To enjoy a live fire in your own living room, it is not at all necessary to lay a brick stove, prepare firewood and light a flame - traditional fireplaces are being replaced by new technologies that do not require any worries from you.
Gas fireplace
Gas fireplaces are one of the ways to experience the beauty of a quiet family evening in front of a burning fire.
They have a lot of advantages: they do not smoke, do not produce sparks, are easy to operate, silent and safe. At the same time, a gas fireplace, unlike a decorative one, looks absolutely natural and not only decorates, but also warms the room.
Design and principle of operation of a gas fireplace
There are different models of gas fireplaces for dachas on sale - both floor-standing and hanging, everything here depends on the design idea. But their device is the same. The main element of a heating device is the firebox; it can differ not only in shape, but also in volume. For the manufacture of the fireplace body, either steel with increased heat resistance or cast iron is used.
The inside of the device contains:
- burner;
- firebox with lining;
- reflector-reflector;
- screen (necessary for directing gas from the furnace to the burner).
The combustion chamber of the fireplace has a lining that prevents the development of the destructive process at elevated temperatures. Thanks to the design features of the unit, all its components are hidden behind fake logs made of ceramic or other heat-resistant material.
You can admire the flames through the heat-resistant glass of the door. Important! When heating a home with a gas fireplace, the fuel temperature can be around 650°C. The temperature of carbon dioxide, which is discharged outside through a special pipe, reaches almost 200 °C.
To remove smoke from the burning gas, a chimney is used, through which fresh air is supplied. That is why it is necessary to control the presence of traction in it. In apartments, the chimney is replaced with a stainless steel pipe.
The operating principle of a natural gas fireplace is quite simple. When the gas and spark appear, the combustion process begins, heating the room. Due to the selected mode on the control panel, the fireplace can either maintain a fire for beauty or decorative purposes, or heat the room to specific temperatures.
As soon as the temperature reaches a certain point, the heater automatically begins to reduce power. After cooling down it turns on again. To start the device, just press a button on the control panel.
Examples of hearth design in a modern style
The design of the hearth in the interior and its location largely depends on the characteristics of the apartment itself. Most often in modern and modern style, the TV is placed above the fireplace, which looks very stylish and original.
An island eco-fireplace allows you to zone a large space, a studio apartment. To do this, it is built into a wall, partition, furniture set or niche.
The location of an eco-fireplace in a one-room apartment also requires an individual approach. When furnishing a studio apartment, designers most often install wall-mounted, tabletop, built-in, portable fireboxes and models.
A small apartment allows you to install a tabletop or corner fireplace model, while the consumption of free space will be minimal.
You can divide a large room with a bio-fireplace into two zones. One part will become a living room, and the second a bedroom. If you rely on the teachings of Feng Shui, installing a fireplace in the bedroom can negatively affect your state of mind and family relationships. If you make this decision, it is better to buy a wall-mounted, built-in or tabletop fireplace for a home with a bedroom.
The portal cladding is made in the same style as the room chosen for installation
Marble fireplace trim
The fireplace area can be decorated with wood, ceramic tiles, tiles, natural or artificial stone. An apartment in a high-tech style implies the presence of fire-resistant tempered glass and steel elements. For high-tech, a hanging, built-in hearth is suitable.
Installing a fireplace in a small apartment is quite difficult; first of all, arrange the fireplace area, and use only proven ideas and the best designs from designers. A false fireplace looks good with candles, a mirror, flowers, posters, artificial logs, and decorative stones.
Pros and cons of gas fireplaces
The demand for natural fuel fireplaces is explained by the presence of a whole range of positive aspects during its operation:
- Safe to use. Gas-powered units have a completely sealed housing, which prevents carbon monoxide from entering the living space.
- There is no need to constantly clean the chimneys and internal surfaces of the device from soot and soot during combustion.
- Working in automatic mode allows you to start a gas fireplace by pressing one button from the control panel on the front side or from the remote control. In addition, you can adjust the heating intensity.
- Compact sizes. The device does not require a large space, and there is no need to allocate space for storing firewood.
- Universal purpose. Gas fireplaces are great for heating apartments, cottages, and country houses.
- Possibility of operation of the unit from the main gas pipeline and from a cylinder.
- The efficiency of gas fireplaces is 85%.
- The power of the devices varies between 7-13 kW, fuel consumption is approximately 0.5 kg per 1 hour of operation. Such equipment is capable of heating a room of 200 square meters. m.
- Huge range of models, colors.
- Mobile gas boilers can be moved to any corner of the room without much difficulty.
- Unpretentiousness during operation.
- Quiet operation.
- No overheating of the case.
Gas-fired devices are easy to use and safe if you follow the basic installation rules
. Despite the whole list of advantages, gas fireplaces also have their disadvantages, including:
- high price;
- complex installation;
- the need to connect to the power grid;
- the first launch should be carried out only with permits from the gas and fire departments;
- A special place must be allocated for the cylinder in accordance with all safety rules.
Security
Gas is a flammable substance, but despite this, gas fireplaces are considered one of the safest devices. Thanks to a multi-level tracking system, any emergency situations will be prevented.
From movies we know of cases when the gas supply is stopped and then resumed, the room will be filled with a toxic substance. Of course, you need to remember this danger, but not in the case of a fireplace. The gas dosing system is equipped with a special pressure sensor. It reacts to a decrease in pressure in the line and will turn off the supply in case of discrepancy.
The carbon dioxide content in the room is constantly monitored by special atmospheric analyzer sensors. They have saved many lives in cases where the hood was not working correctly.
Infrared sensors are fireplace position sensors. They react if the device suddenly falls. To avoid causing a fire, the gas supply system is turned off.
Small mobile unit
Types of gas fireplaces
There are different types of device placement:
- Corner, they are mounted in the corner of the room.
- Built-in, located in a niche of the wall.
- Wall-mounted, which are mounted on the wall.
- Frontal.
Depending on the possibility of transportation, heating units can be in the form of portable gas fireplaces or stationary models.
If we classify by power, we distinguish between high-, medium- and low-power.
The variety of models allows you to choose the most suitable option for your home or apartment.
Depending on the type of fuel used, devices can run on natural gas or propane-butane.
In addition, gas fireplaces differ in the type of firebox opening:
- Devices with an open firebox. Thanks to this design of the unit, others have the opportunity to see the flames. Its efficiency indicators are up to 16%.
- Appliances with a closed firebox. The presence of a heat-resistant glass door allows you to observe the fire and increase efficiency to 70-80%.
According to the method of emitted heat, gas fireplaces can be as follows:
- With one-way radiation. This is the most common type of heating device, distinguished by a high level of heat transfer.
- With two-way radiation. Such units have a beautiful design, but they require a large volume of fresh air to function.
- With three-way radiation. Installations of this type have a presentable appearance, but due to the low degree of heat transfer they are most often installed as decorative gas fireplaces.
Important! Despite its many strengths, a gas fireplace without a chimney should be placed in an open area, in a country house. If you install it in a living space, it is imperative to provide for the removal of combustion products.
What devices can run on fuel pellets?
Special boilers and fireplaces were developed to use this type of fuel. Let's get acquainted with their varieties and characteristics.
Fireplaces burning pellets
They can only be used for heating a separate room or, alternatively, a one-story house with a small area. The average power of such devices ranges from 6-15 kilowatts. Fireplaces can be of three types:
- convection, that is, those that only heat the air around them;
- with a special hot water supply circuit (capable of heating water);
- combined (not only granules, but also briquettes or firewood can be used).
Pellet boilers
The power of these devices can reach 100 kilowatts. They are installed mainly in basements, specially equipped rooms on the ground floor or in a separate building. With their help, you can not only heat, but also provide hot water to entire buildings. And if you look at photographs of modern models, you can come to the conclusion that such boilers are quite effective.
Devices can be of the following types:
- exclusively on pellets;
- with the possibility of using firewood or briquette fuel (in extreme cases, a special grill is provided for this);
- combined (capable of operating on all types of solid fuel).
How to choose the right gas fireplace for your garden
Before buying a specific model, you need to decide on the tasks it will perform: for decorative purposes or as a heating device for a country house. Low-power devices (3-5 kW) are perfect as interior decoration. If the installation is being considered for heating a living space, then the unit should be selected taking into account that 1 kW will be required for every 10 m - with a ceiling height of no more than 3 m.
Advice! As a device for heating a room, you should not give preference to open-type installations, since their efficiency is low and the power parameters are also small.
In specialized retail outlets there are many models with different body materials. But it is best to purchase devices made of stainless steel.
When choosing a device for heating a room, you need to take into account the area of the room and the presence of ventilation.
It is also important to consider fuel consumption if the installation will operate on liquefied propane. If a gas fireplace is used as a room decoration, this parameter will be approximately 5 times less.
It would be good if the device was automated, but such models cost an order of magnitude more. Additional fireplace options include: electric ignition, gas control, control panel, automatic mode setting.
Popular manufacturers
If it is difficult to make a choice, then it is better to trust trusted companies whose products work flawlessly. To do this, you need to familiarize yourself with the features of products produced by popular companies:
- Cheminees Philippe. This French company has a large assortment with a variety of designs, prices and functionality. In the presented line it is easy to find a reliable, but inexpensive fireplace.
- Gutbrod Keramik. We can talk about German quality for a long time. The company specializes in gas heating furnaces. The presented models are distinguished by a pleasant design and increased heat transfer.
- Element 4. The manufacturer from the Netherlands is distinguished by a high level of automation, simple finishing, modern design, and an emphasis on the beauty of real flames. The cost is affordable, since a minimum of expensive finishing is used in production.
- Waco & Co. The Belgian company produces both gas and wood fireplaces. There are also exclusive models that will fit into an unusual interior. They are distinguished by their original design, expensive materials and reliability.
This fireplace is from Waco&Co
Gas fireplace installation
In order to correctly install a device for heating a living space, it is recommended to draw a plan in advance and have a manual for its arrangement, which is attached to the unit. According to the plan, you need to apply markings in the selected location and begin installation work:
- Floor-standing models are installed on a flat surface with a fireproof coating pre-laid on it. Walls that are very close to the unit should be covered with a metal foil screen or use brick, non-combustible stove, or ceramic tile.
- Wall-mounted devices must be secured using anchor bolts. First, the points for installation are designated, and then the holes are drilled.
- Built-in varieties are installed in a special niche made of brick; as an option, a metal frame (made of profiles) is suitable. For cladding, it is good to use tiles, which are fixed to the frame using special clamps.
- Models operating on liquefied gas also provide space for a cylinder. There are structures that already have space to accommodate such fuel tanks. To avoid troubles such as gas leaks when connecting to the mains, you need to use the services of a specialist from the local gas service.
To make a smoke channel, it is effective to use brick or other non-combustible material. The components of the chimney are placed inside the channel, and the firebox is connected.
For cladding built-in devices, you can use any type of finishing material. The main thing here is not to close the ventilation holes, which contribute to the rapid cooling of the unit. If you need to heat adjacent rooms, you will need to install air channels that will remove warm air from the firebox. Such channels can be made from fire-resistant plasterboard sheets.
Step-by-step renovation in an old apartment: preparation for work
Initially, you should choose a style solution for housing and rooms. Next, you need to draw up a plan diagram: where to put furniture and household appliances in order to decide where to place switches, sockets, lamps and how to lay pipes.
If it is planned to do a major renovation of the apartment with redevelopment, it is necessary to indicate the location of new partitions or openings. Make a to-do list in order.
Then they begin to calculate the estimate: how much and what materials to purchase, the estimated financial costs of all this, what can be saved.
A builder, designer or architect will help you correctly calculate the consumption of materials and budget, determine the condition of engineering devices and the wear of the floor screed for a fee.
For heavy work, it is worth finding general workers. It is advisable to invite the rest - plumbers, electricians and other craftsmen - from an official construction organization. A contract will be drawn up, plus - as a rule, a guarantee is given for 12 months, which cannot be said about private teams.
How to make a gas fireplace with your own hands
It is quite possible to make a gas fireplace for your home with your own hands if you follow certain recommendations. The main element of the device is a gas burner; it must be installed in a metal structure by connecting the control valve to the cylinder through a flexible hose. Alternatively, you can install it in brickwork.
If you make a gas fireplace with your own hands, you can save a lot. You can buy refractory bricks for 45-50 rubles apiece, and to equip the firebox you will need only 2-3 dozen. To decorate the outer part of the combustion chamber, ordinary brick is suitable; it is often used to line the portal. A special fire-resistant mixture is used as a working composition. Upon completion, the chimney is completed and the burner is installed.
A DIY home fireplace will cost much less than a store-bought one; it can be made according to an individual project
Advice! To ensure that the gas supply from the cylinder or line is turned off in a timely manner in the event of a flame extinguishment, it is worth choosing a burner with a built-in thermostatic valve.
The cost of a metal fireplace will be equal to the price of an iron sheet; its thickness should be from 3 mm. Thinner metal will quickly burn out, which will require replacement soon. Any building materials are suitable for making a portal, or you can choose a ready-made option.
Main types
An ecological fireplace in an apartment is primarily intended to create a cozy and comfortable atmosphere, the opportunity to observe the flame burning in the hearth, enjoy its colors, brightness and blaze. If we talk about bio-fireplaces in more detail, it should be noted that such installations are divided into various types based on their location in the interior and a number of other features.
Types of fireplaces include wall-mounted and corner models. Fireplaces are also divided into built-in, floor-mounted, island, and suspended. The smallest fireplaces are tabletop ones.
Built-in biofireplace inserts without a chimney are installed in a pre-prepared hole or niche in a partition, wall, or furniture. You can also buy a ready-made portal from:
artificial, natural stone, chipboard, tiles, ceramic tiles, fireproof, glass, brick, wood.
The burning flame is very realistic
Additional volume and visibility are achieved by the presence of transparent glass sides
The installation of a biofuel fireplace is carried out mainly at the stage of renovation work in the apartment. This will avoid many problems, excessive amounts of construction waste, and repeated repairs.
Important: be sure to think through the layout and interior design of the room - this will make the fireplace functional, the main element decorating the interior of the living room, bedroom, and dining room.
You can build in a bio-fireplace as a corner element, which in turn will allow you to profitably save free space in the living room. Corner models are especially suitable for large and limited spaces. Near the exhibition you can place several armchairs, a soft sofa, and add small pillows as decoration.
We calculate the required furnace power
The heated area of the room directly affects the quality of heating. The quality of insulation and the climate zone of the room also matter. According to French standards, each kilowatt of rated power of a closed type firebox or stove will heat the air:
- 15 m3 house without insulation system, in cold climate zones
- 20 m3 of a house with normal insulation, if the climate zone is moderate
- 33 m3 house with good insulation if the climate is warm.
In the CIS, the following calculations are used: 1 kW of fireplace insert power can heat 26 m3 of air in the room for 2 hours before the onset of a comfortable air temperature.
