This site is best viewed using Mozilla Firefox browser.

Home Improvement

2007-11-01 14:27:00

How to make a fireplace more efficient

QUESTION: How does one make an existing fireplace more efficient? It seems like we burn an awful lot of wood but we don’t get that much heat.

ANSWER: That is not surprising. Most fireplaces have an efficiency rating of only 5 to 10%. The best way to increase this efficiency is adding what is called a fireplace insert. Whether your wood burning fireplace is masonry or factory built, a fireplace insert is designed to make it more efficient. Fireplace inserts are made of cast iron or steel with self-cleaning insulated glass doors that allow a full view of the fire, while making it more efficient. Many also have state-of-the-art features like fans and thermostatic controls (depending on the fuel). Almost any older wood-burning fireplace could benefit from the installation of a fireplace insert. As stated earlier, these older units generally have an efficiency rating of only 5 to 10%. This is due to the open combustion design that draws an abundance of heated room air into the fire, causing the fire to burn too fast and wasting energy. On the other hand, a fireplace insert is an insulated, closed door, system that slows the fire down and increases the temperature of the fire facilitating combustion that is more complete. This can dramatically increase efficiencies up to 65% in many cases which can mean more heat output. Best of all, an EPA-certified wood burning insert can reduce emissions from wood burning to almost zero.

When it comes to choosing the right one for you, like you would for any appliance, consider your own needs and preferences when you shop. Visit a local store that carries the brand you like, ask the dealer or your friends and relatives for recommendations. Here are some items you will want to consider:

Type: Distinguished by fuel (natural gas, propane, EPA certified wood, pellet and coal).

Size: Small to extremely large, based on the size of the existing opening. Take these measurements: opening height, opening width, opening depth (top and bottom), rear width, and depth of the hearth (the area in front of the fireplace).

Location: Must be placed in an existing masonry or factory-built fireplace with a working chimney.

Venting: Either naturally through a working chimney, or direct vented, depending on the fuel choice. A chimney liner is usually required, specific to the fuel.

Features: Made from steel or cast iron with self-cleaning glass doors, may have optional fans to distribute heat into the room, as well as thermostatic or remote controls, to help regulate the fire.

Style: Varies among fuel types. Inserts are similar in construction to freestanding stoves. All types come in a variety of colors, finishes and designs, from modern to traditional.

Installation: The Hearth Patio and Barbecue Assoc., (HPBA) recommends using a certified professional installer who will obtain the necessary building permits and make sure the installation meets all applicable state and local codes. A professional will ensure as airtight an installation as possible, making the fire easier to control and increasing BTU output and make adjustments to ensure the proper appearance of the flame.

Maintenance: Maintenance levels vary with the choice of fuel type. Generally, remove them when performing any maintenance. Naturally, the chimney should receive annual inspections by a certified chimney sweep. Fuel Requirements: Check out www.ppba.org/communications/facst/shtml for the HPBA fact sheet on Hearth Product Fuels. Average Cost: Be sure and add the costs of the unit itself, installation, delivery, annual fuel costs and annual maintenance.

Benefits:

1. Increased fireplace efficiency

2. Clean, convenient and easy-to-use

3. Supplemental heater helps save money

4. Fuel efficiency and multiple fuel options

5. Reduced fireplace emissions for better winter air quality

6. Provides heat when the power goes out

Would you like to enhance the look and feel of your existing wood burning fireplace? Now it’s easier than ever to increase the efficiency of your fireplace by adding a fireplace insert http://www.Fireplacesnow.com/inserts.asp The installation of a fireplace insert can turn your inefficient fireplace into a easy to use supplemental zone heater to help you control those high home heating bills while providing cleaner winter air quality.