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what is a high efficiency fireplace

by Hudson Champlin V Published 3 years ago Updated 2 years ago
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A high efficiency wood-burning fireplace provides a suitable heating option for homes with enough space to accommodate them. These fireplaces feature a firebox separated from the interior of the home by a sheet of ceramic, heat resistant glass.Sep 29, 2014

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How does a high efficiency fireplace work?

2:023:52High Efficiency Fireplaces Atlanta | The Fireplace Place - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipToday's high efficiency wood fireplaces have air wash systems that will self clean the glass doorMoreToday's high efficiency wood fireplaces have air wash systems that will self clean the glass door the hotter the fire the cleaner the glass.

Which type of fireplace is most efficient?

Electric fireplaces are by far the most energy efficient option. Only 1% of the heat from an electric fireplace is lost, because it is in no way connected to the outside. And if you're concerned about pollutants, electric fireplaces are also the cleanest for the air inside your home.

What does fireplace efficiency mean?

Overall efficiency is the percentage of heat that is transferred to the space to be heated when a load of fuel (e.g., firewood, pellets) is burned. Actual efficiency will vary depending on factors such as wood moisture, appliance operation and installation (e.g., outside piping, chimney height).

What is a good efficiency rating for a gas fireplace?

Fuel Efficiency Rating As a guide, a fireplace with a 70-80 percent efficiency rating would be a dependable choice.

How can I make my fireplace more energy efficient?

To avoid letting all the heat evaporate, here are five tips to make your fireplace more efficient this winter.Burn seasoned firewood. ... Close the dampers. ... Reverse the circulation of ceiling fans to spread the warmth. ... Use glass fireplace doors to reduce heat loss. ... Install a fireplace insert to increase heating efficiency.

Do electric fireplaces use a lot of electricity?

Do Electric Fireplaces Use a Lot of Electricity? Electric fireplaces use approximately the same amount of electricity as the average space heater. Since most fireplaces operate on a standard household outlet, they use 120 volts to power the internal heater and draw about 1,500 watts at 12.5 amps.

What gas fireplace gives off the most heat?

Direct vent gas fireplaces burn efficiently with up to 70 percent of the heat they generate remaining in the house. Direct vent gas technology allows gas fireplaces to install in virtually any room of the home at a fraction of the cost of a masonry fireplace. This makes them an ideal choice for zone heating.

Do fireplaces really heat a house?

Can a Fireplace Really Heat Your Home? Absolutely! And many houses already have a fireplace. It's just a matter of using it to bring some much-desired warmth into your home.

What burns more gas furnace or fireplace?

Usually it is more fuel efficient to have the fireplace on because it doesn't lose any heat traveling through ductwork, but that also means the heat is localized and won't warm the entirety of a large house.

Is it cheaper to run gas fireplace or electric heat?

Gas fireplaces are inexpensive to run and provide a significant amount of warmth, which can greatly reduce your heating costs. Electric fireplaces are cheaper in cost and installation compared to their gas-burning counterparts.

Do gas fireplaces really heat a room?

Overall, gas fireplaces are highly efficient when it comes to heating a room. Once a fire has been burning for some time, it's likely to heat a room rather quickly. The type of gas fireplace you have is likely to affect the fireplace's ability to heat a room efficiently.

Is it expensive to run a gas fireplace all day?

Not at all. Using natural gas is one of the most inexpensive ways to heat your home. That's why gas fireplaces, gas fireplace inserts, outdoor gas fireplaces, even gas furnaces are such cost-effective heating options. Realistically, most gas-powered fireplaces will burn through about $1 worth of natural gas per day.

Is gas or electric fireplace more efficient?

A gas fireplace is more efficient than an electric fireplace. Gas produces much more heat than an electric fireplace heating up in the same amount of time. An electric fireplace is not as effective as a gas fireplace at heating a space quickly.

Which is more efficient gas or wood fireplace?

Wood-Burning Fireplace. In the battle for most efficient fireplace, gas fireplace efficiency is always going to win over wood fireplace efficiency. That's because gas fireplaces burn more cleanly and produce fewer polluting emissions.

Do wood-burning fireplaces save money?

According to the Department of Energy, an average home spends approximately $600 per year for heating. What's more, between 80 and 90 percent of the heat produced by wood burned in an open fireplace is lost up the chimney. This means that for every $100 you spend on firewood, you get only $10 to $20 worth of heat.

Are double sided fireplaces efficient?

Whereas traditional wood-burning fireplaces require lots of space and venting — and are also normally built into an exterior wall — double-sided outdoor fireplaces are more attractive, efficient, can be installed in previously considered off-limits spaces, and don't have the space limitations of traditional fireplaces.

Why is gas fireplace so efficient?

One of the most efficient things about gas fireplaces is the time that they save and the high-efficiency rating because of hot air that they provide does not go out a chimney like a wood-burning unit does. With a gas fireplace, you aren’t going to need to go out and find firewood that will fuel your flames.

What Are the Least Expensive Types of Fireplaces to Use?

Having any fireplace installed within your home can definitely add to your property value. This means that each and every type of fireplace is a good financial decision. However, some of them cost more or less to operate than other types, which is definitely a factor to consider when choosing a fireplace on a budget. Read on to learn which is the most inexpensive type of fireplace on the market!

Why are wood fireplaces declining?

Wood fireplaces have been declining in popularity recently due to safety concerns. Unless the chimney is properly maintained on a wood-burning fixture (which is easy and inexpensive enough to do as long as you’re on top of things), they can cause a chimney fire.

What is a wood fireplace made of?

The actual fireplace itself will be made from stone or concrete , which are strong materials that will keep your fire contained. When you think of an outdoor fire pit, you likely think of something similar to a wood fireplace.

What is the best alternative to burning wood?

One of the more efficient alternatives, if you like burning wood, is either a wood-burning fireplace insert or a wood-burning stove, which also greatly improves efficiency.

What type of fuel is used in a fireplace?

There are four basic types of fireplace fuels that you can choose from for your home: those that are powered by gas, wood, electric, and alternative fuels (coal, pellets, corn, etc.). There are three different types of units, which are inserts, direct vents, and stoves. Here, we’re going to take an in-depth look at these three types ...

Do you need to insert wood into a fireplace?

Furthermore, you don’t need to spend time inserting wood into the fireplace while you enjoy its warmth. This gives you more time to relax and enjoy a good book or some s’mores.

What is a wood burning fireplace?

A wood fireplace that is primarily used to provide heat to a room or entire home. Old, inefficient wood burning fireplaces often take more heat from a space than they put into it. A older wood fireplace may look warm and cozy; but, all things considered, it tends to be relatively inefficient for home heating.

What causes a fire to have a negative efficiency?

The negative efficiency results from the fire sucking heated air from inside the home to fuel combustion. This air is then vented up the chimney, which pulls cold outside air into the home through the small cracks around windows and doors.

Why do you close the doors on a wood fireplace?

Closing the doors on your wood fireplace will help prevent heated room air from escaping up the chimney. The fire still draws air through vents below the doors, but only enough to burn the fuel.. Another improvement is to duct outside air into the wood fireplace.

Can Napoleon wood fireplaces be used in a rec room?

Napoleon wood burning fireplaces are eloquent and can provide a great looking center piece to your living room or rec room. If your wood fireplace does not have a damper, the first improvement should be to install one so that you can close off the chimney when the stove isn't being used.

Can you replace a wood fireplace with a Napoleon?

Replace your existing wood fireplace with a new high efficiency Napoleon wood fireplace. Napoleon energy efficient wood fireplaces come in various models to suit your decor. These new high efficiency wood fireplaces can heat entire homes or can be used for room space heating. Napoleon wood burning fireplaces are eloquent and can provide a great looking center piece to your living room or rec room.

Can Napoleon fireplace vents be sealed?

If you have glass doors, the vents can be sealed completely. We offer Napoleon high efficiency wood burning fireplaces. Free shipping and great customer service is standard at New Energy Distributing, Inc. Call 800-218-4947 today. You'll be glad you did.

Can a wood fireplace vent air?

Even when there is no fire burning, inefficient wood fireplaces can vent heated air - especially when there is no flue damper, if the damper does not seal tightly, or is left open. A wood fireplace that is primarily used to provide heat to a room or entire home.

What is a zero clearance fireplace?

Today, zero clearance wood-burning fireplaces have skyrocketed in their popularity for their increased efficiency compared to masonry chimney fireplaces. This option is essentially a large metal box with a metal chimney, while heat isn’t radiated back into the home, it’s a much more efficient option that old school wood-burning fireplaces.

Where are fireplaces common?

Fireplaces are very common throughout the United States, and especially in the Northeast. It’s an attractive feature for any home, especially when it comes time to sell. Today, there are many options out there for homeowners interested in adding a fireplace to their home.

Does Anderson Fireplace have gas?

Depending on your home, not all of these options may apply to you, but don’t worry, each option offers efficient options. Our team at Anderson Fireplace offers efficient gas, electric, and wood-burning fireplaces. Contact us today to learn more.

Is an electric fireplace efficient?

Electric Fireplace Efficiency. Commonly called the most efficient fireplace option available to homeowners today, electric fireplaces are convenient as well. They only require an electric outlet and space. No gas lines, no wood, just plug it in. Electricity leaves a smaller carbon footprint compared to other fuel sources, ...

Can you plug in a gas fireplace?

No gas lines, no wood, just plug it in. Electricity leaves a smaller carbon footprint compared to other fuel sources, especially if your power comes from solar or wind. When you’re done using an electric fireplace, you can simply shut it off without wasting energy or fear of causing a hazard.

Is gas a good heating source?

There is no need to keep getting up to stoke the fire, and you can be sure that you aren’t losing all of the heat the fireplace is producing. Natural gas is a plentiful resource and an efficient heating source. When it comes to heating your home efficiently, gas is a great choice.

Why are gas fireplaces so efficient?

More modern gas fireplaces are often much more efficient compared to older models as a result of the use of intermittent pilot ignition systems rather than the conventional standing pilot ignitions.

How efficient is a natural gas fireplace?

Natural vent gas fireplaces in the form of inserts can typically be found to have efficiency ratings of around 50-60%, while gas logs sets may be lower than this. Direct vent gas fireplaces can typically average between 60-80% efficiency and ventless gas fireplaces can be around 99% efficient.

What is the efficiency rating of a direct vent fireplace?

Expect to find direct vent gas fireplaces with efficiency ratings of 70% on average but can be as high as 80% or low as 60% depending on the model.

What ignition does a gas fireplace use?

Our gas fireplace uses the older standing pilot ignition and we leave this pilot flame on throughout winter.

What is the purpose of a gas fireplace?

Gas fireplaces use gas as the source of fuel in order to produce heat for a home and ‘ efficiency ’ refers to the ability for a fireplace appliance such as gas to convert that fuel into usable heat.

Where to find efficiency rating on gas fireplace?

Gas fireplaces are typically found with a rating plate found somewhere on the unit that details information about that specific fireplace.

What to do if you don't have a manual for a gas fireplace?

If you don’t have the manual then you can use the information displayed on the rating plate to find an electronic copy of the right manual for your gas fireplace.

How is Efficiency Measured for Residential Wood Burning Appliances?

There are different types of efficiencies often calculated for wood burning appliances.

What is overall efficiency?

Overall efficiency is the percentage of heat that is transferred to the space to be heated when a load of fuel (e.g., firewood, pellets) is burned. Actual efficiency will vary depending on factors such as wood moisture, appliance operation and installation (e.g., ...

How Does the Moisture Content of Wood Affect Efficiency?

Wet wood can create excessive smoke which is lost heat. Make sure firewood is dry, or “seasoned.” Moisture meters allow you to test the moisture level in wood, and can be bought at hardware stores or on the Internet. Properly dried wood should have a reading of 20% or less. To properly dry wood:

Are Fireplaces an Efficient Method to Heat a Home?

Generally, a wood-burning fireplace is a very inefficient way to heat your home . Fireplace drafts can pull the warm air up the chimney, causing other rooms to be cooler. If you use central heat while burning in a fireplace, your heater will work harder to maintain constant temperatures throughout the house. Also, fireplaces do not burn as cleanly as EPA-certified wood heaters, creating 20 times the amount of air pollution.

What is the EPA certification for wood stoves?

EPA has a list of certified wood heaters, hydronic heaters and forced air furnaces that include the overall efficiency by manufacturer and model. However, not all models on the list include an efficiency number if they were tested before 2015. If the efficiency number is missing, you may want to contact the manufacturer and ask for the “overall measured efficiency as measured using the Canadian B415.1 test method.” Beginning on May 16, 2020, all models on EPA’s certified wood stove, hydronic heater and forced-air furnace lists will have an overall efficiency listed.

What does combustion efficiency mean in advertising?

Often advertisements will list combustion rather than overall efficiency since it is the higher of the two calculated efficiencies for any given device. For example, an advertisement on a website or brochure may say “85% efficient” and although not specified, it is the combustion efficiency.

How can we reduce wood smoke pollution?

Save money, time and resources. Use 1/3 less wood fuel for the same heat. Reduce creosote build-up and the risk of chimney fires. Lower wood smoke pollution both inside and outside, including carbon dioxide (CO 2 ), methane (CH 4) and black carbon (particle pollution)

What is an outdoor fireplace?

Outdoor fireplaces can extend the season for sitting outside and provide a pleasant focus for a gathering. There are three main types. A standard fireplace uses amasonry chimney to send smoke away from you and your guests. Make sure the chimney is high enough to establish a good draft.

How does a fireplace work?

Some fireplaces include a built-in heat exchanger -- channels where room air can circulate around the hot parts of the structure -- either through natural air flow or forced by a fan. The air absorbs the heat and returns it to the room.

How to take advantage of a wood stove?

Some homeowners prefer to take advantage of the efficiency of a wood stove by placing the stove on the fireplace hearth and running the stovepipe into the fireplace chimney. By doing so, they lose the pleasures of an open fire but gain energy efficiency.

What is a fireplace insert?

Fireplace inserts are metal boxes -- usually equipped with glass doors -- that fit inside the firebox. They use a heat exchange chamber with channels to allow room air to pass through and absorb heat. Fireplace inserts usually require a full stainless steel flue liner, rather than simply connecting to an existing flue.

What is a fire pit made of?

A fire pit is a fireplace without a chimney. Some are made of stone or brick; others are portable metal dishes about 3 feet (1 meter) wide. A hot fire with good quality wood will minimize smoke. A chimenea (or chiminea) is a hearth shaped like a very large gourd with a chimney attached.

Do you need a flue liner for a fireplace insert?

Fireplace inserts usually require a full stainless steel flue liner, rather than simply connecting to an existing flue. An insert can put out up to five times as much heat as an open fireplace [source: Carlsen ]. Some homeowners prefer to take advantage of the efficiency of a wood stove by placing the stove on the fireplace hearth and running ...

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