Buying Guide for Fireplaces: Choose the Best One for Your Needs
This guide will show you all the options that technology offers you based on your needs to beautify your space and heat it economically and ecologically.
What options do I have?
You can choose an energy fireplace, an electric fireplace or a bioethanol fireplace.
1. Energy fireplace
How does it work;
In the usual open-type fireplaces found in most homes, wood combustion is incomplete, with an efficiency rate that usually approaches 20%. In contrast, in the more modern and high-quality energy fireplaces, the fuel efficiency exceeds 75%, which means they can heat our space more effectively with much less firewood, replacing even more expensive heating solutions such as oil or air conditioners and electric radiators.
If you already have an open-type fireplace in your space, the best solution is the fireplace insert type. It is a ready-made energy hearth that is placed inside the space left by the open fireplace, converting it into an energy fireplace. Also, instead of wood, there are also fireplaces with alternative fuel types such as pellet and natural gas. These have the additional advantage that they do not require a traditional chimney infrastructure, but rather the installation of a smaller-diameter flue. In pellet fireplaces the fire is natural, while in gas fireplaces it comes from a specially designed burner that provides flames, as in a wood fireplace. The logs and embers that are "burning" are decorative-type made of fireproof ceramic material
How does it heat the space?
There are three types of energy fireplaces depending on the way they release heat. The so-called air-heating energy fireplaces have a fan, which means they heat and distribute warm air into our space more quickly. On the other hand, radiator fireplaces also heat water, so they can warm an entire home by heating the house’s radiator units. Finally, duct fireplaces are connected to pipes that carry the heat to all the rooms.
Skroutz tip: It is also important to pay attention to the fireplace’s power depending on the size of the room you want to heat. As a general rule, you can use the guideline that for every kW of power, you can heat 5-6 square meters.
2. Electric Fireplace
How does it work?
In order to operate the electric fireplace you simply need a supply of electricity from a standard fixed socket. It does not require a chimney, since no smoke is produced, so it does not need cleaning or maintenance either, and it is a fully eco-friendly solution. You will be able to choose between a freestanding or wall-mounted fireplace depending on the style you want to give, and it can be placed very comfortably anywhere in your home as well as easily moved, especially if it is freestanding.
With the help of a remote control you can easily turn it on, even adjusting the intensity of the flame and/or the heat. Usually the device includes the appearance of decorative logs for a fireplace, lighting variations, as well as sound effects from their burning.
How does it heat the space?
The way an electric fireplace works is similar to a fan heater or a halogen - quartz heater. It is quite capable of heating spaces of 20-40 sq.m., so it heats to a lesser degree than an energy fireplace, but of course it is also a lower-cost investment.
3. Ethanol Fireplace
How does it work;
Just like electric fireplaces, bioethanol fireplaces (or bio-fireplaces) do not require chimney installation. To operate it, you pour the fuel into a measuring container so you can calculate the correct amount of refueling and, after placing it in the fireplace burner, you light it with a lighter-torch and the fireplace starts burning. In addition to the classic forms - wall-mounted and freestanding - which are also available for electric fireplaces - there are also smaller tabletop ones that add a touch of very modern design to the space. At the same time, like some types of open fireplaces, they can be placed in an outdoor space.
Also, bioethanol fireplaces do not require the installation of any kind of fuel supply system. The only requirements are that the room must be ventilated so that oxygen can enter for combustion and that the combustion container is cleaned regularly. Bioethanol is an odorless biological alcohol produced from the recycling of organic materials and has no impact on health or the environment.
How does it heat the space?
A bioethanol fireplace can heat a room up to 60 sq.m., depending on the size, number, and type of combustion containers it has. The most common power output usually available is 3KW, and with this we can heat a room of approximately 30 square meters.
Which fireplace should I choose?
If you like a traditional fire and are willing to make an investment to heat your space well and economically in the long run, then choose an energy-efficient fireplace. If you do not place as much emphasis on heat and want something more economical and flexible in terms of installation and maintenance, then choose an electric fireplace. Finally, if you are looking for something just as easy, economical, and eco-friendly as an electric fireplace but want full independence from a power supply so you can place it even outdoors, the bioethanol fireplace is for you!
In any case here at Skroutz you will find a variety of options from reliable suppliers in the field for every taste. And don't forget all the necessary accessories you will need after choosing the right fireplace for you.
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