lover of ice cream.