One of the most prominent features in many homes are their fireplaces. Some homeowners keep a grate full of wood in them, ready to start a fire at the first hint of cold weather. Other homeowners keep them for decorative purposes, putting in a large, ornate mantle.
Traditionally, the most common type is called masonry, because it is built out of some type of brick or stone. Fire pits were first used for both heat and cooking, making them inefficient for providing warmth alone. About two hundred years though, they were redesigned to put out the maximum amount of heat. Some local governments restrict new construction of these kinds because the burning wood can affect air quality.
In general, it is built to burn a type of fuel that draws cool air into the front opening. The air is then heated, radiating either back into the home or is released up the chimney with the smoke. One that is poorly constructed or designed will allow the fumes to escape back into the house. Newly constructed ones must meet local building codes to make sure they will operate safely.
Newer, more advanced designs are giving homeowners more choices. One is a fireplace insert, which is a metal firebox that can be put into any opening. It burns fuel more efficiently and can warm a large area. With the interest in finding cleaner burning fuel that does not affect the air quality, at least one company has developed a smaller, portable unit that uses ethanol. It does not have to be vented, because the ethanol does not produce any toxic gas.
Before the first fire of the season is started, most homeowners have their chimneys inspected and cleaned to make sure they are in good working order. They must be sealed properly so all the fumes go up, and out the chimney and not into the house. Creosote is created by burning wood. And if too much of it settles it can be ignited and cause a chimney fire, which can be dangerous.
Fireplaces must be vented to allow the flow of air to take away the smoke and fumes. Never burn charcoal, because it creates an odorless gas called carbon monoxide, which can kill anyone in the home. Also, do not hang anything flammable over the mantle that is so close to the heat that it can catch fire.
For safety, homeowners often also put a glass or wire screen across the front of the opening to prevent embers from falling out onto the floor. An even larger screen can be placed a few feet away, to keep children and pets from getting too close to the fire. A mat that is treated with fire retardant can keep rugs from getting burned or discolored from the heat.
Fireplaces are often one of the central features of a home. Some are used on a regular basis house warm during cold, chilly evenings. Others are mostly used as a decoration, with a large mantle that holds pictures or other personal items. But no matter how they are used, they are one feature many buyers look for when purchasing a new home.
Our trained experienced certified installers are available to install your Electric, Wood, and Gas fireplaces Waterloo. Fergus Fireplace & Home Comfort 180 Saint Andrew Street West, Fergus, ON N1M 1N5 (519) 843-4845
