Not every home has a chimney, and honestly, not everyone wants the maintenance that comes with a wood-burning or gas fireplace even if they do. Electric fireplaces have come a long way, and they solve a lot of the same emotional need, a warm, flickering focal point in a room, without any of the venting or installation headaches. Here's what to actually know before buying one. No venting, no installation, no chimney required This is the biggest practical difference from a trad