Surely you have already heard about replacing bulky smoking stoves with a chimney with an environmentally friendly bio-fireplace. What it is? Many find it difficult to answer. In this article we will analyze in detail the design, its types, characteristics and advantages. And also learn how to refuel a biofireplace.
What it is?
This is a new generation heating device that can be used in any room. Its installation does not require complex installation work. During operation, the biofireplace does not emit ash, soot, smoke, ash. He does not have an extract, since the flame is formed due to pure organic biofuel. All that is required to install the structure is a small free space in the room, be it a corner, a wall or a shelf, on which a biofireplace can be placed. Also, the heater can be located in the center of the room.
A few words about the occurrence
When the biofireplace appeared, what is it, the Europeans were the first to know in 1977. A patent for the invention of a stove without a chimney was received by a resident of Italy, Giuseppe Lucifora, who used alcohol as a combustible material. Since that time, interest in an ecologically clean hearth began to grow steadily. The fireplace - as a fashionable room decor - was appreciated by interior designers, because it is very convenient to use, as it is not tied to electricity and communications.
In Russia, the demand for a new invention was low, since a biofireplace, the price of which was thousands of dollars, could not compete with traditional models with chimneys. Only a few years ago, autonomous hearths with biofuel began to cause interest along with electric fireplaces. And later, models appeared at an affordable price for the Russian layman (an average of 30 thousand rubles for floor and wall models).
Hearth design
Let's consider how the biofireplace is arranged, what it is and how to use it. The basic design is a firebox with an integrated tank and burners. Fuel produced for these devices is poured into a special heating unit. The flame is adjusted by a slider lid, which slides along the guides under the influence of a metal stick. It is revetted by a biofireplace with refractory glass, steel, marble or granite. Thanks to stainless steel, the heating unit is not subject to deformation at high temperature. The biased refueling system eliminates burns when adding biofuels to the tank. Due to the design of the walls, gases do not accumulate in the biofireplace, which eliminates sudden pops and explosions.
Fuel
Fire in a biofireplace is formed due to the burning of ethanol. It is made from plant materials such as wheat, rice and corn. The production process produces environmentally friendly fuels. When burned, bioethanol emits only carbon dioxide and water. Fuel does not contain any toxic products.
Biofireplaces for the apartment are heated only by a special combustion product, which is offered in the departments of construction stores. Due to the properties of fuel for modern fireplaces, the ignition of nearby objects is excluded, since during combustion the flame does not have sparks. Also, biofuels exclude the presence of volatile substances, so the body of a biofireplace always remains clean.
Combustion product consumption
It depends on which biofire burner is installed in the structure. Small desktop models burn about 200 milliliters per hour. Wall mounted devices with a long and wide burner consume up to 500 milliliters per hour. It is worth noting here that even in a small design, more fuel will be burned than in a large model that has a fire control, which, in turn, reduces flame, saving bioethanol. In this case, with the lid retracted, the fire will create peaceful fluttering flames.
When buying a biofireplace floor with a large burner, you need to know that using the hearth for a long period, it will be necessary to provide air ventilation in the room. For smaller structures, there will be enough air in the room itself, since their flame does not use a large amount of oxygen.
To ignite a biofireplace, fuel is poured into bottles of 2.5 and 5 liters. Based on the foregoing, it is possible to calculate how long ethanol burns from one container. The calculation results indicate that the combustion product in a volume of 2.5 liters will provide the fireplace with a continuous flame for ten hours. Since the biofireplace does not have a chimney, all the heat when burning fuel remains in the apartment. Such power raises efficiency by more than 95 percent and is comparable to two working electric heaters.
Benefits of using
The bio-fireplaces for the apartment are reliable and safe, which is due to the design of the heating unit and the insulation of the open fire, located in a separate area. Ethanol denatured alcohol, which melts the appliance, does not form smoke, excludes spraying of sparks, does not emit harmful substances and does not smoke.
Installing a biofireplace is extremely simple. It is enough to remove it from the package and put it in the selected place. That's all, the device can be used. The flame and its intensity in the structures are easily adjustable. The heating unit is cleaned with plain tap water. Biofireplaces are autonomous and are not tied to communications, so you can easily change their location.
A wide variety of models are on the market. You can choose a biofireplace wall, floor or built-in, as well as a mini-fireplace, located on a coffee table or shelf.
Installing a heater
A fully equipped bio fireplace is usually provided ready-made to the buyer. When freeing goods from packaging, do not damage the surface of the device and its wall with a sharp object. Insert the heating block inside the product and set the hearth in the desired place. If you have worn an outdoor biofireplace, then it must be installed at a distance of at least 3 centimeters from the wall. If the biofireplace is built into the wall, then decide in advance at what height you want to hang it. Often it is no more than 40 centimeters from the floor. For an even location, use the building level.
You can refuel a biofireplace if the fire is extinguished and the heating unit has cooled down. Fuel is added to the tank with a special pump or funnel. Watch the filling of the tank - it should be filled to a maximum of 2/3 parts. In case of ethanol splashing, wipe the drops with a dry cloth.
Care Tips
Caring for a biofireplace is easy enough. Dust is removed with an ordinary cotton cloth. A special liquid can be used to clean glass surfaces. Rinse the heating unit with hot water. Before cleaning the fireplace, the main thing is to put out the fire and wait for the hearth to cool completely. Never try to light a flame with paper, magazine, or other rapidly flammable material. Use the special lighter supplied with the fireplace for these purposes. When using the appliance, do not touch the heating elements, logs and stones.
Requirements for the room in which the biofireplace is installed
Due to the fact that the device does not require additional installation of special taps, it can be installed almost anywhere. The heater can be located in the living room, in the country, in a bar, restaurant, in the fresh air. Decorative firewood placed in the hearth is made of ceramic stone. They create the effect of natural burning logs. However, there are some requirements for the future location of the biofireplace.
If this is a dwelling, then it must be ventilated. Infiltration during operation of the device should provide the room with sufficient air volume. In a cramped space of less than 25 square meters, such as a bath or shower, it is forbidden to install a modern fireplace. If the room is isolated, it is recommended that during operation of the device open the existing doors to adjacent rooms. These measures will allow air exchange and prevent excessive accumulation of carbon dioxide in the room. In a larger room, just open the window or window. The fuel used is non-toxic and safe by inhalation. Any biofireplace, tabletop or built-in, can be used as an aromatherapy tool. Special kits containing aromatic herbs and plants are on sale.
Design Tips
Wall-mounted fireplaces are often used in rooms that are not wide enough, in which there is no place for installing large-sized models. Such devices occupy a small area. Wall biofireplaces emit not only heat, but also perform a decorative function. Here are some tips from designers on the correct location of heating devices in a small room.
If your hearth should serve as the center of the room, then select a place for it on the longest and most free wall. This will allow arranging the furniture so as not to obstruct the contemplation of the playing flame from any angle. Soft corners with cozy pillows will complement the interior with comfort and create a relaxing atmosphere.
A large biofireplace, located on the small wall of a small room, will visually expand the space and create the appearance of a spacious room.
Place family photographs on both sides of the instrument - they will attract attention and switch it to observing the flaming logs.
An existing TV plays an important role in the room. If there is a fireplace in the room, it is better to place it below the screen and turn it on when the TV is not working. It is not recommended to place them in one row.
You can hang a tapestry or a picture on the available free space above the heating device. This bright spot to match the hearth will be a great addition to the decor of your room.
Currently, the choice of biofireplaces is quite large. Models are available not only for wide rooms, but also for small rooms. This type of heating device, such as bio-fireplaces, preserves the environment and also saves your breath, providing clean air and heat.