ᐅ Chimney for KfW 55 Energy-Efficient House

We are looking for a fireplace builder to install or build a fireplace for us.
The problem is that most sellers want to offer us a fireplace with at least 8 kW.
I have done some research, and a fireplace in a KfW house should have a maximum output of 4 kW.
It will only be used on weekends for a cozy atmosphere, maybe with a glass of wine.
Our main heating system will be a ground source heat pump.
Does anyone have recommendations for manufacturers or know any companies in the Rhine-Main area?

PS: Currently, the offers range from €5,500 to €20,000.
We want to spend a maximum of €7,000 for either a masonry fireplace or a kit.

The problem is that with a 4kW unit, you basically end up with a small fireplace – many people want three-sided fireplaces or similar sizes, which are also more powerful.

If it gets too warm, you just open the window. It’s mainly for coziness anyway, so efficiency doesn’t matter that much.

We also have an 8-9kW fireplace... The neighbor has a 15kW monster.

I’m not really an expert on masonry fireplaces, but your research is only partly correct.

How small does the chimney need to be? Most freestanding stoves start at about 6 kW, and you can find smaller ones. But as a built-in stove... that could be difficult.

On one hand, you control the output with the amount of wood you load (it’s like a car: a Ford doesn’t constantly deliver 400 horsepower, but only as much as you press the gas pedal). On the other hand, I would make sure the stove has a high heat storage capacity. You probably won’t be able to operate the stove efficiently anyway, so at least store the excess energy in the masonry.

Using only a small amount of wood is actually unhealthy for the fireplace – it’s not beneficial.

I would rather make sure that the fireplace is insulated and doesn’t retain heat – some friends of ours have done this because they only want to see the fire flickering, but aim to bring as little heat as possible into the house.

Sebastian79 schrieb:
... who just want to watch the flames flicker but prefer to bring as little heat as possible into the house.

Cozy atmosphere or not – I still don’t think that’s really appropriate...

“Honey, why don’t you start the diesel engine? I can fall asleep better when there’s some noise in the yard!”

Well, everyone has to decide for themselves.

A fireplace is basically unnecessary in our houses. So inappropriate?!?

Everyone has to decide for themselves—I wouldn’t condemn it because it doesn’t harm me.