Efficiency Figures
Traditional fireplaces only use about 10% of the heating energy discharged by
the wood. This leads to increased wood consumption, which translates into higher
costs and the release of more smoke into the environment. Convectional
fireplaces, made of metal and having a double wall, increase the usable heat
percentage to around 40%, equaling the efficiency of fireplace inserts. The most
efficient kinds are furnaces, going up to 65%. This places them above airtight
stoves, which nonetheless do reach an impressive efficiency of 55%. Franklin
stoves and parlor stoves are not much better than traditional fireplaces in
terms of heat output, averaging at 25% efficiency.
Solid Fuel
Solid fuel actually means wood. Coal was used too, but not as frequently. The
main elements of such a fireplace are the hearth, the actual space where the
burning takes place, and the chimney. A more precise analysis will usually
mention other parts, such as the damper, the throat, the smoke chamber, the
tinderbox (also called firebox), the cap, and the flue. Good ventilation is
needed to route the smoke out through the chimney while preventing it from
escaping into the room.
Gas
Gas fireplaces are much easier to use; there is no need to constantly supply
fuel, as the flow of gas can be regulated automatically with the help of a
thermostat. There is no need for a chimney, but you have to use exhaust vents
mounted on the wall or in the roof. A glass screen is also normally used to
prevent gas leakage into the room. |
