ᐅ Fireplace, Chimney, General Information, Examples of Fireplace Types and Their Advantages
Created on: 8 Sep 2012 10:54
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BauexperteB
Bauexperte8 Sep 2012 10:54Where there is a fire burning in the fireplace, you want to sit down right away and relax. That’s why fireplaces and stoves are at the top of many wish lists.
General rule: Every fireplace needs a flue. A fireplace without a flue—that is, a chimney—is not a real fireplace. Although there are bioethanol fireplaces that work without exhaust venting, they produce no smoke and therefore, according to legal regulations (§2 8 Musterbauverordnung MBO), are not classified as fireplaces. The chimney sweep supervises how the flue must be constructed. He is responsible for the official structural inspection.
Fireplaces for coziness
5 steps to your own fireplace
A fireplace used only for the crackling effect no longer meets today’s environmental and health standards and should be avoided. An open fireplace without a door is still allowed for occasional use, but its fine dust emissions and ecological footprint are so damaging that regulations will ban them entirely starting in 2024. From then on, every fireplace must have a door, a fine dust filter, and proper emission values as specified by the regulation known as BImSchV. A door that safely contains the fire is, therefore, mandatory. However, there are ways to preserve the visual appeal of the flames and maintain the cozy atmosphere.
Example: Glass fireplace
Rule of thumb: The more of the fire you can see, the higher the comfort level. That’s why a fireplace with a large glass front feels more inviting than one with a small viewing window. The most comforting effect is achieved with a fireplace featuring glass on three sides—here the flames resemble a campfire.
Tip: Fireplaces with glass panels that have no visible handles—such as those that are recessed—make the fire appear even more authentic. Models with sliding glass doors, either vertically or sideways, are available.
Example: Hanging fireplace
Originally from Scandinavia, the hanging fireplace is becoming increasingly popular here as well. Its benefits speak for themselves: The fire is positioned higher up in the room, reducing burn risk for children and pets. Another advantage is its flexibility in placement; it does not have to be in a corner and can be hung centrally to provide warmth all around. This type of fireplace is also considered back-friendly since there is no need to bend over when adding wood or cleaning.
Example: Danish fireplace
In just a few years, the Danish fireplace has become a classic. It is an evolution of the traditional stove, featuring a larger viewing window for enhanced coziness. It also includes modern technology, such as self-closing doors and a combustion chamber that improves efficiency. The Danish fireplace is not permanently installed and can be moved if necessary. There is a wide range of models: some rotate, some include an additional heating plate, some operate with pellets, others with gas, and some can burn wood as well as brown or hard coal.
Tip: When choosing this fireplace, ensure it has good heat regulation. Overheating is common due to oversized models. Today, Danish fireplaces designed for rooms with low heating demand are also available.
Fireplaces as a heating system
Modern homes use fireplaces not only to warm the living room and soul but also to heat the entire house. Various systems are available for this purpose, though they always require special piping and energy supply systems in addition to the fireplace itself. Below are some of the most common fireplace heating systems.
Example: Pellet stove
For energy-efficient houses or low-energy homes, a fireplace fueled by pellets—or gas—is suitable. Pellets, specifically wood pellets, are made from wood waste such as sawdust. Compared to regular firewood logs, pellets offer higher efficiency and burn longer with the same amount of fuel. To heat an entire house, the fireplace must connect to the hot water system. A disadvantage is the complex installation process, and such a fireplace is usually classified as a stove and often less focused on aesthetics. Pellet fireplaces typically feature smaller front windows than wood-burning models, so the crackling coziness is less pronounced. The advantage is that a whole-house heating fireplace is better for the environment and reduces household costs.
If the system is to work efficiently, the fireplace acting as the main heating source requires a hot water storage tank with a capacity of 1,000 liters (approximately 264 gallons). Ideal is a solar panel system on the roof that heats the water in summer, while the fireplace provides heat in winter. The solar installation does not have to be near the fireplace; it can be located in the basement while the actual fireplace is in the living room.
Example: Gas fireplace
A clever version of a heating fireplace is the gas fireplace that still feels like a cozy fireplace. This modern design places the flames behind a glass door, maximizing comfort. Inside is a sophisticated ventilation heating system that can distribute warmth throughout the house. Gas offers additional benefits: the fireplace stays clean, so does the air. Gas produces almost no fine dust, and the efficiency is quite good—at least 70 percent. Gas fireplaces run on natural gas or propane, and even a portable liquid gas canister with up to 11 kilograms (24 pounds) is allowed, providing approximately 25 hours of operation.
Example: Tiled stove
Tip: Fireplaces in tests
The classic among fireplaces is the tiled stove, also known as the masonry heater. It is a powerful single heat source—depending on the design, a tiled stove stays warm for 12 to 24 hours and creates a comfortable atmosphere. It can be fueled with wood, pellets, or coal. Today, tiled stoves with viewing windows are available, so you don’t have to forego the campfire effect. The tiled stove is known for its particularly pleasant warmth because its radiant heat is evenly distributed and does not disturb the room’s air layers. Its efficiency is also impressive, as it burns fuel completely.
Source: Schöner Wohnen 08.09.12
Photo: mcz
General rule: Every fireplace needs a flue. A fireplace without a flue—that is, a chimney—is not a real fireplace. Although there are bioethanol fireplaces that work without exhaust venting, they produce no smoke and therefore, according to legal regulations (§2 8 Musterbauverordnung MBO), are not classified as fireplaces. The chimney sweep supervises how the flue must be constructed. He is responsible for the official structural inspection.
Fireplaces for coziness
5 steps to your own fireplace
- Every fireplace requires a flue. The chimney sweep is responsible.
- If there is no available flue, a chimney builder will install a new one.
- The stove fitter knows which models are suitable, depending on the construction of the house.
- The fireplace is installed.
- The chimney sweep carries out the final inspection.
A fireplace used only for the crackling effect no longer meets today’s environmental and health standards and should be avoided. An open fireplace without a door is still allowed for occasional use, but its fine dust emissions and ecological footprint are so damaging that regulations will ban them entirely starting in 2024. From then on, every fireplace must have a door, a fine dust filter, and proper emission values as specified by the regulation known as BImSchV. A door that safely contains the fire is, therefore, mandatory. However, there are ways to preserve the visual appeal of the flames and maintain the cozy atmosphere.
Example: Glass fireplace
Rule of thumb: The more of the fire you can see, the higher the comfort level. That’s why a fireplace with a large glass front feels more inviting than one with a small viewing window. The most comforting effect is achieved with a fireplace featuring glass on three sides—here the flames resemble a campfire.
Tip: Fireplaces with glass panels that have no visible handles—such as those that are recessed—make the fire appear even more authentic. Models with sliding glass doors, either vertically or sideways, are available.
Example: Hanging fireplace
Originally from Scandinavia, the hanging fireplace is becoming increasingly popular here as well. Its benefits speak for themselves: The fire is positioned higher up in the room, reducing burn risk for children and pets. Another advantage is its flexibility in placement; it does not have to be in a corner and can be hung centrally to provide warmth all around. This type of fireplace is also considered back-friendly since there is no need to bend over when adding wood or cleaning.
Example: Danish fireplace
In just a few years, the Danish fireplace has become a classic. It is an evolution of the traditional stove, featuring a larger viewing window for enhanced coziness. It also includes modern technology, such as self-closing doors and a combustion chamber that improves efficiency. The Danish fireplace is not permanently installed and can be moved if necessary. There is a wide range of models: some rotate, some include an additional heating plate, some operate with pellets, others with gas, and some can burn wood as well as brown or hard coal.
Tip: When choosing this fireplace, ensure it has good heat regulation. Overheating is common due to oversized models. Today, Danish fireplaces designed for rooms with low heating demand are also available.
Fireplaces as a heating system
Modern homes use fireplaces not only to warm the living room and soul but also to heat the entire house. Various systems are available for this purpose, though they always require special piping and energy supply systems in addition to the fireplace itself. Below are some of the most common fireplace heating systems.
Example: Pellet stove
For energy-efficient houses or low-energy homes, a fireplace fueled by pellets—or gas—is suitable. Pellets, specifically wood pellets, are made from wood waste such as sawdust. Compared to regular firewood logs, pellets offer higher efficiency and burn longer with the same amount of fuel. To heat an entire house, the fireplace must connect to the hot water system. A disadvantage is the complex installation process, and such a fireplace is usually classified as a stove and often less focused on aesthetics. Pellet fireplaces typically feature smaller front windows than wood-burning models, so the crackling coziness is less pronounced. The advantage is that a whole-house heating fireplace is better for the environment and reduces household costs.
If the system is to work efficiently, the fireplace acting as the main heating source requires a hot water storage tank with a capacity of 1,000 liters (approximately 264 gallons). Ideal is a solar panel system on the roof that heats the water in summer, while the fireplace provides heat in winter. The solar installation does not have to be near the fireplace; it can be located in the basement while the actual fireplace is in the living room.
Example: Gas fireplace
A clever version of a heating fireplace is the gas fireplace that still feels like a cozy fireplace. This modern design places the flames behind a glass door, maximizing comfort. Inside is a sophisticated ventilation heating system that can distribute warmth throughout the house. Gas offers additional benefits: the fireplace stays clean, so does the air. Gas produces almost no fine dust, and the efficiency is quite good—at least 70 percent. Gas fireplaces run on natural gas or propane, and even a portable liquid gas canister with up to 11 kilograms (24 pounds) is allowed, providing approximately 25 hours of operation.
Example: Tiled stove
Tip: Fireplaces in tests
The classic among fireplaces is the tiled stove, also known as the masonry heater. It is a powerful single heat source—depending on the design, a tiled stove stays warm for 12 to 24 hours and creates a comfortable atmosphere. It can be fueled with wood, pellets, or coal. Today, tiled stoves with viewing windows are available, so you don’t have to forego the campfire effect. The tiled stove is known for its particularly pleasant warmth because its radiant heat is evenly distributed and does not disturb the room’s air layers. Its efficiency is also impressive, as it burns fuel completely.
Source: Schöner Wohnen 08.09.12
Photo: mcz
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