Aesthetic and Practical Benefits for Truly Efficient Heating
For centuries, the open fireplace was the only means of home heating. While it can be cost-effective, especially for those living near forests with easy access to free wood, the traditional open hearth has very low efficiency and is more of a decorative element than a functional heating source.
Today, technology has advanced significantly, and more people are choosing to convert their old fireplaces into thermo-fireplaces, ensuring maximum comfort throughout the home.
Here are 2 compelling reasons to consider this transformation:
1. Open Fireplaces Are Inefficient
As for thermal output, the open hearth fireplace is not very efficient. Most of the heat produced by burning wood escapes through the chimney and the little heat that spreads into the environment is uneven and limited to the spaces near the fireplace. With a traditional fireplace, therefore, you can only heat the room where the hearth is located or, more likely, a portion of it.
Open fireplaces have a very low efficiency, around 15–30%, due to the dispersion of heat in the flue. These values are much lower than those of closed-hearth fireplaces, which have an efficiency of 80–90% and can also be ducted to heat rooms located on different floors.
2. An open hearth fireplace must always be monitored
The open mouth of the hearth, typical of open-flame fireplaces, allows you to admire the crackling of the burning wood. The absence of a glass or any other form of protection is not an advantage—in fact, it's a risk! During combustion, it is possible for small particles of burning ash to escape from the hearth and fall on the floor or furniture. That’s why it is essential to constantly monitor the fire, when the fireplace is lit, to avoid unpleasant domestic accidents.
By installing a thermo-fireplace or an insert, you don’t have this problem. Here the brazier is protected by tempered glass that completely closes the hearth, preventing ash and dust from escaping. A thermo-fireplace is safe—something to seriously consider especially if you have or plan to have children in the house.
