There are a lot of questions which are important for every fireplace owner such as “Why are enclosed fires more efficient than open fires?” or “What is the right way to store firewood?”. You can find the answers to the most frequently asked questions below to become an expert of fireplace knowledge.
What are "enclosed" fires?
Fires with a door that can be closed are generally referred to as "enclosed" fires, in contrast to open fires. Heat-resistant SCHOTT ROBAX® glass-ceramic panels, available in a wide range of sizes and shapes, can be used in the doors of stoves or the sides or front of fireplaces to give a perfect view of the flames, so that the effect is just the same as an open fire.
Why do enclosed fires burn more cleanly than open fires?
If you choose an enclosed fire with a viewing panel, you can have living flames and a roaring fire without the dirt and smell of smoke. Nowadays, high-quality enclosed fireplaces and stoves have an efficient air wash system on the inside of the glass to ensure that the fire is always clearly visible.
Why are enclosed fires more efficient than open fires?
In winter, a lot of the heat from open fires is wasted, because it is pulled up the chimney. In terms of emissions, enclosed wood fires are far superior to the open versions. A controlled supply of air with carefully designed primary and secondary air vents ensures that the wood burns cleanly and efficiently. This maximizes the amount of heat produced and keeps wood consumption, soot and ash to a minimum.
Why are enclosed fires safer than open fires?
Open fires should not be left unattended. However, if you have an enclosed fire, you can leave the room without having to worry. It is impossible for sparks to fly out into the room because of the fire-resistant panel. This is a very important safety feature, which means that you can enjoy the fire with peace of mind. In contrast to open fireplaces, enclosed fireplaces or stoves can therefore be installed in almost any type of building.
Why are people with fireplaces or stoves doing their share for the environment and helping to prevent climate change?
Everyone must take action to slow down global warming caused by the greenhouse gas carbon dioxide (CO2) and find alternative energy sources to oil and gas which are fast running out. People with modern fireplaces or stoves are making a contribution to the environment in both respects. Wood is the ideal renewable fuel. It is available in almost unlimited quantities and is completely carbon-neutral. Because of their high energy density, lignite briquettes also represent an efficient alternative to oil and gas.
Why is wood carbon-neutral?
A brief excursion into the world of biochemistry: During the lifetime of a tree, it extracts carbon dioxide from the environment which is stored in the wood. When the wood is burnt, exactly the same amount of carbon dioxide is released. An identical amount would also be released if the tree was left to rot naturally. This natural form of emission trading is always in balance, because the forestry industry has made a long-term commitment to sustainability
What is the difference between using firewood, and oil and gas as fuels?
Forests are not felled randomly. In any case, thinnings and trees blown down by the wind are often used for firewood. It is important to remember that firewood comes primarily from domestic forests. Therefore, it is an environmentally friendly fuel even before it is burnt, because, unlike oil and gas, it does not need to be transported over large distances or subjected to complex industrial processing. Firewood simply needs to be cut, split and seasoned.
