WOOD FIREPLACES BRING CHARM AND COZY TO THE HOME
The fireplace is a symbol of coziness, comfort, romance and intimacy. Because it is associated with warmth. What could be more romantic than a winter candlelit dinner, graced with the glow of the fireplace? Just imagine: outside, it is softly snowing in rags, and you have secluded yourself in the cottage with your loved one on the porch in front of the fireplace with a glass of wine in hand. The logs have melted into embers and the log burns in it slowly and gently, so that the radiated heat is soft and caressing. Does a person need more?
The fact is that the heat from wood-burning fireplaces is unmatched in density and charm.
Wood heating brings a unique atmosphere to every home. Fireplaces or wood-burning stoves provide not only warmth, but also exceptional pleasure. The play of fire energizes, soothes and inspires us. In addition to enchanting lovers, this beating heart of the home imperceptibly becomes a center that brings the whole family together.
Among the main advantages of wood heating is the fact that they are one of the most economical ways of heating and are a renewable source of energy. Modern and efficient heating appliances provide not only comfort, but also lower fuel consumption and a low level of air and environmental pollution.
With us you can find fireplaces with nominal heat output of 9kW, 10kW and 11kW. Their sizes are also different, but all of them have very good energy efficiency, as well as fire protection. Their designs ensure a highly efficient combustion process with minimal release of harmful emissions into the atmosphere.
Owners of wood-burning fireplaces should definitely acquire fireplace accessories , which are both pragmatic tools and fit perfectly into the interior of the home. Mantels are a mandatory element of the installation of heating units, and radiators for wood-burning stoves and fireplaces achieve a significant increase in thermal efficiency.
From the MASTERHAUS online store you can acquire a valuable acquisition that will allow you to harness the thermal power of your wood-burning fireplace to cook delicious meals. This is made possible with the fireplace oven , which is a great extra for the heating unit.
WITH ELECTRIC FIREPLACES YOU FORGET ABOUT ASH AND SOOT
Electric fireplaces are a very good alternative to solid fuel fireplaces - they work without soot, ash and dust. They are mobile - you do not need to take into account the chimney to choose where to place them. Electric fireplaces offer the most realistic effect of a live fire, which further contributes to the coziness in the home. At the same time, your investment is related only to the purchase of the appliance itself and the electricity bills, and the pleasure and comfort are irreplaceable.
If you are a sophisticated aesthete and want to turn your heating appliance into one of the interior accents in your home, then the best choice for you is the electric fireplace insert . With this insert, your fireplace will combine 2 in 1 – efficiency and spectacularity.
PELLET STOVES – A HIT IN HEATING
There are many different options for heating during the cold months. The needs and requirements of each household are different, but more and more people are turning to pellet stoves as a source of warmth and comfort. This is no coincidence, as the advantages of this type of heating are many. That is why they have become a hit on the market in recent years.
Pellet fireplaces have become a preferred way of heating thanks to wood pellets, which are an environmentally friendly and homogeneous fuel and do not contribute to environmental pollution. When burning, they do not emit thick black smoke, which allows the fireplace to have a glass opening.
The other big plus of pellet fireplaces is that the entire heating system of this type of fireplace is highly automated, with the pellets themselves distributing their burning quantity. Pellet fireplaces are modernized with electronic control and you can even adjust them from your smart device.
Thus, thanks to advantages such as their contemporary design, modern way of working with smart devices, their environmentally friendly fuel that is gentle on Mother Nature, and first-class internal features, these fireplaces have become the preferred method of heating for every modern home.
The popularity of these devices is constantly growing due to the fact that they are much easier to use and more practical than traditional fireplaces or wood-burning stoves. This is due to their numerous advantages in terms of construction and price. They provide the necessary warmth for the home, but without the disadvantages of traditional fireplaces. There is no need to split wood and the problems associated with storing and daily transporting it to the heating device.
Last but not least, these heating devices are relatively safe and it is not a problem to install them in any type of room.
Among the most sought-after pellet fireplace models on the market are undoubtedly dry pellet fireplaces and water-jacketed pellet fireplaces .
Are pellet stoves difficult to operate?
Traditional wood-burning stoves and fireplaces require constant charging and maintenance. In contrast, pellet fireplaces do not require this. The automated combustion process provides comfort and guarantees maintenance of the preset temperature for a long period of time. The versatility of this type of heating should not be underestimated: pellet fireplaces can be connected to radiators, water supply, boiler and underfloor heating system.
The ease of maintenance of pellet stoves also applies to their cleaning activities. The self-cleaning system, which most models are equipped with, solves the problem of accumulated ash. The only thing required is to throw away the ash two or three times a week.
An important aspect of pellet heating is the environmental advantage of their use. Pellets contain a large amount of biomass and wood, which contributes to optimal combustion and reduced levels of carbon dioxide. In this indicator, pellet stoves are ahead of all other conventional solid fuel heating systems.
Are the costs of heating with a pellet stove high?
The initial investment and subsequent costs are always a determining factor when choosing a heating system. When it comes to investing in equipment, the long-term nature of the chosen solution is of fundamental importance. That is why pellet stoves are once again preferred and a good choice. In most cases, the investment in a pellet stove pays off in two or at most three seasons. It can be safely said that pellets are the more profitable raw material compared to alternatives such as oil, coal or wood. The many times greater combustion efficiency that pellet stoves achieve compared to the alternatives should not be ignored. This leads to lower costs.
What are the benefits of heating with a pellet fireplace?
Pellets as a heating material have many advantages – complete combustion without losses, no dust during storage, moisture resistance. In addition, pellets are incomparably more convenient to store and move. Of course, there are a number of other advantages of pellet stoves.
The built-in controller of the pellet stove allows programming of the system. Different modes and timers can fully adapt the operation of the pellet stove to the preferences of the household members. The system can be programmed to turn on and off when its operation is necessary. The annoying loading of wood, preliminary cleaning and kindling, inherent in classic stoves and fireplaces, remains completely in history.
What are the advantages of pellet fireplaces?
- Economical and energy-efficient heating
Economical and energy-efficient heating is a priority for every homeowner. The constant rise in electricity prices is forcing more and more consumers to choose alternative solutions in this direction. If you want to reduce your heating costs and contribute to protecting the environment from the impact of harmful emissions, it is certainly worth considering purchasing a fireplace that runs on wood pellets.
- Autonomous and safe heating
Pellet fireplaces are designed and manufactured with different power levels, taking into account specific heating needs and available space. The regular supply of pellets to the combustion chamber, automatic maintenance of the set temperature and self-cleaning systems ensure autonomous heating of the home with minimal human intervention. Advanced pellet fireplaces have intelligent systems for optimal combustion, which recognize and are guided by the specific qualities of the pellets and specific climatic conditions. Such technologies guarantee high performance of the device and long autonomous operation, with complete combustion of the fuel. The presence of security systems guarantees the trouble-free operation of the fireplaces. All stages of the device's operation are visualized on the control panel and can be adjusted manually or automatically.
- Easy maintenance
Pellet stoves operate at higher temperatures than conventional wood-burning appliances and after combustion the amount of ash can literally fit in a human fist. Regular cleaning ensures the proper functioning and safety of the stove. A significant number of appliances have intensive self-cleaning systems, with the help of which the stove can operate for months without the need for manual cleaning of the combustion chamber.
- Modern design
The simple and ergonomic design of the fireplaces is another reason for their integration into homes with traditional or modern interiors. They have a metal body, most often made of steel and cast iron, enriched with inserts of various materials and colors. The modern vision follows simple curves and stylish symmetry, thanks to which the fireplaces become the accent of the home. The presence of heat-resistant glass ennobles the cold beauty of the fireplace, revealing a detailed picture of the fiery flames.
How does a pellet stove work?
To start the combustion process in the fireplace, pellets must be fed into the combustion chamber. This is done by an automated system that feeds the pellets in a controlled manner via an auger. The combustion mode is set in advance.
- Burner: the burner is the area where the pellet fuel enters. In addition, a large amount of preheated air is supplied there. With the correct dosage of the granules and oxygen, the most complete combustion of the fuel is achieved, as well as the economy of its use. Pellet burners are equipped with automatic ignition.
- Combustion chamber: the combustion chamber is made of thick steel or cast iron. It is ribbed on the inside, which increases heat transfer.
- Automation: The automation that controls the combustion process includes a controller, temperature sensors, an automatic ignition unit, and electric motors. The fireplace control panel can be designed differently: as part of the housing, separately, or even as a remote control panel. It also includes a programmable timer, through which the desired operating mode can be set for days in advance. In addition, the fireplace automation can also be controlled remotely - via a mobile phone.
- Cleaning: in addition to the pellet hopper, from where the feed is made, the fireplace also has a place to collect the ash from the combustion of the pellets. This ash is not in large quantities, since the ash content of this type of fuel is low. The collected ash must be periodically removed manually. With daily use of the fireplace, it is sufficient to clean the ash once a week.
- Glass door: the glass door made of heat-resistant glass is more of a decorative element. It allows you to observe the flame during combustion and is only used in operation on some models.
For what area is heating with a pellet fireplace effective?
If the area you plan to heat is up to a hundred square meters, a pellet fireplace will provide you with good heating. But if you want to heat a larger area, it is better to get a pellet boiler.
Pellet fireplaces with a water jacket can be connected to several radiators.
To heat two rooms at once, you can install a fan in the wall between them to circulate the warm air. This will avoid placing radiators and pipes in the rooms.
WOOD PELLETS ARE A PREFERRED BIOPRODUCT
Wood pellets are a high-calorie, economical and environmentally friendly fuel that is produced by pressing waste wood pulp. They are among the most widely used bioproducts. Their composition – wood chips, guarantees the absence of black smoke when burned.
Wood pellets are a clean type of fuel, carbon dioxide-free. For their production, there is no need to cut down forests, as they are produced from wood waste. In this way, they contribute to environmental protection.
The main advantage of pellets for reducing harmful greenhouse gas emissions is their efficiency. Compared to even modern wood stoves, pellet heating appliances are up to five times more efficient.
How are pellets produced?
The wood material for pellet production, which includes waste wood (sawdust and raw wood, mainly beech and pine), is ground into coarse particles. After this coarse grinding of the material, it is dried in a kiln to reduce the moisture content. The dried material is ground again into powder and pressed under high pressure, then pelletized. After pelletizing, the product is cooled and is ready for use.
The efficiency of pellets is from 85% to 95%.
The finished pellets have a cylindrical shape with a diameter of 6 mm and a length of up to 30 mm. The efficiency coefficient (EC) of systems using pellets for heating is from 85% to 95%. For comparison, the efficiency coefficient for burning wood is about 73%. This type of fuel has a very low humidity - between 8% and 12%, while the humidity of wood is between 30% and 50%. The calorific value of pellet fuel is between 4300 and 5200 kcal/kg, and firewood, for example, has a lower calorific value - 3500 kcal/kg.
Burning one ton of pellets yields the same amount of energy as burning 1.6 tons of wood, 500 liters of diesel, 480 cubic meters of gas, or 700 liters of fuel oil. For this reason, they are preferred both as an economical heating method and as an alternative fuel.
The ash content is very low, approximately 0.5 – 1%, which makes them clean and convenient. This rate varies between 10 and 50% for other fuels, which leads to energy loss. Thanks to the granulation, the fuel is burned almost completely 98.5%, thus achieving maximum efficiency.
Advantages of wood pellets
- 100% natural, no chemical additives are used, making them less dangerous than other fossil fuels;
- Can be used in the production of electricity;
- Pellet combustion systems are the cleanest combustion system compared to solid fuel systems;
- Wood pellets are refined biomass available worldwide;
- Wood pellets are very easy to transport;
- There is no danger of poisoning like with coal;
- They take up much less storage space than firewood and coal;
- They do not require additional processing like firewood;
- The burning time is longer compared to firewood;
- Lower humidity and higher density compared to firewood;
- Do not form slag;
- They do not clog chimneys and do not form soot;
Types of wood pellets
According to the purity of the wood used, pellets are of two types: Class A1 and Class A2. The former are made from pure wood, while the latter also use wood bark.
According to the wood from which they are obtained, they can be softwood pellets , hardwood pellets and mixed wood pellets . Hardwood pellets are harder than those obtained from softwood.
Softwood pellets have the advantage of burning longer, releasing more heat and less ash.
ECO-BRIQUETES ARE SERIOUS COMPETITION TO WOOD
Eco-briquettes are a serious competitor to wood in supplying heating appliances such as fireplaces, stoves or boilers. Eco-briquettes are produced from deciduous waste wood – beech or oak. The sawdust and bran are dried and then pressed, and no artificial bonding substances are used during the pressing. Special presses are used, which provide a pressure of about 1000 atmospheres and a temperature of approximately 300°C. The cellulose in the wood melts and the particles stick tightly to each other. Thus, the product acquires greater density and higher energy concentration.
Advantages of eco-briquettes
- High caloric value;
- Convenient and compact for transportation;
- Minimal harmful emissions into the atmosphere and soil;
- Very low humidity: 4 – 7 %
- Easy to transport and store (take up 7-8 times less space than wood)
- Higher calorific value than wood: 1 ton of eco-briquettes is equal in calorific value to 6-7 m3 of firewood
- Do not contain sulfur, which destroys metal parts
- Minimal ash amounts
- Possibility to use ash as fertilizer, neutralizing acidic soils
- Due to the low humidity (about 6%), it burns with minimal emission of flue gases (does not clog the chimney)
- When you buy coal, you buy at least 15% water and about 10% mud and ash, which makes about 250kg per 1 ton of parasitic substances. In eco-briquettes, parasitic substances are 5-10 times less
Eco-briquettes are used to obtain renewable energy
The environmental friendliness of eco-briquettes has two aspects: when they are burned, negligible harmful emissions of smoke, sulfur and soot are released, and the raw materials for their production are 100% waste from wood processing plants and agriculture, which do not cause damage to the environment. For many years, such waste has been dumped into rivers, scattered or burned without caring about the damage caused to nature in this way. Nowadays, it is the production of eco-briquettes that prevents such pollution and serves to obtain renewable energy.
INTEREST IN BIOFIREPLACES IS GROWING
Bioethanol fireplaces, also known as biofireplaces for short, have recently seen growing consumer interest, but they still cannot boast of mass popularity. These unique heating devices represent a modern, alternative means not only for heating, but also for decoration.
Bioethanol fireplaces are the perfect solution for a real live fire in every home. Denatured bioethanol is used as fuel, which is an efficient and inexpensive consumable. The secret lies in the rapid rise in temperature. In just 10-15 minutes you will enjoy warmth in the room, and the real fire will give you unique comfort and coziness.
What is bioethanol?
The main raw material for bioethanol production is sugar. The fuel is extracted by alcoholic fermentation of starch-containing plants (corn, potatoes, rye and wheat) as well as sugar-containing plants (beetroot and sugar cane). Fermentation is followed by distillation and dehydration.
Operating instructions
- Bioethanol is poured into the combustion chamber using a funnel. Pour fuel up to ¾ of the chamber volume.
- Light the fuel with a suitable long lighter or match. When lighting, stand to the side, not in front of the biofireplace.
- Extinguish the flame with the extinguisher or by closing the combustion chamber with an additional metal device. Do not try to extinguish by blowing, this will further inflame the flame.
Safety rules
- Smoking while the combustion chamber is being ignited is absolutely prohibited!
- Biofireplaces cannot be used for heating in cars or caravans.
- After use, bioethanol should not be left in the combustion chamber.
- Do not use the biofireplace for heating water, cooking or as a barbecue.
- If you want to light the biofireplace, but there is still fuel in the combustion chamber, leave it open for at least 30 seconds.
What is the average cost of bioethanol?
The average consumption for a combustion chamber with a volume of 1000 ml is 300 ml/h. The consumption of bioethanol depends primarily on the volume of the chamber, but other factors also come into play, such as altitude, oxygen content in the room, whether there is a draft around the fireplace, etc.
Does it emit an unpleasant odor when burning?
When burning, bioethanol does not emit harmful gases, odors, or smoke, but only water vapor and carbon dioxide - two natural substances that humans constantly inhale and exhale.
Can bioethanol be added during the combustion process?
Absolutely NO! If you want to add fuel, first extinguish the flame, wait 15 minutes for the combustion chamber to cool, and then add bioethanol.
Can bioethanol be replaced with another fuel?
Biofireplaces are designed to work only with bioethanol! This fuel cannot be replaced with alcohol, gasoline, turpentine or burning oils, as they release harmful gases and smoke, which pose a risk of suffocation!
