How to choose a wood-burning fireplace?
A wood-burning fireplace is a classic of heating in Montenegrin homes, where wood is still the most common fuel. Today most people choose closed fireplaces, an insert or a cassette, which are built into a wall or surround and heat much better than an open hearth. Before choosing it is worth checking the power, the chimney and the build quality, because a wood fireplace is bought for years. Here is what to look at, and the whole range is one click away.
- 01
Choose a closed fireplace instead of an open hearth
An open hearth is beautiful, but most of the heat goes up the chimney and only a small part returns to the room. A closed fireplace with glass doors, an insert or a cassette, has an efficiency of over 65% and heats far more efficiently with the same amount of wood. An insert is built into an existing wall or niche, and a cassette into a fireplace surround. If you are choosing a fireplace to heat, a closed model is almost always the better choice.
- 02
Match the power to the space
Allow about 1 kW for every 10 m² of well-insulated space, so for a living room of 30 to 40 m² look for a fireplace of about 3 to 5 kW. An oversized fireplace in a small space chokes and runs at half power, dirties the glass and uses more wood. If the space is open to a hallway or an upper floor, count on a larger volume to heat.
- 03
Check the chimney and the draught
A wood fireplace works only as well as its chimney allows. The flue diameter should match the fireplace, most often about 150 to 200 mm, with enough height and a good draught. If the chimney isn't suitable, you get smoke in the room, weak heating and soot on the glass. With older chimneys a liner often has to be fitted, so talk to a professional before buying.
- 04
Burn dry wood and plan for maintenance
Efficiency and clean glass depend most on the wood. Burn only dry wood with a moisture content below 20%, because damp wood gives less heat, dirties the glass and clogs the chimney. The chimney and firebox should be cleaned at least once a year, and the glass and ash as needed. A quality firebox made of fireclay or cast iron lasts longer and holds heat better.
Frequently asked questions
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