The temperatures are starting to tumble, and it’s time to get those furnaces cranked up for warmth. Or, if you ever considered one, an electric fireplace.

I say why not. Not everyone owns a home with a real fireplace, or a wood burning or pellet stove, yet wants the ambiance of one. My husband grew up with both a regular fireplace and wood burning stove. I, on the other hand did not. When the weather gets cooler, I am all about warm and cozy. So on goes our electric fireplace.

We purchased it at one of the nationally known home centers. Next to tearing a hole in our family room wall to make room for a pellet stove, this was the better option for us. I have to admit, I wasn’t sure about getting one at first. However, after looking at quite a few, we got one that worked with our decor and finances. I reminded my husband, we are not getting any younger. The upkeep of even a pellet stove would be a lot for us down the road, after working all day. Why not just come home and flip a switch to get some heat and atmosphere.

Since our family room gets cold quicker than the rest of our home, it was the perfect spot for a fireplace. Now with the holidays getting ever so closer, it becomes a focal point for Christmas. I have a mantle to decorate, and this is where we have our tree. When family comes over, this is where we congregate.

My son is not a fan, but then we can’t afford one for $3,000 either. Prices on these can range from as little as $400 to as high as $1,000. It all depends on the size for your space. Some are basic, others have media centers built-in. We went for one as traditional as we could find.

Now is the time to start looking, while they are in big supply. You really can’t go wrong and they don’t use as much wattage as one may think. They will however, make you toasty on those cold days and nights ahead.