Fireplace Types

1 Open-style Fireplaces

2 Fireplaces with Steel Capsules

Open-style Fireplaces

The open-style fireplaces (made of bricks/tiles) are mostly built in premises, where country style interior is present (in homesteads, sauna rooms, cafes, etc.), also in premises, where primarily the old classic style dominates (e.g., "English Classic" – broad fireplaces).

The open-style fireplaces are not intended to be used for heating (please do not confuse with stoves), their heat efficiency is 25 ÷ 30%. The primary function of these fireplaces is aesthetic – the accent of nature, its connection to the interior of the room (fireplace is an integral and essential part of interior).

Possible solution how to increase/maximise such fireplaces efficiency up to 50% is, instead of the brick upper fireplace loading part (which is not visible), to use the mounted convection heater, which is made of a steel sheet.

Fireplaces with Steel Capsules

These fireplaces are universal. A fireplace with a steel capsule is a great (mostly alternative) source of heating, and an interior accent (when correctly chosen). Such fireplace’s efficiency is up to 75-80% (fireplace (capsule) with a "secondary" combustion system – even more, up to 90%). This type uses the convection (air) heating principle. Cold air falls into the fireplace through the built-in bottom grate or woodshed holes. When rising up, the air heats up (in the space around the capsule) and is emitted to the room through the grate, which is fitted in the upper part (cupola) of the fireplace. The heat is also radiated through the fireplace steel parts and glass. In order to heat the other rooms, which are farther from the fireplace, a special fan could be installed, which passes warm air through the special ducts into those rooms.

A few more benefits:

Very important is the "security function" – firing the fireplace with the closed capsule door it is safe to leave it burning.
"Clean heating" – with a fireplace door closed, do not be afraid of ash or smoke coming into the room when exterior doors or windows are being opened, or when a kitchen extractor, located near the fireplace, is working.
You can adjust burning intensity – all the capsules have air supply to the fireplace levels, which could be increased, reduced or closed down completely.

Probably the one drawback of these fireplaces – when using it as the only heat source, heat effect is obtained as long as the firewood is burning (smouldering) in the capsule.

How to Choose Fireplace Capsule

When choosing a fireplace capsule, it is needed to know what essential function it should perform. Some of the capsules could be less attractive but more adapted for heating (designed for constant heating). In such capsules, one firewood load will burn longer and emit more heat into the room. Other capsules could look nicer but give off less heat (the main purpose of those – an aesthetic view, ease of usage, etc.).

One of the main capsule parameters which determines fireplace thermal efficiency – capsule capacity. There are no absolute rules for determining the correct capacity necessary. Capacity depends on the size of the combustion chamber, but equally it depends on the indoor thermal insulation levels. On average, 40 kcal/hr per cubic meter is required (when the outside temperature is 0oC) in a well insulated room.

1 kilowatt is equal to 860 kcal/h, so the converted value is ~ 50 W/m3. Considering that you want to heat the premises of 150 m3 (10×6×2.5m) which are well insulated, you would require 150m3×50W/m3 = 7500 watts or 7.5 kW capsule. Thus, 10 kW capsule – would be fully enough.

When choosing a fireplace capsule, a shape and style of the fireplace should be considered, also where the fireplace will be fitted in – in the corner, in the middle of the wall or in the middle of the room. As a result, we suggest not buying a capsule until the final fireplace project is confirmed.

It is advisable to think of how often the fireplace will be used with closed or open loading doors. In the latter case, it is worthwhile to think about the fireplace with a lift-door.

Fireplace Operating Manual

To avoid the fire risk, on the floor in front of the fireplace, a "safety zone" is built (at least 50 cm) of non-flammable materials (tiles, glass, metal, marble, etc.).

As regards open-style fireplaces (with tiles or bricks), it is advisable to start burning them after 3-4 days after installing, when cement fully dries out.

After fitting the capsule into the chimney, it is recommended to heat the capsule well, ensuring that all materials that have been absorbed during capsule moulding are burnt. Afterwards a room should be ventilated well.

It is advisable not to put more than 4-5 wood at once, 12-15 cm in diameter. Before re-loading wood, wait until flames subside.

When making up the fire, a smoke damper must be fully open before the fire flares up, and keep it open until the loading door is closed. If you'd like to burn a fireplace with a door open, do not forget that in this case the smoke damper must be also fully open. When wood burns up, for more heat, air-supply valve can be fully closed and the smoke damper – shut, then wood will burn longer.

Keep in mind that if firing a fireplace and keeping a smoke damper closed, capsule glass fouls significantly faster than if a smoke damper is fully open.

Do not touch a hot fireplace, as it can scorch.

Ash in the capsule should not reach the top of the grate because it tends to slow cooling and prevents air inlet, which is required for combustion. Ash removed from the fireplace, should be put into a metal container with a lid. Keep this container on the flameproof surface, until ash cools down completely.

It is recommended to check chimney condition at least once a year and, if necessary, even more frequently.

Fireplace Service Period

It is estimated that if a fireplace is used quite often, a cast iron fireplace will serve 20 years, a steel fireplace – about15 years. However, their longevity also depends on the general structure and installation quality. That is why it is important to choose properly not only materials but also the manufacturer.

If you use a fireplace only in the evening, it will serve you just as long as the house. Faster burn away only those fireplaces that are regularly used to heat the building. In order to prolong the life of the fireplace, it is necessary to take care of it properly.

Fireplaces should be cleaned after each firing, and chimney cleaning is advised to be done at least 2 times a year. If a fireplace is fired frequently – even more often. Special cleaning materials could be used to purify chimneys from soot but they would not substitute a sweep.

How to Clean Fireplace Glass

Fireplace glass can be cleaned only when the cassette cools down completely. The glass should be swept with a special liquid, which can be purchased in specialized fireplace shops. Another cleaning option – warm water with a little vinegar essence or cleaning powder added, applied on a cloth. Abrasive cleaning materials cannot be used when cleaning the glass. It is also advised not to burn fire near the glass.