Stoves are mostly auxiliary combustion heaters. However, today’s models are known for their performance and reliability. Thus, a good furnace alone can effectively heat a small home.
However, you may encounter some logistical difficulties, so you must take into account several criteria when choosing your fireplace. For example, procurement, fuel recharging, and the location of the stove and its connection to the flue pipe.
When buying a stove, ask yourself what type of fuel to choose.
Wood is the most well known solid fuel. Apart from wood, there is also coal, briquettes, and even maize and rice. Good hardwood must be completely dry: the humidity level must not exceed 15%. Painted or impregnated wood is not suitable because its combustion is harmful to your lungs. Besides, your insurance may be withdrawn in the event of a fire if you are found to have burned treated wood. When buying coal, you must take care of the ash content not exceeding 5%.
Gas and fuel oil
Gas stoves are available in various modern models. They are easy to use and maintain. Oil stoves have high efficiency, and you are free from unpleasant fumes and odors. Unlike wood, both fuels do not offer a splendid fire, but they are derived from technologies that improve the quality of the temperature to make you feel warm and comfy.
Pellets
Pellets are compressed dry wood pellets made of wood waste (sawdust and chips). They are cheaper than gas or oil and can be delivered in bags or bulk (a silo in your cellar). Exceptional stoves have been developed, and their operation is fully automatic with electric ignition. In most models, you can also temporarily feed it with wooden blocks though they do not produce as beautiful flames as the real wood fire.
Electricity
Electricity is a possibility for anyone who does not wish to install a traditional wood or gas fireplace. There is a wide range of built-in and surface mounted models. The current models also produce a very realistic flame. You do not need to provide a chimney pipe, but you do need a grounded plug. Attention: electricity is not the most economical source of energy to heat your living room. It is so because it does not retain heat for long after you had switched off the power.
Bioethanol
Bioethanol is an odorless liquid fuel that consists mainly of alcohol made from corn, cane or beet sugar, potatoes, and cereals. It is less polluting and produces a less intense flame with cleaner combustion. Besides, it does not require any drainage pipes.
The choice of energy dictates the choice of the fireplace system
Gas, fuel oil, electricity, wood… The choice of combustion is explained first and foremost by a history of economy and practicality.
– Gas is easy to use if you have a piping system in your home. In municipalities away from the grid, it is possible to install a gas tank outside the property to connect it to your central heating system. Gas offers relatively clean combustion in CO2, but its price is variable.
– Fuel oil is slightly declining, but it offers 96 to 98% efficiency for condensing boilers. Its advantage is that it can be stored in tanks that take up little space and allow several months’ autonomy.
– Electricity comes at a relatively high cost, but it does not generate any pollution in homes and does not require any storage. In addition to the nuclear power plants that supply us with electricity, wind farms are emerging that allow for reasonably efficient production.
– Wood benefits from an attractive price and can be delivered quickly at competitive prices if you buy it from the nearest forests to your place. However, it is a renewable energy that requires a little storage space and creates a handling problem.
An energy audit is required to capture your needs
The energy audit, carried out by a professional, consists of evaluating the thermal characteristics of your home, particularly the insulation. Indeed, in older homes, heating remains the most significant expense item.
– The study identifies the problems to be addressed before choosing any means of heating on walls, floor, or roof and can recommend solutions.
– The professional hired can guide you to the most appropriate heating mode and inform you of the subsidies granted for home improvement: tax credit, subsidies from local authorities, or even from energy suppliers.
The material you use for your fireplace is what everyone will see when they look at it. After all, your fireplace provides a cozy ambiance, and it is a feature that adds value to a home. Don’t wait till it gets cold and then you will be in a hurry to get your burning materials.
Hope the above helps you decide which type of combustion to choose from. Remember to jot down your comments in the section below.
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