Abstract: A fireplace with a smart glass panel and use of a smart glass panel in a fireplace are provided. The fireplace comprises a heating mechanism, and a smart glass panel positioned proximate to the heating mechanism. The smart glass panel comprising a transparent pane, where at least a portion of the smart glass panel has optic or thermal transmission properties that may be altered between a first state and a second state.

Abstract: A simulated flame mechanism includes two or more projection surfaces and one or more flicker effects transmitting light onto the two or more projection surfaces. The projection surfaces are spaced apart and oriented relative to each other by one or more of (i) different elevations, (ii) different angular orientations in a horizontal plane, and (iii) different orientations in a vertical plane. The flicker elements generate an image of a simulated flame on the projection surfaces. The spacing and orientation of the two or more projection surfaces relative to each other creates a three-dimensional flame appearance when light from the one or more flicker effects is transmitted thereto.

Abstract: A heating and cooling appliance includes a heat pump unit, an electric fireplace having an electric heating element and a display panel included on a front surface of the electric fireplace, a room temperature sensor, and a processor operatively connected to the heat pump unit, the electric heating element, and the room temperature sensor. The processor is configured to operate the heat pump unit in a cooling mode, operate the heat pump unit in a heating mode, or operate the electric heating element, in response to a signal received from the room temperature sensor. The processor is further configured to cause an image to be displayed on a display panel of the electric fireplace when either the heat pump unit or the electric heating element is operated.

Abstract: A fireplace with a smart glass panel and use of a smart glass panel in a fireplace are provided. The fireplace comprises a heating mechanism, and a smart glass panel positioned proximate to the heating mechanism. The smart glass panel comprising a transparent pane, where at least a portion of the smart glass panel has optic or thermal transmission properties that may be altered between a first state and a second state.