In the Middle Ages, the presence of a fireplace in the house was mandatory for representatives of high society. It was considered a necessary device for heating rooms, but such a heating method was not always available even for the middle class due to its expensive and complicated installation. But such a division has remained in the distant past. Today, almost everyone can buy ready-made fireplace inserts for their home or even cottages. Their choice is huge and it is difficult for an ignorant person to choose the necessary model. What should I look for when buying a wood fireplace?

Content

1. Types of finished wood fireplaces  video
2. Fireplace material
3. Types of fireplace insert  
   • open firebox
   • closed firebox
4. Choosing a fireplace by installation method  video

Types of wood-ready fireplaces

Any design of the finished fireplace consists of a furnace, air distribution and smoke exhaust devices, and cladding. Specialized stores offer both separate fireplace inserts and complete sets that include all components. Such a set is usually cheaper, but eliminates the manifestation of personality.

To create an exclusive fireplace, it is enough to purchase a standard firebox, and order the lining separately, according to the design project.

It happens that a fireplace insert for a fireplace needs to be selected separately, for an already finished lining. In this case, it is necessary to trace their compliance. If the small camera can be fixed using metal grilles, then with a large cassette this will not work.

Fireplaces stoves are especially popular among summer residents. They perfectly combine the advantages of aesthetic and useful properties of the hearth. With high heating efficiency, the device is small. It is sold assembled and is easy to install and even carries in the right place.

When buying stoves, fireplaces for summer cottages, it is necessary to inquire about the size of the combustion chamber, the larger it is, the less often you will have to add firewood. There are models equipped with a hob, and some manufacturers offer options with the presence of ovens.

The stoves of long burning fireplaces have a special design. It must comply with certain conditions:

• firebox up to 80 cm;

• the presence of a flap that regulates the outflow of gas. When it is covered, hot air does not fly into the chimney, but is trapped in the fireplace by the fireplace.

Such devices help to maintain a stable temperature in the room for a long time, without constantly adding fuel.

There are fireplaces to which you can connect water heating. Pipes are laid in the double rear wall of the furnace. Such structures are able to heat a house of a large area (up to 200 m2).

Fireplace material

Cast iron is considered an ideal material for fireplaces. It is appreciated for its excellent ability to keep warm. Cast iron and steel fireplace stoves are produced. The latter are protected by internal fireclay lining and are suitable for large rooms. There are also fireboxes from combined materials, steel products have cast-iron parts.

Types of fireplace insert

There are two types of fireplace inserts:

• open burning firewood is not fenced off from the environment

• closed with a special door made of heat-resistant glass.

The latter option is more popular, although each of them has its own advantages and disadvantages.

Open firebox

• The fireplace has a low efficiency of not more than 15-20%. The heated area is small, mainly near the hearth, and only while the fire is on. Most of the heat goes through the pipe.

• There is a risk of fire from sparks and falling coal. You can not leave such a fireplace unattended.

• In strong winds, reverse draft facilitates the penetration of smoke and carbon monoxide into the room.

• The intense flow of air makes the flame bright and clean. The possibility of observing open fire is the main advantage of the fireplace, which delights both the view of the flame and the unlike smell of a burning tree.

• The heat from radiation heating appears very quickly after ignition of the focus.

• An open firebox can be used for cooking skewers or meat on a spit.

Closed firebox

• An open fireplace door can take up a lot of space, which will not allow it to be left open in small rooms.

• It is difficult to install in unusual, richly decorated portals.

• The efficiency of closed furnaces reaches 70-80%, and such foci are able to heat the room in the cold season.

• A transparent door allows you to see the fire, but creates a barrier to coals and sparks.

• Fuel burns out completely and is consumed economically.

With the doors open and locked, you can get all the benefits of an open firebox.

Choosing a fireplace by installation method

All existing models are divided into built-in, wall, island and corner fireplaces.

Built-in structures take up very little space; they are mounted inside the wall. But that is why they can only be installed during the construction or repair of a house.

Island fireplaces look original and unusual. They are installed in any convenient place, the main requirement is the ability to remove the chimney. Most often, open-type constructions are used.

Wall mounted devices are very popular. They can be installed against any wall and are perfect for both large and small rooms, as well as corner fireplace stoves.

Author: Sergey and Svetlana Khuentsov

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