Are cost savings the only advantage of bioethanol fireplaces compared to traditional ones? How are bioethanol fireplaces maintained? Did you know that bioethanol fireplaces can be “smart” and controlled via an app?
Having a fireplace in the living room has always been a prestige symbol. Such luxury was only available to those living in houses, as installing a traditional fireplace requires a chimney, wood supply, and regular cleaning and maintenance. But is that really the case? For many years, numerous manufacturers have offered so-called bioethanol fireplaces, which run on ethanol. These fireplaces don’t require wood, chimneys, or any cleaning, as they don’t produce ash or smoke. But what exactly are they?
Related Articles:
UNDERFLOOR HEATING AND PARQUET FLOORING – ARE THEY A GOOD COMBINATION?
NATURAL GAS HEATING IN AMERICA: TRENDS, PROSPECTS, AND ENVIRONMENTAL CONCERNS
Bioethanol fireplaces provide the warmth and ambiance of an open flame, even in a small apartment on the 20th floor. The flame in a bioethanol fireplace is produced by burning ethanol in a burner.
How Bioethanol Fireplaces Work
When burning bioethanol, the only byproducts are water vapor and carbon dioxide. This means no smoke, soot, or ash. Consequently, there’s no need for cleaning, and while the fireplace operates, there is no odor, keeping your home spotless—unlike traditional fireplaces.
Bioethanol fireplaces come in various types, including built-in, tabletop, freestanding, and wall-mounted models. The design and dimensions are limited only by your imagination.
Before Purchasing a Bioethanol Fireplace
It’s essential to consider a few details. Bioethanol fireplaces are not primary heating sources. They are more of a decorative element and supplementary heating source, suitable for transitional periods.
Safe Handling of Bioethanol Fireplaces
Bioethanol fireplaces operate by pouring a specific amount of ethanol into the burner, which burns for a set time. Typically, one liter of ethanol provides three hours of flame. After the fire goes out, you must wait for the burner to cool before adding more ethanol to ensure safety.
It’s important to follow safety guidelines: never add ethanol to a hot burner, and never pour ethanol while the fireplace is lit, as this can cause flames to spread. Only bioethanol with 96% alcohol content should be used, as it burns cleanly without producing odor or toxic byproducts.
The burner can be adjusted to control the flame size or extinguished completely. If you need to leave the house and have small children or pets, you can simply close the burner lid to extinguish the flame.
Drawbacks of Bioethanol Fireplaces
Although they don’t produce toxic byproducts, bioethanol fireplaces consume oxygen and produce carbon dioxide, so occasional ventilation is necessary. Therefore, they are not recommended for very small spaces. Each fireplace has specific recommendations for the space it can effectively heat, depending on its power.
No special ventilation system is required; occasional airing is sufficient for safe use in the room.
Maintaining a Bioethanol Fireplace
Maintenance involves occasional cleaning with a damp cloth, and if necessary, a bit of dish soap. Abrasive materials, such as metal scrubbing pads or abrasive sides of sponges, should not be used.
Advanced models of bioethanol fireplaces are available, where the fuel doesn’t burn directly in the burner. Instead, the fuel is stored in a separate tank, and the vapors burn in the burner. This setup allows for a higher level of safety, with sensors monitoring operation and automatically shutting off the burner if any issues are detected. These advanced models can also be controlled via an app, allowing for remote operation.
Conclusion
Bioethanol fireplaces are not suitable as primary heating sources but make an excellent addition to enhance the ambiance in the evening or provide warmth during transitional periods. They are safe to use as long as you follow the usage instructions.