Remember the Amish fireplaces ads in newspapers last winter? Well, they're baaaack...but with a new twist or two this season.
Newspapers around the country are once again running an ad for the
Heat Surge Electric Fireplace. The ad features a photo of
hard working Amish people polishing the fireplaces.
It says by buying one, you get to take part in a "heating bill relief program" ...which sounds like a government rebate.
Reality check!But despite what the ad implies, these are not made by the Amish:
They're made in China. If you read the ad carefully, you realize that only the wood mantle is made by Amish craftsmen. Amish have
nothing to do with the fireplace itself.
They're actually sold by a Canton, Ohio company that gets a
B from the Better Business Bureau. (Click link above)
There's no government rebate on them. The "rebate" in the ad is really just a discount.
It's really a $250 electric space heater, with a fireplace appearance.
Consumer Reports Magazine says you can buy an excellent space heater for less than $100, from companies like
Honeywell.
Next: Will any Space Heater Lower your Bills?
