Fireplace gives warmth during winter. It is used in countries and places where the winter is very cold and harsh. Traditionally hearth or fireplace is the central heating feature of any household during colder climate. Fireplace is generally used for heating but sometimes they are also used for cooking. In old times woods where used to light fire in the fireplace, today it is being replaced by natural gas and electricity as these are considered to be cleaner and cheaper. Fireplaces in the living room impart sophisticated and elegant look to the décor. Modern fireplaces provide a practical and easy solution to keep the houses warm and cosy during winter. There different types of fireplaces are available in the market that reflects fine blend of traditional and contemporary designs. The two most prominent options of fireplace is wood burning and gas fireplaces.

Wood-burning fireplace

In wood-burning fireplcae the wood is placed in the firebox. A component named damper is used to control the smoke ventialtion .harmful gases and particles emitted by the wood passes from the smoke chamber through the flue which is controlled by the dampner. The eight important component of wood-burning fireplace are damper, throat, chimney, smoke chamber, firbox, hearth, cap and flue.

Gas Fireplace

Gas fireplace needs no wood but natural gas. Since the burning source is gas it is operated by a swtich. Switch moderates the heat and flame height of the gas. The advantage of gas fireplace is that it produces cleaner air compared to the wood and it is more convienent. The components of the fireplace are few and chimney is not a necessary as the gas can be vented outside using exhaust fan.

Basic types of wood heating system

The design as well as the heating efficiency varies in the wood burning system. In conventional fireplaces only 10% of the energy from the wood is usable heat. While in convectional fireplaces the energy which is usable is 40%. The convectional fireplace is metal fabricated with a double wall around the firebox. Fireplace inserts is another wood heating system which has the operating efficiency of 40%.one of the most popular wood heating system is airtight stoves. The controlled air flow features for precise burning gives an efficiency rating of 55%. The franklin stoves or parlor stoves are only 25% energy efficient. The most expensive and efficeint wood heating system is the wood burning furnace. The operating efficiency is between 55% and 65%.

Fireplaces are designed to heat the room during winter and as a decorative entity during spring and summer seasons. It adds beauty and elegance to the room.

Contemporary fireplace
Modern houses have changed with the times. Traditional rural houses had huge rooms, which facilitated and at the same time required building of fireplaces to keep the house warm and comfortable. Gas and electricity have helped in doing away with...

Direct vent gas fireplace
When fireplaces were built in olden days, there had to be a foundation laid first before the fireplace was to be constructed. The chimney also had to be in place before a fireplace could be finally installed. Direct vent gas fireplaces have done...

Fireplace matches
About fireplace: - Fireplace is an appliance built into many homes, consisting of a place designed to contain an open fire. Generally used for heating, it also used sometimes for cooking. A chimney or other vent allows gas and particulate...