Electric fireplaces have come a long way. Modern units have realistic flame effects, adjustable colours, real heat and no venting, gas line or chimney. That makes them one of the easiest ways to add a focal point to a living room, basement or condo. The decisions are about type, size, power and how it works with the TV.
Quick answer: how do you install an electric fireplace?
Choose a type (wall-mounted, recessed, linear media wall or insert), confirm its power needs (plug-in 120 V or hardwired), mount it into studs or a framed opening at a height that leaves room for the TV, and plan the cables for both before anything goes on the wall. Hardwired units needing a new circuit must be wired by a licensed electrical contractor in Ontario.
- Check where the fireplace vents heat before mounting a TV above
- Recessed and media-wall units need a framed opening built to the maker’s specs
The four main types
| Type | Installation | Pros | Watch out for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wall-mounted | Hangs on the wall surface | Quick, condo-friendly | Sticks out a few inches |
| Recessed (built-in) | Sits in a framed opening | Flush, modern look | Needs framing and clearances |
| Linear media wall | Long insert in a feature wall | Dramatic centrepiece | Plan TV height and power early |
| Insert | Slides into an existing fireplace | Reuses your mantel and brick | Must fit the opening size |
Wall-mounted: the quickest upgrade
Wall-mounted electric fireplaces hang like a TV, usually with a plug-in cord. They suit condos, bedrooms and rentals, and can go in almost any room. The main decision is height: low enough to look natural, high enough to clear furniture, and not so tall that the TV above ends up too high.
Recessed and linear media walls
Recessed fireplaces sit flush inside a framed opening, and linear models can stretch 60 inches or more. They’re usually part of a media wall: a built-out wall with the fireplace below, the TV above, and sometimes shelving or a stone or tile finish.
Media walls need planning before framing starts. The opening must match the manufacturer’s dimensions and clearances, and the power and HDMI routes for both the fireplace and TV should be decided at the same time.
Electric inserts for old wood fireplaces
Many older Hamilton, Toronto and Dundas homes have wood-burning fireplaces that are drafty and rarely used. An electric insert slides into the existing opening, keeps the original mantel and surround, and gives you flame effects and heat with no ash or chimney maintenance. Measure the opening’s width, height and depth before buying.
Power: plug-in or hardwired?
Most small and mid-size electric fireplaces plug into a standard 120 V household outlet. Larger linear units, especially those with stronger heaters, are often hardwired and some need a dedicated circuit. In Ontario, it’s illegal to hire someone for electrical work who doesn’t hold an ECRA/ESA licence, and a Licensed Electrical Contractor files a permit with the Electrical Safety Authority (ESA: hiring an electrician).
Check your model’s manual for its power needs before choosing a location.
Planning the TV above
- Find the heat outlet. Many units vent warm air from the top front edge. Leave the manufacturer’s recommended clearance, or choose a model that vents forward.
- Set the fireplace height first. The lower the fireplace, the lower the TV can go. Aim to keep the centre of the screen as close to seated eye level as possible.
- Consider a tilting or pull-down TV mount if the TV still ends up high.
- Hide the cables. Plan in-wall routes for both the fireplace and the TV, so nothing is visible.
See our full guide to mounting a TV above a fireplace.
Sizing tips
- Width: in a media wall, many people match the fireplace width roughly to the TV width for balance.
- Heat: if you want real warmth, check the heater output against the room size.
- Depth: recessed units need enough wall depth; check before framing.
Electric fireplace FAQs
Do electric fireplaces need a dedicated circuit?
Small plug-in models usually don’t. Larger hardwired units often do, and in Ontario that work must be done by a licensed electrical contractor.
Can you put a TV above an electric fireplace?
Yes. It’s one of the most common setups. Leave the recommended clearance above the heat outlet and keep the TV as low as practical.
Are electric fireplaces allowed in condos?
Most buildings allow plug-in electric fireplaces because they need no gas or venting. Check your building’s renovation rules.
Can an electric fireplace replace a wood-burning fireplace?
Yes. An electric insert fits the existing opening and keeps your mantel, without smoke, ash or chimney cleaning.
Planning an electric fireplace?
We install wall-mounted, recessed and linear electric fireplaces and inserts across Hamilton, Burlington, Oakville, Mississauga, Milton and Toronto, with the TV planned above. See electric fireplace installation or get a free quote.
