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What flue cap to use? |
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The flue cap, contrary to what one may be lead to believe, looking at the vast variety available, both in design and materials, is not a secondary nor a decorative item, but an essential part to the proper function of the flue. It is not, therefore, by chance that the regulations dedicate a section to this item, stating that the cap should be seated atop the flue in a particular manner and that it should be at least 1 meter higher than the apex of the roof and or any other structures within 10 meters. It is also stated that the smoke vents of the flue cap must be at least twice the area of the flue dimension.
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How to increase the draught? |
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It increases with the increase in height of the fireplace;
• With the increase of the specific gravity of the air and a reduction in ambient temperature, that is a cooler day favours a better draught;
• With the increase in temperature of the smoke, if the smoke cools too much, losing heat to the flue walls in its exit, the draught is diminished.
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Can the fireplace be lit on a cool summer evening? |
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The operation of the Hydronic fireplace, presupposes the use of the heating system, by such, when lighting the fire, it is necessary to make use of the heat produced and that will be circulating within the heating system and or the domestic hot water system. Therefore, yes, it is possible to light the fireplace even in summer, providing that the heat produced is utilised for heating (an unlikely case) or domestic hot water.
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I want to install a Hydronic fireplace on the 4th floor, how do I get it there? |
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To facilitate transport and installation, the AXTRO® Hydronic fireplace, is packaged with the main body, flame-guard door frame and plumbing kit as separate items, thus aiding the installer to complete all connections and plumbing without the risk of damage to the glass or the enamelled surfaces.
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At what setting should the pump thermostat be set? |
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The recommended setting is 60 – 75 °C when with domestic hot water production and 50 –55 °C without. Do not set below these settings, as condensation may form within the main body that with time, may damage the exchanger.
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What temperature can the glass withstand? |
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The flame-guard door frames of the AXTRO® Hydronic fireplace have ceramic glass that is resistant to 800 °C.
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I have heard of fireplaces without a flue, is it true? |
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Actually, no normal form of combustion can occur without the use of some form of flue of any dimension to convey the un-burnt gases out, other than an open fire that would smoke out the room and intoxicate the inhabitants.
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How do we produce domestic hot water from a Hydronic fireplace? |
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There are two systems in the AXTRO® Hydronic fireplace range. The first, is a copper coil immersed in the water within the main heating heat exchanger. The second is a separate external finned heat exchanger, guaranteeing a greater amount of hot water and easier maintenance.
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I have heard of open and closed circuit, what is the difference? |
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Within the heating circuit is contained a conveying liquid (in most cases it is water) this liquid, as a consequence of temperature, increases in volume and at times, still due to temperature, tends to evaporate.
To maintain the correct amount of liquid within the system, it is necessary to have somewhere for the extra liquid to go and be re-introduced into the system. Such balance can be achieved by having two plumbing systems, open or closed circuit. The open circuit works at atmospheric pressure and has a header tank (externally installed) containing the liquid and supplied from the mains. The second system is slightly more complex, it consists of a sealed expansion chamber with a rubber membrane pre-charged to 1,5bar, allowing the liquid to expand. An automatic inlet block allows the replacement of any liquid lost due to evaporation and a series of valves controls the pressure.
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What will tomorrow's fireplace be like?
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Asking any architect, futuristic or conventional, the question of how we will live in the future, the unanimous answer given is that it will not be much different to what we are already used to! Apart form the channelling of information and communication (cable) and possibly a discreet processor controlling sensors and automatic equipment, the increase in comfort, safety and economic / energy savings.
From our particular point of view, it is significant to note as in the new automated buildings, the fireplace – side by side with electronic equipment, is always present. The same observation can be made in the “ecological home” the new mode of living as indicated for the years to come. For the near future, whether our home is automated or ecological, the fireplace will continue to be a focal point both in décor and quality of living. It is possible that a lot of electronic gadgets, like those that have invaded our homes in the Ninety’s, will disappear, but definitely not the fireplace.
It will be a fireplace much different to what we have become accustomed to in recent years. From the point of view of looks and size, it will present itself as a pre-assembled single unit as easy to install as an electro-domestic unit. It will be lighter, smaller and transportable, due to the progressive elimination of concrete components and the use of developing technology, therefore easier to be integrated into smaller spaces. From a technological point of view, due to the improved combustion in enclosed fireplaces, new units will continuously be developed with higher thermal efficiency, lower running costs and lower emission of harmful gases. This means, fireplaces that are easier to operate and maintain that require a lessening of physical presence, thus lessening the periods of fuel loading.
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| What is efficiency/recovery? |
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The efficiency is a percentage of heat absorbed by the water and that theoretically produced by the combustion. The higher the figure, the higher the recovery and the lower the cost to obtain the heating required.
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| What is combustion? |
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Combustion is a chemical reaction of oxidation in which a FUEL (wood) is combined with an ACCELERANT (air) developing heat and light (THERMAL REACTION). A good combustion is obtained when air (rich in oxygen) is mixed in correct proportion with wood. To burn 1 Kg of WOOD will require 15 cubic metres of AIR, this data is valid for enclosed combustion chambers such as used in boilers, stoves, slow combustion cookers and Hydronic fireplaces with ceramic glass fronts; the traditional open fireplace requires a greater amount of air to create the barrier and the draught to evacuate the smoke, a quantity 2 – 3 times greater, that is to burn 1 Kg of WOOD is required 30 - 45 cubic metres of AIR.
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| What is temperature? |
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Temperature is the degree of heat that a body possesses, that is, the thermal state of that body at that instant.
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| What is a calorie? |
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A calorie is the amount of heat required to raise by 1°C (say from 14 – 15 °C) the temperature of 1g of water.
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| Why is it necessary to have an external air intake? |
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In modern buildings with close fitting doors and windows, it is absolutely necessary to have an external air intake for the fireplace, as the oxygen present in the room is usually insufficient for good combustion. The shortage of oxygen produces a bad and incomplete burn, thus not extracting the most out of the wood, therefore, instead of emitting carbon dioxide (Co2) it emits carbon monoxide (CO), a highly toxic gas. Result: less heat and more harmful substances. Also the smoke and air escaping through the flue must be compensated by the same amount of fresh air via the external air intake, keeping a natural balance.
So, the external air intake is needed for:
Avoid using oxygen from within the building that would be insufficient anyway;
Avoid smoke and gases being released into the building;
Inure a good combustion of the wood and as a consequence, produce more heat;
Avoid discomfort of the people due to cold draughts developing by using the internal air thus reducing internal atmospheric pressure.
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| Does the air intake have specific measurements? |
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To achieve a proper external air intake, refer to the AXTRO® Hydronic fireplace installation manual. Also take into consideration the positioning and any loss due to the distance of the external wall.
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In which cases should either an open or closed circuit system be installed? |
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There is no problem in installing either system, the choice is usually dependant on technical or practical factors. A closed circuit system is recommended in cases where an external header tank cannot be installed; in areas subject to freezing; it is intended to connect in series or parallel with an existing gas, oil or other boiler, operating in a closed circuit system; also for the ease and speed of installation and last but not least, it has a greater efficiency than an open circuit system, an increase of 7 - 8 %.
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If there is a power black out, do I need to douse the fire? |
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AXTRO® is capable of continuing proper operation even during short term power failures, should these power failures be prolonged, then it is suggested that the AXTRO® X 50 standby power supply be installed, so as to guarantee the continuing circulation of the heated water in the absence of mains power.
The AXTRO® standby power supply has a 24Ah supply capacity, in the case that the power failure should continue beyond this, it is appropriate to extinguish the fire, open the doors, completely shut the ash drawer and the air vents on it, totally open the smoke control flap, if the system has a domestic hot water copper coil, open a hot water tap, so as to lower the temperature within the exchanger and avoid damage, on return of mains power, the system will revert to normal.
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What does a good draught depend on? |
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A good draught mainly depends on two variables. The first, technologically based, is tied to the components, size and capacity of the Hydronic fireplace: cross section of the flue pipe, height of the flue pipe, angling of the flue pipe, number of bends or changes in direction etc.. The second, of local character, is tied to atmospheric pressure, air density ( sea level, high mountain, etc.) air temperature, smoke temperature and density etc.. To calculate proper draught and flue pipe dimensions (even for enclosed fireplaces) certain codes of reference exist, such as Law 615/96 and the codes CTI-UNI 9731/90 and CTI-UNI 9615/90.
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I have spent a lot of money on a flue, yet it does not function well, why? |
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Not withstanding that the margin for error is greatly reduced, it is apparent that some basic variables are often undervalued in achieving a properly functioning flue. Amongst the most frequent, we cite, under-sizing in diameter or length, excessive bends or incorrect angles, bad insulation when the flue is external, the building is acting as a vacuum and the incorrect choice of flue cap.
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Why do I need a flue? |
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The smoke produced by combustion, due to its high temperature (200 – 250 °C) tends to rise by convection, the flue, thus creates a draught, channelling the waste gases out through the flue cap and at the same time drawing fresh air in to the heater to aid combustion.
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What material can the flue be made of? |
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The flue can be purchased in many different materials, fibre cement sheet, concrete pipe, earthen ware pipe, steel, copper, etc.. The selection of which is dependant on the individual installation, keeping in mind local laws and regulations, the installation specifications any of the materials may be suitable. One point not to overlook is that any external flue is to be correctly isolated and insulated. Wherein some flue pipes are already insulated such as double wall air chamber stainless steel, etc… others may require external insulation such as single thickness steel or copper tube etc…
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What size of flue should be used? |
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It is important to refer to the installation manual, as the size of flue is dependant on the heater thermal capacity and the length of the flue itself.
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What is the best position for the air intake and what are the alternatives? |
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The best position for the air intake is directly behind the fireplace, high or low, depending on available space on the external wall. Inside, on the internal covering, it is also important to have a ventilation grille, as described in the installation diagram, the two grille must have an uninterrupted air flow between them. In such cases as it is impossible to locate the external air intake in the optimum location, as indicated above, the following alternate suggestions may be of use:
If the fireplace is in the centre of a room, the air intake can be put in the floor to a basement with an open window;
Utilising the air space and roof gap in cement structures;
Creating an air passage along the wall at floor level, encasing it and possibly using it as a seat;
Installing an air duct through the ceiling and roof, keeping in mind to leave the air intake lower than the flue cap.
In the cases that a fireplace is installed in buildings that cannot have a direct external air intake, observe the following:
Partially open a window and a louver/roller shutter with manual control;
Install an air grille on the roller shutter casing above the window;
Make an opening in an external wall as near as possible to the fireplace.
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What is the difference between a closed fireplace and a traditional one?
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The fireplace in its basic form, is an open space where the fuel is burned (combustion chamber), a chimney and a chimney cap. The principle that controls the function of a fireplace is very simple, it consist of two basic functions; a continuous flow of air that is necessary for the combustion of the fuel and the control of the smoke and gases produced by the combustion itself. The same applies to a Hydronic fireplace, the difference being the amount of heat recovered, the combustion chamber of the Hydronic fireplace is a hollow heat exchanger through which flows water that is heated by the burning fuel. We have therefore, hot water to heat the building and also hot water for domestic use completely free.
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| What are the advantages of an enclosed fireplace? |
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Higher efficiency in heat recovery compared to an open fireplace, (appro: 75%).
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Why wood and not conventional fuels?
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First of all for the ecological effect, in that the burning timber releases the same amount of carbon dioxide (Co2) that is released by the rotting timber in natural bush land and that is absorbed by the leaves of growing trees and is required to produce the replacement timber as that burned, we speak of course of a continuing cycle in perfect balance with nature. It is also more economical as compared to gas or oil, with savings of 50 to 60% depending on the efficiency of the heat exchanger.
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What is the difference between a closed fireplace and a traditional one?
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The fireplace in its basic form, is an open space where the fuel is burned (combustion chamber), a chimney and a chimney cap. The principle that controls the function of a fireplace is very simple, it consist of two basic functions; a continuous flow of air that is necessary for the combustion of the fuel and the control of the smoke and gases produced by the combustion itself. The same applies to a Hydronic fireplace, the difference being the amount of heat recovered, the combustion chamber of the Hydronic fireplace is a hollow heat exchanger through which flows water that is heated by the burning fuel. We have therefore, hot water to heat the building and also hot water for domestic use completely free.
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| What are the advantages of an enclosed fireplace? |
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Higher efficiency in heat recovery compared to an open fireplace, (appro: 75%).
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Why wood and not conventional fuels?
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First of all for the ecological effect, in that the burning timber releases the same amount of carbon dioxide (Co2) that is released by the rotting timber in natural bush land and that is absorbed by the leaves of growing trees and is required to produce the replacement timber as that burned, we speak of course of a continuing cycle in perfect balance with nature. It is also more economical as compared to gas or oil, with savings of 50 to 60% depending on the efficiency of the heat exchanger.
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How do I clean the unit? |
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Punctual and systematic maintenance is a fundamental part to the proper operation of, thermal efficiency and durability of the unit. It is recommended that the exchanger be cleaned by qualified personnel annually. All models are basically SELFCLEANING due to no build up of soot. Should you still want to inspect and clean the upper part of the exchanger, it can be achieved by the two removable inspection openings behind the perforated panel. The flue must be cleaned annually and the ash drawer emptied frequently to assure a proper draught.
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How to clean the internal walls? |
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Should you burn green, wet or highly resinous wood, soot incrustation on the walls can occur, this can be removed by operating the unit at its higher limits (85 °C) for 30 - 40 minutes, burning dry wood or better still, coal.
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What products to use for cleaning the glass? |
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To clean the glass, use a sponge (non abrasive) and a normal detergent.
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In case of long idle periods, what precautions to take? |
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Where it is foreseen that the unit will remain idle for long periods, especially in areas subject to freezing it is recommended that the unit be drained including the domestic hot water system, to avoid possible damage. This is not necessary in systems with anti-freeze.
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What are the suggestions to follow for a well functioning flue? |
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Following is a list of suggestions for the proper sizing and installation of a flue for our Hydronic fireplaces:
• Each heater must be fitted with its own independent flue pipe.
• To guarantee optimum draught, the surface area of the flue cap must be twice the flue pipe diameter. A windproof flue cap is recommended that will have a Venturi effect, that is, to drag the smoke from the flue cap even in strong cross winds. It must be positioned in open wind conditions and must be at least 50/100cm above the roof apex.
The flue that is to convey the waste gases and smoke from a combustion unit operating on natural draught conditions, must comply with the following:
• be able to contain and convey the waste gases and be adequately isolated and insulated for the stress of use (cfr.UNI 9615);
• be of a material that will be of a lasting and resisting nature to the mechanical, thermal and erosive effects of the waste gases and condensation;
• be as near to vertical as possible with no deviation greater than 45°;
• be adequately distanced from flammable materials either by air or the appropriate insulation.
• preferably be of circular type, should it be necessary to use square or rectangular tube, the corners must be with a radius of no less than 20 mm;
• rectangular tube not to have a ratio greater than 1.5 to 1;
• no other combustion heaters, boiler or air extractors must be fitted in the same area;
• if the flue is to be fitted externally to the wall, it is to be insulated so as to minimise the condensation of waste gases; the same applies to the section above the roof to the flue cap.
• for the connection of the flue to the heater, or in the presence of bends and deviations or for ease, speed and safety of installation, it is recommended that a stainless steel flue pipe be used.
• the use of fibrous cement sheet product for the connection of the flue pipe to the heater, is strictly prohibited.
• the flue pipe must not cross areas where the use of combustion units is prohibited;
• the flue must be fitted in such a way as to guarantee the convection of the waste gases totally, even on low atmospheric pressure days;
• the flue pipe must not fitted horizontally unless absolutely unavoidable;
• should the flue need to be fitted in an area not perpendicular to the heater, direction changes are to be made with elbows of no greater than 45° in such cases, the flue must be fitted with an opening (air tight when closed) for the removal of solids and the cleaning of the flue;
• the flue must not have downward sloping sections;
• the flue installation must allow the cleaning and the removal of soot from inside the pipe;
• be of constant diameter for its total length, any change in cross section is permitted only at the outlet of the heater itself, and no reduction is permitted for the connection of the flue pipe;
• it is strictly prohibited to place or install other pipes, cables or fittings within the flue pipe itself.
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Può scaldare ambienti disposti su più piani? |
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Certamente, i kit idraulici di AXTRO® sono dotati di pompe di circolazione a velocità variabile elettronicamente, per dare la possibilità di adeguare la prevalenza della pompa stessa alle esigenze dell'impianto e quindi anche su più piani.
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Avendo un mini appartamento si può montare un termocamino? |
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Anche in un mini appartamento è possibile l'installazione di un termocamino AXTRO®, tra i punti di forza di questo prodotto, vi sono proprio le dimensioni contenute che danno la possibilità di installare il prodotto anche in spazi ridotti, con risultati sorprendenti.
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What flue cap to use? |
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The flue cap, contrary to what one may be lead to believe, looking at the vast variety available, both in design and materials, is not a secondary nor a decorative item, but an essential part to the proper function of the flue. It is not, therefore, by chance that the regulations dedicate a section to this item, stating that the cap should be seated atop the flue in a particular manner and that it should be at least 1 meter higher than the apex of the roof and or any other structures within 10 meters. It is also stated that the smoke vents of the flue cap must be at least twice the area of the flue dimension.
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What is the difference between a closed fireplace and a traditional one?
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The fireplace in its basic form, is an open space where the fuel is burned (combustion chamber), a chimney and a chimney cap. The principle that controls the function of a fireplace is very simple, it consist of two basic functions; a continuous flow of air that is necessary for the combustion of the fuel and the control of the smoke and gases produced by the combustion itself. The same applies to a Hydronic fireplace, the difference being the amount of heat recovered, the combustion chamber of the Hydronic fireplace is a hollow heat exchanger through which flows water that is heated by the burning fuel. We have therefore, hot water to heat the building and also hot water for domestic use completely free.
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| What are the advantages of an enclosed fireplace? |
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Higher efficiency in heat recovery compared to an open fireplace, (appro: 75%).
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Why wood and not conventional fuels?
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First of all for the ecological effect, in that the burning timber releases the same amount of carbon dioxide (Co2) that is released by the rotting timber in natural bush land and that is absorbed by the leaves of growing trees and is required to produce the replacement timber as that burned, we speak of course of a continuing cycle in perfect balance with nature. It is also more economical as compared to gas or oil, with savings of 50 to 60% depending on the efficiency of the heat exchanger.
