Ethanol fireplaces are unusual models that provide the light and beauty of wood-burning designs without the environmental impacts. Rather than demand precious resources for fuel, these devices operate on more readily renewable products to provide the source of flames.
How ethanol fireplaces work
Just like wood-burning units, ethanol fireplaces operate on the principle of burning a fuel source to generate both heat and light. In ethanol fireplaces, however, the “logs” are generally made of ceramic and are more for appearances than anything else. The agent that actually burns is the ethanol itself. This type of fireplace does not require a chimney or flue as ethanol fireplaces function without producing smoke.
The basic components of ethanol fireplaces
While the exact components will vary depending on the ethanol fireplaces in question, standard features include:
- An enclosure to house the fire source;
- Visual aids, such as sand and ceramic logs to enhance appearance;
- A burning pot to hold the ethanol.
Why ethanol fireplaces are environmentally friendly
Ethanol fireplaces are considered the environmental choice for a number of reasons. They include these facts:
- Ethanol fireplaces do not produce smoke and they only release a small amount of carbon into the atmosphere.
- Ethanol is considered a more renewable source of energy than wood. Since this fuel is created from corn, the replacement time is no longer than a single growing season.
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