In most regions of our country, winters are quite severe, so the issue of home heating is one of the key issues for owners of country houses and dachas.
air-heated fireplace
Of all the heating structures for a summer house or country house, a fireplace perhaps evokes the warmest associations.
It brings a special atmosphere of comfort, creates a homely mood, but at the same time, in its classic design, it does not have the highest efficiency. Because of this, many people believe that heating a home with a fireplace is an expensive pleasure. An air-heated fireplace can heat even a large home. To do this, you just need to change the standard heat transfer scheme and implement convection. We will talk about how to do this with your own hands in this article.
Principle of operation
The key to an air-heated fireplace is the casing and ductwork throughout the home.
Principle of operation
The thermal casing of the fireplace not only accumulates heat, but also allows it to be redistributed in the desired direction. This minor detail greatly improves the efficiency of heating a room with a fireplace and increases its efficiency.
The convection method of heating a room works on the simplest laws of physics. The warm air that comes from the lower pipes rises and heats the room.
Fireplace with air jacket
Thanks to a special liner located in the firebox, the air is heated. In this case, the liner is surrounded by pipes that are connected to the pipe distribution. Due to the operation of fans, warm air begins to move and quickly moves around the room, heating it.
Diagram of air heating in the fireplace
Also, air movement can occur not due to forced ventilation, but due to the force of gravitational attraction. The temperature difference between cold and hot gas ensures air movement throughout the room.
But in this case, the number of pipe turns should be minimal, otherwise the gravity system will not be able to ensure natural air circulation.
Circulation of warm air in the house
Thus, the operation of a convection fireplace is realized in two ways:
- The upward flow from the fireplace insert lifts warm air to the top of the room.
- A downdraft, on the contrary, directs cooler air towards the firebox.
If the owner is faced with the task of heating a large house using one standard fireplace, then he will have to make a more complex air duct circuit, where hot air will be supplied to the rooms due to the operation of fans.
Scheme of operation of air heating in the house
With the correct organization of the system and strict compliance with all the laws of physics, with the help of one fireplace with an air casing, you can heat even a two-story house.
Self-installation
Modern lightweight models are standardized and therefore do not require much effort during installation. You will need a standard set of tools, minimal skills, and some free time.
Fireplace installation
Before installation, it is necessary to equip a non-combustible base made of steel sheet or ceramics.
Further according to the manufacturer's instructions:
- Install the fireplace level strictly vertically.
- Connect the heat exchanger to the heating system pipes.
- Mount the chimney and attach it to the firebox.
- Fill with water.
- Add half the fuel and light it up.
Connection to radiators
The aqua fireplace is compatible with both open and closed heating systems. For the main line, choose a pipe of at least 1.5 inches. It is mounted with a constant slope of at least 5 degrees. Radiators are connected with 1/2-3/4 inch taps.
Chimney installation and connection to the fireplace
The connection can be at the top or rear of the firebox.
The following rules must be observed:
- The diameter of the chimney must be equal to or larger than the outlet in the fireplace.
- A damper must be installed on the chimney.
- Horizontal sections cannot be more than 1 meter.
- The height of the chimney must correspond to the passport height.
- Intersections with ceilings and walls are insulated with non-combustible materials.
- There should be a revision on the chimney to remove soot, and at the bottom there should be a receiving bowl for condensate.
Advantages of an air-heated fireplace
What is the advantage of the convection type of heat exchange compared to the standard fireplace design? Let's look at this issue in more detail:
- An ordinary fireplace, without any additional devices, works according to the standard scheme: the heat in it is maintained exactly until the firewood burns.
Fireplace with closed firebox
This is precisely what calls into question the efficiency of such a unit in modern living conditions. If you increase the flow of additional air into the fireplace insert, this will help improve the combustion process and ensure its stable operation. The introduction of air heating into the fireplace reduces fuel consumption by 20%.
- Smoke exhaust ducts are necessary to remove combustion products. But if, in addition to arranging these pipes, additional channels were laid into which air heated by convection would flow, they would provide an additional increase in temperature.
Fireplace with water and air heating
An air fireplace enclosure helps raise the temperature in your home in several ways:
- Radiation - direct heating of air from an open firebox in a fireplace.
- Heat transfer - heating the walls of the fireplace and direct transfer of hot air into the room.
- Convection is the process of mixing cold and hot air flows in a house.
Fireplace with water and air heating
The only point that needs to be taken into account when arranging a fireplace with air heating is planning such a device at the stage of building a house. This is directly related to the thickness of the walls of the house and the features of their construction.
Air-heated fireplace in detail
The air fireplace operates on a closed firebox. Many manufacturers immediately offer ready-made kits with a casing, which are a mono block. There are gaps inside through which air passes repeatedly.
In terms of cost, an air fireplace is much cheaper than a similar unit with a water circuit. At the same time, it is in no way inferior in efficiency and heat transfer, if, of course, the ventilation wiring is done correctly.
Typical diagram of connecting a fireplace to a heating system
A feature of fireplaces with a water circuit is double heat transfer: first, the firebox heats the water, and then the radiator heats the air itself. Here, instantaneous heat transfer occurs due to convection currents.
Forced convection allows you to change the heating radius from 3 meters to 10 meters. Also, using convection, you can change the climatic conditions of your home by increasing or decreasing humidity.
Of course, this method will require additional financial investments, but it will ensure an optimal level of comfort in a country house.
Microclimate in the house
Manufacturers of fireplace inserts
Conventionally, all metal fireplace inserts can be divided into three price categories: cheap, middle segment and expensive. In the expensive segment, the differences between the units are minimal. The quality is usually high. The choice is influenced by aesthetics and the availability of technological innovations. But, in general, there is no big difference here. But if you are looking in the middle price range or among the cheap ones, for the same price (or comparable) you can find units of different quality.
What is more interesting to look at?
German, Austrian, Danish and Swedish
Fireplace inserts from the northern part of Europe are today market leaders. Yes, their products are not cheap, to put it mildly. Or rather, dear. But these fireboxes serve for a very long time and do not cause any complaints. There is not much difference between manufacturers here. Choose by characteristics and appearance. Real indicators correspond to the declared ones. One piece of advice: Read the instruction manual (entirely) before purchasing. They are usually on the Internet. There may be points on operating features. If you are satisfied with everything, you can safely buy.
- Brunner Bruner (Germany, Bavaria). There are fireboxes made of steel and cast iron. There are wide ones - from a meter or more in width, there are narrow and tall ones - 569 cm wide and 1530 cm high. In general, there is something for every taste. Price - from 2500 € to 5500 €.
- Schmid Schmidt (Germany). Cast iron fireboxes with different types of glass: straight, angular, round, prismatic. You can choose the color of the doors and their design option: anthracite, gold plated or chrome plated. A narrow frame around the perimeter of the glass, the entire door frame, and the entire visible part of the firebox can be finished.
For example, a list of features of the German fireplace insert Schmid Pano 55 h - Spartherm Spartherm (Germany). It produces not only wood burning stoves. There are options for coal briquettes, gas, and with a water circuit. There are options with air supply from indoors or outdoors. The new line - GET - has a small installation depth. These are rare. If desired, you can order production according to your own parameters.
- Jotul Jotul (Norway). Cast iron inserts for fireplaces of various sizes and power. Combustion thought out to the subtleties, which allows you to completely burn wood even at low heat.
- Lotys Lotus (Denmark). Steel fireboxes with an official 10-year warranty. The appearance is simple and elegant. Beautiful combustion, guaranteed clean glass, easy cleaning.
- Keddy is a solid, thick-walled cast iron fireplace. No seams or seals between parts. Small in size, wall-mounted and in a corner.
If we talk about this price category, then all fireplace inserts in this class burn wood to ashes. This is due not only to fuel efficiency, but also to the need to adhere to environmental standards. All of these countries have strict controls on carbon emissions into the atmosphere. And its level will be low if it burns in the firebox.
Polish and Czech
If your best fireplace insert is in the middle price range, pay attention to Czech or Polish factories. They produce good heating equipment with good characteristics. They have models that look similar to expensive German or Swiss ones. There are certainly differences, but the prices differ more. There are many manufacturers, and the reviews are normal. It is important to accurately imagine the features that await you. In addition to those listed below, these are Czech ABX, Romotop, Supra, Liseo; Slovenian LK and others.
The Czech company Romotop (Romotop) produces good fireplace inserts
Nordflam (Nordflam)
The Polish company Ekkom produces cast iron and steel fireplace inserts under the Nordflam brand. Price segment: cheap. There are very simple models for 290-350 € (Capri, Corno - can also be heated with coal, Kaldo). This is a firebox with a door without any special bells and whistles. The most expensive ones from Nordflame cost 1000-1300 € (La Braise with almost bottom combustion, Modesto). Between these poles there are about 20 models at a price of 500-750 €, differing in size, shape, and power. What’s nice is that the designs are very different - from classics with curved shapes (Arona) to ultra-modern ones with frameless glass (Elbrus). And the prices are quite affordable.
The prefix “eco” means complete combustion of wood. In practice, this means complete combustion of firewood and low consumption.
In assortment:
- corner;
- with two and three-sided glazing;
- glass with or without frame;
- possibility of air intake from the street (almost all models);
- with water heat exchanger;
- lining with cast iron removable plates or heat-resistant material (for more expensive models).
Efficiency is 60-75% depending on the model (60% for the cheapest ones). Built-in gate, normal-sized handles that are easy to grip with gloves. Sealing glass and doors with cord. In general, for the low price segment, Nordflam are very good fireboxes. Proof: 7-year warranty.
Kratki
Another Polish manufacturer produces fireplace inserts Kratki. Some believe that the best fireplace insert in the mid-price category is the Polish Kratki. The main price range is 450-600€. Good metal is used in production (both cast iron and steel are normal). There are wood-burning, gas and water-based ones. Power - from 8 kW to 24 kW. The main advantage is the adjustment of the degree of door pressure, which is rarely implemented. Thoughtful shape, good traction. In terms of external design, it’s quite modest, but not bad.
Popular fireplaces with corner glass today
When burning, the glass smokes, so you have to wash it often. But when using dry firewood and proper installation (not too large and massive portal), everything is much better. The most popular model from this manufacturer, Kratki Nadia, is a small fireplace, which is often purchased for summer cottages. Its cost is about 350 €, which makes it a leader in this segment. The Zuzia series has a good price/quality ratio, like many other models.
Different models from Kratki, different prices, different characteristics and appearance (Basia, Maja 12 Deco, Amalia Lux)
If we talk about the main lines, they are good for their price. Thought out to the smallest detail and tested. New ones often need some work. If you want to purchase something more modern in design, look at other manufacturers. But if the best fireplace insert for you is one with a classic design, “Kratki” is truly a worthy choice.
Kaw-Met (Kaw Met)
If you need a good budget fireplace insert, look at the products of the Kaw-Met company (KavMet or Kav Met). Of the budget options, these are some of the most worthy. With a low price tag - 500-900 €, they have all the signs of good fireboxes. Unfortunately, you won’t get perfectly clean glass, but yes, a good fireplace for little money.
One of the Kaw-Met corner fireplace inserts with double-sided glass
Their advantages are:
- greater wall thickness than analogues in the same price category;
- good sealing (door, glass);
- convenient locking mechanism;
- built-in gate (with adjustment on the body in front);
- smooth cast iron (better to see because it is different from the usual);
- It is possible to supply air from the street.
Several models of Kaw-Met fireplace inserts
But not everything is so good. There is an air supply along the glass (not in all models), but these are just adjustable slits. That is, the glass will smoke. On average, it needs to be cleaned after 4-6 fireboxes; a load of firewood burns for 2-3 hours. So if for constant heating, you will look at the fire through a coating. The problem will be partially solved by using dry firewood. On the other hand, this is always the case in budget models. They cannot have complete combustion; the temperature is insufficient, so the glass always smokes. Many consider the best inexpensive fireplace insert to be KavMet.
French
The countries of central and southern Europe have long been heated not with stoves, but with hearths and fireplaces. Their winters are not so severe, so there was enough warmth. It is not surprising that they have a lot of developments in fireplace inserts, as do the companies that produce them. Not everything is represented on our market, but there is enough choice. French and Italian fireboxes (Italian ones are less common in Russia) occupy the middle part of the price range. Their equipment costs 1.5-4 thousand euros. Of course, there are some more expensive and some cheaper. In terms of quality, they also occupy an average position. Better than budget ones, but not up to excellent quality (deliberately, I must say, not up to par).
Invicta
The French factory Invicta specializes in the manufacture of cast iron stoves and fireplace inserts. The cast iron is poured ourselves, which gives certain quality guarantees. The price range is average - 1000-1500 €. In cheaper models, air supply is implemented through the grate, in more expensive ones - from above. They are designed for many hours of use, as the French use them to warm themselves all autumn and winter. The warranty period is 5 years, but the campaign claims that the service life is one generation. But this is in France - they don’t fill the fireplace to capacity with wood. Invicta is often considered the best fireplace insert in its range.
Some models include a firewood limiter
Design feature - there is no upper damper. The door is lined in a circle with heat-resistant ceramic cord. The locking handle is designed in such a way that it additionally presses the door against the body. The design of all models is thought out, parts are adjusted, joints are sealed with sealant. There is a smoke tooth at the top of the firebox to improve draft and protect the chimney from fire.
There are removable cast iron lining plates; the walls have stiffening ribs, which also increase heat transfer. The firebox is sloped towards the grate, so that the coals roll off, which improves the air supply, and the firewood burns to ash. The air supply is metered, combustion is regulated. The option is really worthy.
An example of one line in different designs - narrow and tall, classic shape and wide
If we talk about appearance, the design is more classic. Interestingly, in each line there are models with almost square glass (700 and 800), tall (600) and wide (1000) models. Here they are, with the appropriate design, they can look very modern. There may be two options for opening the doors - classic hinges for opening to the right or left, as well as lifting the door up (guillotine fireplaces). The lifting mechanism is made on the basis of a chain.
Air-heated fireplace design
Traditionally, an air fireplace consists of the following elements:
- Fireplace insert.
- Portal.
- Air pipes that increase the thermal efficiency of the unit.
- A fireplace mantle that distributes heat.
- Fan.
- Filter.
- Ventilation grates.
- Firebox stand.
- Distributor and air tees.
The advantage of such heating is that it can be implemented in areas remote from the benefits of civilization. Where electricity is not provided. And at the same time, one fireplace can heat a fairly large house with several rooms.
Air hood for fireplace
The presence of two floors will require adding a special pump to the standard arrangement of an air fireplace, which will perform forced circulation of warm air.
Air heat exchange occurs in a closed cycle.
DIY making
Construction of a fireplace without relevant experience is possible if you have detailed drawings indicating the order of laying bricks. First, a concrete foundation is poured or it is laid out from blocks to the level of the subfloor. Waterproofing from roofing felt is installed on top.
It is advisable to use fireclay products for the firebox. The heat exchanger is preferably made of cast iron, but a welded pipe register with a wall thickness of at least 4 mm is suitable. The connections of the heat exchanger with the heating pipes must be located outside the firebox.
The rest is built from refractory bricks with clay mortar. After forming the vault, a chimney is mounted on top. It can be built without pipes from bricks at the back of the fireplace on its own foundation.
Before igniting after completion of construction, you must wait two weeks. Then fill the system with water. Carry out the first fire in a gentle mode, gradually increasing the flame.
Features of designing a fireplace with a casing
Whatever configuration, power and size you intend to implement a fireplace, a prerequisite for convection heat exchange is the installation of fans. With standard heating of a house by a fireplace, air circulation will be carried out only due to the temperature difference (air density).
Algorithm for air movement in the casing
Naturally, the efficiency of such convection is extremely low. When creating artificial convection, the intensity of the fireplace will be created by the direction of air flows.
The location of the fans is also of great importance. The main feature of this design is the location in such a way that they supply cold air from below, and not from the inside. Otherwise, the reverse process may occur.
We should not forget about the noise threshold in the room. When arranging a fireplace, it must be minimized, otherwise, despite the heat emitted by the heating device, it will be extremely uncomfortable to be in the room.
Having decided to install a fireplace with air heating at the dacha, I would immediately like to warn you that this is not an easy undertaking. If you are an absolute beginner in this matter, then it is better to order a diagram of the location of the fan and pipes from a specialist.
System elements
The principle of creating such a design is as follows: cold air is taken from below by fans and goes to the firebox, where it is heated to the required temperature. Then it enters the walls and passes through special channels into the facing casing of the chimney.
Air movement in the casing
The metal chimney also, in turn, produces heat, increasing the efficiency of the fireplace. Here, maximum circulation of hot air occurs, which, under the influence of a fan, is directed into the room.
Video. How to correctly calculate air heating
For the design of this heating system, a closed firebox is suitable, which accumulates and retains heat as much as possible. Such a heating system allows you to achieve a maximum efficiency of 80-85%.
In order to achieve maximum design efficiency, it is necessary to minimize the network of pipes, channels and the number of their bends. If the length of the pipe does not exceed 3 meters and does not have many bends, then natural circulation may be sufficient. With other parameters, you cannot do without additional fans.
Air ducts are best made of steel or aluminum.
Important! An important element when planning an air fireplace heating system is the layout of the house. If the house has two floors, then you will most likely need several fans. For a one-story house with a horizontal pipe outlet, one fan will be enough.
Diagram of air heating in the fireplace
Popular models and their costs
Angara Aqua
Power 16 kW, dimensions 104 x 70 x 45 cm, weight 205 kg, cost from 32,000 rubles.
A characteristic feature is the convection grille in the upper part. Designed for accelerated heating of ambient air.
Prices for the Angara Aqua fireplace model
hangara aqua
Pechora Aqua
Power 18 kW, dimensions 104 x 75 x 49 cm, from 40,000 rubles.
The firebox is lined from the inside with a refractory lining. The prismatic side walls are decorated with ceramics. The convection niche is enlarged and can be used to heat food instead of a microwave.
Prices for the Pechora Aqua fireplace model
pechora aqua
MBS Thermo Vesta plus
Power 11 kW, dimensions 89 x 46 x 44 cm, 42,650 rub.
A diverse range of models is achieved by the capabilities of high-quality cast iron casting of component parts. The decent-sized upper platform allows you to boil a kettle or even prepare a simple dish. In this case, there is no heat exchanger.
Prices for the MBS Thermo Vesta plus fireplace model
MBS Thermo Vesta plus
EcoFireplace Alsace
Power 11 kW, made in Germany, dimensions 97 x 145 x 49 cm, RUB 189,900.
The external beauty and versatility of using tiles for external cladding are captivating. But it is completely unclear how the declared 80% efficiency is achieved. There are no water heat exchangers.
EcoFireplace Bavaria with stove and heat exchanger
Power 11 kW, dimensions 945 x 710 x 540 mm, RUB 47,200.
Increasing the volume of the firebox in width made it possible to obtain increased thermal power. This created enough space for the location of the cooking zones. A convenient option for small country houses with a combined kitchen-dining room. The prismatic glass facade heats almost the entire room.
MBS VULKAN
Power 17 kW, dimensions 85 x 48 x 60 cm, 66,440 rub.
A powerful, squat stove, solid and reliable.
La Nordica Termo Cucinotta
Power 9.1 kW, dimensions 68 x 86 x 65 cm, from RUB 178,400.
Italians are recognized trendsetters not only in clothing and shoes. Some fireplace models are worthy of installation in a royal palace. The advertised system of “tertiary combustion” of fuel may raise doubts among a professional boilermaker. At the same time, the declared efficiency of 78.8% is quite realistic in the presence of a water heat exchanger.
Basic rules for installing a fireplace with air heating
It is best to install a fireplace fan in a utility room. Firstly, this will allow not to disturb the aesthetics of the interior, and secondly, it will reduce the noise threshold created by the operating device.
Important! The operation of such a fireplace requires a particularly careful approach. Due to the constant operation of the fan, soot accumulates on the filter, which must be constantly cleaned. Otherwise, the efficiency of such a fireplace may be significantly reduced.
To avoid noise when the fireplace is operating, choose a pipe diameter with a round cross-section. For such a heating system to work effectively, each room must have a ventilation hole with a grille. Therefore, design must take place at the stage of building a house, otherwise it will take a lot of effort and time to equip an air fireplace in the house.
Anemostats or closed diffusers help to warm the room from all sides. The shape of the diffuser can be round or square; this does not affect the functionality of the system in any way.
Diffuser
The heating system with an air fireplace is suitable for the entire house, except for rooms where separate ventilation is provided: bathroom, toilet, kitchen. If you omit this factor, the warm air circulation system in the house may be disrupted.
The convection chamber of the fireplace is made of plasterboard, and the frame is made of galvanized profile.
To prevent heat from entering the ceiling, it is necessary to provide a cutoff.
Thermal cut-off under the ceiling
This ensures uniform pressure, ventilation in the system and maximum fire safety, helping to prevent fires. To do this, heating with an air fireplace must take into account certain safety measures not only during operation, but also at the stage of construction of the unit.
Let's look at the key points of the arrangement:
- The fireplace insert must stand on a sturdy stand made of brick.
- The foundation for the fireplace must be separate from the main foundation of the house.
- The system must be covered with plasterboard sheets.
- Air ducts must be routed throughout the house.
- The air duct assembly must be located in the technical room.
Let's look at the main advantages of a casing for an air fireplace:
- Increased efficiency. Compared to a conventional fireplace, which provides an efficiency of 30-40%, air heating increases productivity up to 80-85%, depending on the duct and pipe arrangement system.
- Fuel consumption is reduced by 20%. Even after the solid fuel has completely died out, warm air continues to move around the room.
Air heating operation diagram
- Using hot smoke. If in a standard home heating system with a fireplace, the chimney pipe is used only as a removal of combustion products, then here the metal casing provides additional heating to the room, releasing warm air into the room.
- The maximum gas temperature during combustion is 1700C. Do you agree that it is very irrational not to use this resource? A special air duct, which is equipped with an air fireplace, ensures the circulation of hot air throughout the house.
Video. Heating your home with an air fireplace
The listed advantages of such a heating system speak very eloquently about the need to implement this project.
How to choose and what to pay attention to?
The tips are as follows:
- Pay attention to power and efficiency . The indicators are indicated in the technical specifications of the model. Power is determined in cubic centimeters: how much volume the stove can heat. The higher it is, the more productive the device. The same applies to efficiency - the higher the percentage, the longer the heat in the room is retained.
- Case material . Stoves are made of cast iron, steel, brick. There are combined models. When choosing, you should start from your personal beliefs, since all materials have only positive qualities.
- Burning duration . The minimum heating time from one stack of firewood is 4 hours. Good models are able to maintain heat in a room without refueling for 12 hours.
- Type of fuel . Fireplace stoves consume wood, coal or peat briquettes. The choice in favor of a specific type of fuel depends on the preferences and financial capabilities of the person.
- Chimney diameter . The wider the element, the better the combustion products are removed. A good option is a chimney with a diameter of 14 cm.
Choosing the right fireplace for air heating
Having decided to install air heating in a house, it is very important not only to develop a competent project diagram, but also to choose the right fireplace.
The standard system for choosing a fireplace for your home will not work in this case. Traditionally, we choose the power of the firebox based on the area of the room, but other rules will apply here.
The fact is that a firebox that is too powerful will lead to overheating of the room, in which the owners will simply feel uncomfortable staying. You will have to constantly monitor the amount of firewood, ventilate the room, which will require additional hassle and can lead to colds, etc.
Calculation table for fireplace power
To correctly calculate the power of a fireplace, it is necessary to take into account not only the area of the room, but also the number of rooms, floors in the house, the number of windows and the type of ventilation system.
No. 4. Kratki KOZA K7
Fig 4. Cast iron stove Kratki KOZA K7
The smallest oven on our list. Kratki KOZA K7 is chosen for heating 1-2 rooms with an area of up to 50 sq.m. Made entirely of cast iron, has a combustion door with glass.
Like the older K9 model, the KOZA K7 has a removable handle. And also a long burning mode, which allows you to save wood. We have listed all the facts, speculation and common sense about long-term combustion here.
You can find out the price and detailed characteristics of the Kratki KOZA K7 stove at the link:
Recommendations for use and care
The use of fire in the house clearly implies increased attention to fire safety. In addition to the wood box, a bucket of sand and a fire extinguisher would also be useful next to the fireplace.
The maintenance method is practically no different from traditional methods:
- periodically monitor the water level or pressure;
- Clean the chimney of soot twice a year;
- remove ash regularly;
- wipe the fireplace glass with special liquids;
- Before the seasonal start-up, inspect the pipe connections;
- In winter, before leaving your country house, drain the water from all pipes.
