Energy Efficient Fireplaces

As the population wakes up to the idea that energy needs to be conserved, they are eager to find as many different energy saving devices as possible: one method of conserving energy is through the use of energy- efficient fireplaces. Wood burning fireplaces look good, and are popular with those who are trying to live greener and more energy-efficient lifestyles, but at the same time they can sometimes be less efficient than a radiator. There are ways in which you can convert your typical energy-burning fireplaces into much more fuel-efficient sources of heat and light.

Using Dampers

Fuel-burning fireplaces need to have dampers, also called flues, in the chimney. Dampers should be made of iron or similar metals, fashioned into a funnel shape that is inserted above fireplaces. Dampers usually have a lid which can be opened or closed in order to vary the power of the chimney: it is a way of regulating air flow, controlling the rate at which the fire burns the available fuel. The damper should be the size of the center of the fire: it is also important to shut down the damper when there is no fire burning, as this prevents hot air from escaping through the chimney.

Flue Seals

If the damper on your fireplace does not work as efficiently as dampers on other fireplaces, you might want to invest in a flue seal. This is inflatable plastic, which seals off the flue during periods when the chimney is not in use, and prevents the escape of hot air. Before you insert the flue seal, take care to ensure that the flue is completely cool: otherwise you may simply melt the flue seal.

Doors and Fireplace Covers

Another way of preventing fireplaces from losing heat is through the installation of glass doors or fireplace covers. Glass doors are installed on the front of fireplaces, but can limit the amount of heat that is transferred into the room. The major benefit of glass doors is the prevention of air escaping into the chimney.

Fireplace covers perform the same role as glass doors, although they are less attractive in appearance. They are used to seal off the fireplace once the fire has burned out, preventing hot air from leaving the room. Fireplace covers need to be custom fitted to fireplaces in order to ensure a good fit: and a fiberglass gasket can be used to seal the covers against the fireplace.

Heat Exchangers

These are designed to preserve heat in the fireplace which would otherwise be lost in the chimney. These are usually pipes or tubes which fit in the chimney or around the fireplaces. They are designed to circulate room air into the hot tubes of the heat exchanger, and then force the air back into the room via fans. They are very vulnerable to dirt and dust, which means that they need to be cleaned often: dirt reduces the performance of the heat exchangers.

Inserts

Inserts are appliances fueled by wood or gas that are inserted into an open fireplace, and act like a traditional fireplace in the burning of fuel and creation of heat.