Stoves and fireplaces for home heating. Heating fireplace. Steel or cast iron fireplace stoves for the home: selection rules

Modern fireplaces for home heating are powerful enough devices through which you can heat your home. Of course, such a heating system will not be as efficient as a system organized by means of a gas boiler. Typically, the fireplace should serve as an additional source of heat. Such a device, however, can also be the main source. The most optimal option is to use it in the country, if the owners do not go there too often. By means of a fireplace for heating a house, you can quickly increase the temperature indicators in a small country house... Also, by means of a fireplace, you can maintain comfortable temperature conditions for many hours.

Fireplace for home heating

System features

Fireplace inserts can be divided into several categories. The first ones are intermittent combustion furnaces, if the design features of the fireplace allow maintaining the operating mode for 6-8 hours by means of one firewood bookmark. Other fireboxes belong to the category of continuous burning, if one load of firewood is enough for more than 8 hours. In the continuous burning mode, the furnace operates at the lowest power and produces from 3 to 6 kW of heat.

In the nominal mode, the furnaces can produce more heat, from 10 to 18 kW. This value of heat output can be achieved if the firebox damper is opened approximately in the middle position.

If the air supply is open to the maximum, then the heating mode will also be at the maximum level. In this case, the wood will burn at such a rate as from 0.5 to 4 kg per hour. The parameters of the furnaces and their operating modes can vary significantly. The manufacturers of such devices usually indicate the maximum power and efficiency in the documentation. When choosing devices such as fireplaces for heating, you need to see what the maximum power will be in nominal mode, and what power will be in the minimum mode. It depends on these parameters how effective the fireplace heating at home will be, and how economical.

You can calculate what the power of the fireplace insert should be. To do this, you need to adhere to some rules. The main rule that must be taken into account when choosing a device for heating says that 1 kW of power is enough to heat 10 sq. meters of the room. However, such a room should be well insulated, and the ceiling height should be no more than 2.8 meters. If the fireplace insert has such a power as 10 kW, then such a device can heat about 100 sq. meters of area.

Heating systems such as hot water or air heating can be used to deliver heat from the fireplace to other rooms.

In the case of an air heating system, heat will be distributed to other rooms through hot air currents, and in the case of water heating, the rooms will receive heat from radiators. The main source of heat in the case when a fireplace stove is used to heat a house with a water heating system will be the coolant. A single fireplace can be used to heat a house with an area of ​​no more than 170-250 sq. meters.

Air heating system

An air-heated fireplace is more efficient when you take into account the heat that it loses during its transfer from one medium to another. The amount of such media is minimal: fire, the metal part of the furnace body and air. If we compare it with a water heating system, there the chain through which heat is transferred will be much longer. It will look like this: fire, metal part of the heat exchanger, water, metal area of ​​the radiator, and indoor air.

The main purpose of an air heating system is to distribute the heat that comes from equipment such as an air heated fireplace stove over the entire area of ​​the house.

This task can be accomplished by a system of thermally insulated flexible ducts. Through these channels, hot air from the fireplace will flow into various rooms of the house.

The air distribution system can work both due to natural convection and due to forced injection. Another option is a combination of two types of air injection. If the air system is vertical, then natural convection will be sufficient. If the rest of the rooms are at a sufficiently far distance from the fireplace, then you need to use various devices for forced air injection.

Heating by an air duct fireplace can increase the comfort and efficiency of the fireplace.

When designing an air heating system, it is necessary to use the possibilities of natural convection at the maximum level. Heating country house a fireplace does not require mains powered blowers, and it is also not necessary to drown out the noise of these types of blowers.

To ensure natural convection, you will need large air ducts. This is necessary to keep the aerodynamic drag as low as possible. Such air ducts should be made of materials with maximum fire resistance. It is also necessary to provide fireproof insulation for those places that are near combustible structural components of the building. A maximum of 4 rooms can be heated with such a heating system. The length of the air ducts that go from the fireplace to the room should be no more than 2-3 meters. It is also desirable that the duct does not have various constrictions or bends.

Forced convection systems

In such systems, air is forced into the convection chamber, and then forced into the premises of the house by means of one or more duct-type fans. Heat can be transported no more than 10 meters away. It is possible to use air ducts with a small diameter, as well as flexible type ventilation ducts.

Such heating of a private house with a fireplace heats all rooms evenly, humidifies and filters warm air. The main disadvantage of such a system is the noise that comes from the fans. Also, such systems are dependent on an electrical power source.

Water heating system with fireplace

With such heating systems, you can heat more distant rooms in the house. Such fireplaces for heating several rooms can work independently, or they can be combined with boilers such as gas, electric or oil. Such systems are organized on the basis of thermo fireplaces. A thermo fireplace is such a device with a built-in heat exchanger and a closed-type firebox.

A fireplace with water heating with forced circulation is dependent on the source of the network, since electricity is necessary for the operation of a device such as a circulation pump.

The pump is an important element in such a system, since thanks to this device it is possible to transport the coolant to any part of the house. Thanks to such a heating system, you can raise the temperature in the house to a comfortable value in the most short time... If it is planned to install radiators, then you can use pipes of not too large diameter, from 10 to 15 mm.

You can also use heating devices with high hydraulic resistance. A stove-fireplace with water heating can also be equipped with a plate-type heat exchanger, in which case the house will be provided not only with a heating system, but also with hot water supply. If it is supposed to use such fuel as firewood for the operation of the fireplace, then you need to buy a fireplace insert, equipped with everything necessary to organize the supply of water to heating radiators.

When planning the construction of a house, you have to solve an important question regarding the method of heating. The heating system must perform one function assigned to it - quickly and efficiently heat the air in all rooms and heat the house. Any such system is based on the fact that a certain amount of heat is transferred to the air inside the room, due to which it increases its temperature. You can transfer a share of energy to air directly by heating it in special chambers, or use an intermediate link, for example, water for this.

It is known that fireplaces have long been used as heating equipment for housing. Rather, initially it was their only purpose. Throughout their history, fireplaces have hardly been improved to increase their performance.

Nowadays, more and more fireplaces began to be used as a subject of design solutions. It got to the point that some models could not exhibit heating properties at all. However, true connoisseurs of past traditions create a demand for fireplaces suitable for heating premises. In the conditions of remote private houses, where the centralized heating system cannot be used, this demand is especially relevant.

Natural interior of a country house

Modern heating devices are so perfect that they are suitable for use not only in an apartment, but also in a two-story house. However, the fireplace remains the only device that combines the qualities of a heat source, a decorative element, and a living fire. The question of the efficiency of a fireplace for full heating of a house has long remained open, and now, finally, advanced technologies have been introduced into this area. Today there are several types of devices that allow not only to receive thermal energy, but also to transfer it to the space of the rooms of the house with high quality.

Methods for dividing into types

Anyone who first encounters the need to install a fireplace in a room experiences certain difficulties when familiarizing themselves with the technical part of all possible models. This is due to the huge number of variations in their performance.

Such ignorance can lead to incorrect actions, which will affect the advisability of choosing a device. To avoid problems, you need to familiarize yourself with the most simple option classification of fireplaces, and then gradually expand it for each item. The division can be made according to one of the following criteria:

  • by the type of fuel used;
  • by the method of arrangement in the room;
  • by the type of combustion chamber.

Neatly finished wood burning fireplace

Separation by fuel type

The total amount of heat that is released during the agreed time depends on the fuel used.

  • came to us from the distant past. Despite certain drawbacks, they are still used today, and with great popularity.
  • An alternative to firewood is natural gas... Widespread gasification has made this type of fuel widely available and inexpensive. In addition to the listed qualities, gas fireplaces for heating have a number of other advantageous advantages.
  • Imitation of a live flame occurs in various models of electric fireplaces. But, besides this, they are equipped with heaters and. An electric fireplace certainly cannot fully heat several rooms at once.
  • Another source of visual effect is the biofireplace. It has earned its popularity due to its compactness. But there is practically no heat release during the combustion of biofuel, therefore, such a system should be considered exclusively as decorative.
  • Coal heating stoves are also referred to as fireplaces. therefore, the combustion process can be observed. Unlike a fireplace, which allows you to maximize the use of the internal energy of warm air.

Firewood is the oldest fuel

Separation by arrangement method

When choosing a fireplace, this classification does not affect its characteristics in any way. Choose from wall, corner, built-in or island fireplaces the one that will look the most harmonious in the interior and for which the conditions for installation are prepared.

  • Wall-mounted fireplaces can use all types of fuel and are characterized by the presence of a frame in the form of a portal. Installed along the wall.
  • Corner models are designed exclusively for small spaces. Hence, there is doubt about the possibility of using such fireplaces for heating a house. But do not forget about effective measures to increase efficiency and the fact that some houses, for example, summer cottages, can consist of one warm room.
  • Recessed options are installed in wall niches, in recesses. This view, like the corner one, was created to save space in the room.
  • Island fireplaces are built in the center of the room, have low efficiency and, as a rule, cannot be used as the main source of heat.

In most regions of our country, winters are quite severe, so the issue of heating the home is one of the key issues for owners of country houses and summer cottages.

Of all the heating structures for a summer cottage or a country house, the fireplace, perhaps, evokes the warmest associations.

It brings a special atmosphere of coziness, creates a homely mood, but at the same time, in its classic design, it does not have the highest efficiency. Because of this, many believe that heating a house with a fireplace is expensive. An air-heated fireplace will help heat even a large house.
To do this, you only need to change the standard heat transfer scheme and implement convection. We will talk about how to do it yourself in this article.

The key point in an air-heated fireplace is the casing and air duct system throughout the house.

The thermal casing of the fireplace not only accumulates heat, but also allows it to be redistributed in the desired direction. This insignificant detail significantly improves the efficiency of heating a room with a fireplace and increases its efficiency.

The convection method of heating a room works on the simplest laws of physics. Warm air that comes out of the lower pipes rises and heats the room.

Thanks to a special insert located in the firebox, the air is heated. In this case, the liner is surrounded by nozzles that are connected to the pipe distribution. Due to the work of fans, warm air is set in motion and quickly moves around the room, heating it up.

Also, air movement can occur not due to forced ventilation, but due to the force of gravitational attraction. The difference in temperature between cold and hot gas allows air to move through the room.

But in this case, the number of turning pipes should be minimal, otherwise the gravitational system will not be able to provide natural air circulation.

Thus, the operation of a convection fireplace is realized in two ways:

  • The upward flow from the fireplace insert lifts warm air up the room.
  • Downdraft, on the other hand, directs colder air towards the firebox.

If the owner is faced with the task of heating a large house with the help of one standard fireplace, then he will have to make a more complex duct scheme, where hot air will be supplied to the premises due to the operation of the fans.

With the correct organization of the system and strict observance of all the laws of physics, with the help of one fireplace with an air casing, even a two-story house can be heated.

Advantages of a fireplace with air heating

What is the plus of the convection type of heat exchange in comparison with the standard scheme of the fireplace device? Let's take a closer look at this issue:


An air fireplace shroud helps raise the temperature in your home in several ways:

  1. Radiation - direct heating of air from an open firebox in a fireplace.
  2. Heat transfer - heating the walls of the fireplace and direct transfer of hot air into the room.
  3. By convection - the process of mixing hot and cold air flows in the house.

The only point that needs to be considered when arranging a fireplace with air heating is planning such a device at the stage of building a house. This is directly related to the thickness of the walls of the house and the peculiarities of their construction.

The air fireplace is working on a closed firebox. Many manufacturers already immediately offer ready-made kits with a casing, which are a mono block. Inside there are gaps through which multiple air passes.

In terms of cost, an air fireplace is much cheaper than a similar unit with a water circuit. At the same time, it is in no way inferior in efficiency and heat transfer, if, of course, the ventilation wiring is correctly performed.

A feature of fireplaces with a water circuit is a double heat transfer: first, the firebox heats the water, and then the radiator heats the air itself. Instantaneous heat transfer occurs here due to convection flows.

Forced convection allows you to change the heating radius from 3 meters to 10 meters. Also, using convection, you can change climatic conditions at home by increasing or decreasing humidity.

Of course, this method will require additional financial investments, but it will provide an optimal level of comfort in a country house.

Fireplace design with air heating

Traditionally, an air fireplace consists of the following elements:

  1. Fireplace insert.
  2. Portal.
  3. Air pipes that increase the thermal efficiency of the unit.
  4. Fireplace cover that distributes heat.
  5. Fan.
  6. Filter.
  7. Ventilation grates.
  8. Support for the firebox.
  9. Distributor and air tees.

The advantage of such heating is that it can be implemented in areas remote from the benefits of civilization. Where electricity is not provided. And at the same time, one fireplace can heat a fairly large house in several rooms.

The presence of two floors will require adding a special pump to the standard arrangement of an air fireplace, which will perform forced circulation of warm air.

Air heat exchange takes place in a closed cycle.

Features of designing a fireplace with a casing

Whatever configuration, power and size you are going to implement a fireplace, a prerequisite for convection heat exchange is the installation of fans. With standard heating by a fireplace at home, air circulation will be carried out only due to the temperature difference (air density).

Naturally, the efficiency of such convection is extremely low. When creating artificial convection, the intensity of the fireplace will be created by the direction of the air currents.

The location of the fans is also of great importance. The main feature of this design is the location so that they supply cold air from below, and not from the inside. Otherwise, the opposite process may turn out.

Do not forget about the noise floor in the room. When arranging a fireplace, it must be minimized, otherwise, despite the heat exuded by the heating device, the room will be extremely uncomfortable.

Having made the decision to equip a fireplace with air heating in the country, I immediately want to warn that the event is not simple. If you are an absolute beginner in this business, then it is better to order the layout of the fan and pipes from a specialist.


The principle of creating such a structure is as follows: cold air is taken from below by fans and goes to the firebox, where it is heated to the required temperature. Then it enters the walls and passes through special channels into the facing casing of the chimney.

The metal chimney also generates heat, increasing the efficiency of the fireplace. Here, the maximum circulation of hot air occurs, which, under the action of a fan, is directed into the room.

Video. How to calculate air heating correctly

For the design of this heating system, a closed firebox is suitable, which accumulates and retains heat as much as possible. Such a heating system allows you to achieve a maximum efficiency of 80-85%.

In order to achieve maximum efficiency of the structure, it is necessary to minimize the network of pipes, channels and the number of their bends. If the length of the pipe does not exceed 3 meters and does not have many bends, then natural circulation may be sufficient. With other parameters, additional fans are indispensable.

Air ducts are best made of steel or aluminum.

Important! An important element in the planning of an air fireplace heating system is the layout of the house. If the house has two floors, then most likely you will need multiple fans. For a one-story house with a horizontal pipe outlet, one fan will be enough.

Basic rules for installing a fireplace with air heating

The fireplace fan is best installed in a utility room. Firstly, it will allow not to violate the aesthetics of the interior, and secondly, it will reduce the noise threshold created by the operating device.

Important! The operation of such a fireplace requires a particularly careful approach. Due to the constant operation of the fan, soot accumulates on the filter, which must be constantly cleaned. Otherwise, the efficiency of such a fireplace can be significantly reduced.

To avoid noise when operating the fireplace, choose a pipe diameter with a circular cross-section. For such a heating system to work effectively, there must be a ventilation hole with a grate in each room. Therefore, the design should take place at the stage of building a house, otherwise it will take a lot of effort and time to equip an air fireplace in the house.

Diffusers or closed diffusers help to heat the room from all sides. The shape of the diffuser can be round or square; this does not affect the functionality of the system.

The heating system with an air fireplace is suitable for the whole house, except for rooms with separate ventilation: bathroom, toilet, kitchen. If you omit this factor, then the warm air circulation system may be disrupted in the house.

The convection chamber of the fireplace is made of plasterboard, and the frame is made of galvanized profiles.

To prevent heat from entering the ceiling, a cut-off must be provided.

This ensures uniform pressure, ventilation in the system and maximum fire safety, helping to prevent fires. For this, heating with an air fireplace must take into account certain safety measures not only during operation, but also at the stage of construction of the unit.

Let's dwell on the key points of the arrangement:

  1. The fireplace insert must stand on a solid brick support.
  2. The foundation for the fireplace must be separated from the main foundation of the house.
  3. The system must be covered with plasterboard sheets.
  4. Air ducts should be routed throughout the house.
  5. The duct assembly must be located in a technical room.

Let's take a look at the main advantages of a casing for an air fireplace:


Video. Heating a house with an air fireplace

The listed advantages of such a heating system speak very eloquently about the need to implement this project.

Choosing the right fireplace for air heating

Having made the decision to install air heating in the house, it is very important not only to develop a competent project scheme, but also to choose the right fireplace.

The standard system for choosing a fireplace for a home in this case will not work. If traditionally we choose the power of the firebox, based on the area of ​​the room, but here other rules will apply.

The fact is that a too powerful firebox will lead to overheating of the room, in which the owners will simply be uncomfortable. You will have to constantly monitor the amount of firewood, ventilate the room, which will require additional trouble and can lead to colds, etc.

To correctly calculate the power of the fireplace, it is necessary to take into account not only the area of ​​the room, but also the number of rooms, floors in the house, the number of windows and the type of ventilation system.

Do-it-yourself installation of a fireplace with air heating

Step 1. Preparatory work

  1. Procurement of material and tools.

Before you start arranging a fireplace with air heating, you need to prepare the following materials.

Materials that will be needed for laying the stove.

  • Red corpulent ceramic brick (M-150.)
  • Fireclay (refractory) brick.
  • Masonry mortar (sand, red oven clay).
  • Foundation material (cement, gravel, sand).
  • Roofing material.
  • Ceramic tiles for base and wall cladding.
  • Planks for creating formwork.
  • Reinforcing mesh.
  • Foil for thermal insulation of the casing.
  • Cast iron firebox with glass.
  • Thick-walled pipes.
  • Ventilation pipes - 4 pieces.
  • Flexible pipes (footage depends on the area of ​​the room).
  • Fans (the number depends on the number of rooms in which they will be installed).
  • Metal corners for the firebox.
  • Sandwich pipes.
  • Clinker tiles for facing the fireplace portal and air casing.

Tools that you will need for laying a fireplace.

  • Building level.
  • Scoop shovel.
  • Construction marker.
  • Drill and grinder.
  • Hammer and chisel.
  • Measuring tape (tape measure).
  • Construction plumb line.
  • Protractor.
  1. We decide on the place of arrangement of the fireplace and carry out the drawing.

This is one of the key factors in the heating system, on which the comfort in the house, ease of use and heating efficiency will depend. Of course, this factor is largely influenced by the personal preferences of the owners.

Many people want to see the fireplace in the center of the fireplace, the main decorative element of the room. But you also need to take into account the location of windows and doors. Do not forget that any doorway creates a curtain of cold air, which will act as a barrier to normal circulation of warm air from the heater.

In this regard, it is rational to define the device not in a straight line with the door.

There are several options for installing the unit.

Such installation presupposes a more thorough approach to the issue of fire safety. It is necessary to take into account the thermal insulation of the fireplace, lay basalt fiber in the place where the device touches the wall.

With this arrangement of the fireplace, the unit itself may have a frontal or angular arrangement. This does not affect functionality in any way, and it all depends on the customer.

The front version is ideal for heating a large living room. For a small room, experts recommend choosing corner fireplaces. Thus, the device will heat not only the room in which it is located, but also the adjacent rooms in the usual way of heat transfer.

This option is ideal for a small space. It is built into a special niche and takes up a minimum of space, but such an option must be foreseen even at the stage of building a house, since it is necessary to exit under the chimney.

This option is a very effective and stylish decoration for any home. But in this case, you will have to carry out the chimney only through the roof, which must be done even at the stage of building the house.

Step 2. Pouring the foundation for the fireplace

This is a very important step, on which the strength, reliability of the structure, and its further effectiveness will depend. Ideally, of course, it should be erected before the construction of the house. Then both the place and the ideal for the furnace will be allocated, and the foundation will be laid out at the stage of erecting the floors.

The foundation for a fireplace with air heating should in no case be connected with the main foundation of the house. When the house shrinks or other phenomena, the base of the stove should not be deformed.


Step 3. Laying the base of the fireplace and thermal insulation of the wall

Before proceeding with the laying of the base, it is necessary to check the slope of the floor with the building level. It has to be perfect. Subsequently, this step cannot be corrected.


Step 4. We carry out facing the walls of the fireplace with thermal insulation material

When installing a fireplace in a country house, you need to take care of fire safety. Especially if you are installing a corner fireplace near wooden walls.

  • For thermal insulation, you can use basalt fiber or superisol slabs. Also, the same tile with which you made the base can serve as a facing material.
  • For gluing tiles, choose a heat-resistant mixture. Do NOT forget to check the evenness of the tiles or decorative tiles with a plumb line.

Step 5. Construction of a pedestal, brick apron and installation of a firebox

The firebox is the heart of any fireplace. For its arrangement, you can use fireclay bricks or already buy a ready-made metal structure.

Laying a brick firebox not only requires strength, knowledge, but also takes a lot of time. Therefore, we will focus on the installation of a finished cast iron furnace.


Step 6. Installation of the chimney system

In order to correctly execute the combustion products exhaust system, proceed from the opening of the chimney chimney. It makes up one eighth of the total area of ​​the combustion hole.

We carry out installation of a chimney made of double sandwich pipes, which we bring out through the roof or through the wall. The process depends on the design of the house.

  • The chimney connection starts from the device, and not vice versa.
  • Through the gate we connect the outlet of the combustion chamber to the first element of the chimney pipe. We seal the joints well and tighten with a clamp.
  • Maintain a straight chimney line and try to make as few branching as possible. If the layout of the house and the wiring diagram require it, use a splitter. Avoid narrowing the chimney, otherwise the draft may be negatively affected.
  • When the chimney structure reaches the wall through which an opening or roof is to be made, use a mineral insulated metal lead-through pipe.
  • We gradually build up the entire chimney and bring it out above the roof, securely fixing it with clamps.
  • We cover the upper part with a cap and a grate, which prevents precipitation and debris from entering the chimney.

Step 7. Executing the air shroud

After the firebox is connected to the chimney, we proceed to the construction of the air casing. This stage can be attributed to both functional and decorative tasks.

A kind of air pocket, which will be created inside the cardboard structure, will serve as an additional source of heat.

  • We erect a frame from a metal profile around the fireplace.
  • We measure drywall according to the drawing and cut it out with a grinder or saw. The shape of the casing can be anything - it all depends on your personal preference.

  • Using an electric drill, we fasten the drywall sheets to the profile.
  • We insulate the plasterboard cladding with special “fireworks” foil. The inner part is sheathed with magnesite.
  • We make markings in drywall for ventilation holes and carefully cut them out - 4 pieces.

    If in the future you do not plan to make air pipes around the house, then it is better to make the holes square. If you want to increase the efficiency of heat transfer and lay the duct system, then it is better to make the holes round for connection to the pipes. We install the pipes.

  • We carry out thermal insulation of the inside of the casing. We glue mineral wool on cerozite to drywall.
  • For better energy efficiency and heat transfer, we recommend that you wrap the chimney with a radiator.
  • We connect air ducts made of metal flexible pipes to the convection nozzles, through which warm air will escape, and we lay this system through the rooms.

  • If the channel needs to be brought to the second floor, then it will be necessary to perform a horizontal stroke and install a more powerful fan at the top.

    To create forced draft, we install a fan in each room. It is better to stretch flexible pipes under the ceiling, as hot air tends upward.

  • We install a decorative strip between the firebox and the convection casing.

Step 8. Facing the fireplace and finishing work

The final stage in the form of cladding is not only a decorative function. The tiles facilitate the maintenance of the fireplace, there is no need for permanent painting of the plaster, etc. In addition, good cladding will perform protective function, which will increase the strength of the entire structure and protect it from cracking.

As an outer layer, you can use decorative facing stone, ceramic tiles, red brick - it all depends on your personal taste and interior style.

It is best to lay decorative tiles using special adhesive mixtures that are designed for high temperatures. If you are on a budget, masonry clay mix is ​​also suitable.

Remember that any additional material applied to the outside of the stove will reduce heat output. An excellent solution would be to cover drywall with a thin layer of decorative plaster.


The cladding of the fireplace and the casing itself can be made in any style, since it is mainly a decorative function.

We propose to consider original ideas air casing decorations:

Step 9. Fire up the fireplace and check the draft in all rooms

When all the finishing work is completed and the air exhaust system is completely laid, it is necessary to perform the first kindling of the fireplace. But it is better to wait a few days until all glue and cement mortars are dry well.

  • Move flammable objects away from the fireplace and place a small amount of wood on top. Use only well-dried wood.
  • Close the firebox door tightly before the flame starts.
  • Do not give the oven a strong heat right away, warm it up gradually.
  • Check the draft in each room, if the fans are working properly.

If you have done everything correctly, you will have a very efficient heating system. Thanks to the air ducts and the forced circulation of warm air, even a large house can be heated with a single fireplace.

Video. Kindling an air fireplace

Video. Installation of a fireplace with air heating

A fireplace with air heating is a familiar and well-known installation that functions in a special, standard way. Despite the fact that today on the world market you can find a large number of stoves that have a slightly different principle of operation or operate on liquid fuel, by means of electricity or bioethanol, classic wood-burning units are still in demand and popular.

Principle of operation

Heating with a fireplace in this way is done according to the following principle:

  • A fireplace for heating a house produces heating by heating air masses;
  • An installation located between two rooms can heat several rooms at once;
  • fireplaces for heating a house using an air circuit warm up the air masses after they enter the furnace hole;
  • Heating occurs due to the presence of smoldering logs, coal or purchased briquettes with fuel in the hearth;
  • The design of such a heating unit allows you to simultaneously heat the whole house, as well as to promptly remove all combustion products and decay.

Direction of air flows on the example of a two-story house

The difference between a fireplace with an air circuit and a water jacket

How the streams of cold and heated air masses are directed

Important: such solid fuel heating fireplaces can only be installed in private buildings. They require a chimney, and for especially large brick-built devices, an additional foundation may be required.

Main components

Fireplaces for heating a country house are capable of heating several rooms at once only in the case of a correctly, competently drawn up, implemented project.

A heating fireplace for a home, if desired, can be made by hand. To do this, it is imperative that you familiarize yourself with the main components of such a device:

  • Portal. The framing of the fireplace is one of the main, integral elements. The portal is responsible for the stability, reliability of the structure, in addition, this element makes the hearth visually more attractive. Borders can have different shape, dimensions, decoration, style. They also allow the hearth to warm up better and form a higher efficiency at the exit;
  • Hearth. This component is the main one, central to the entire structure. The hearth can be open or closed. The fireplace for heating several rooms must have a closed hearth. It is not only more efficient, but also guaranteed safe from a fire point of view. Open fire chambers are purely decorative. fireplace inserts with air heating can be either laid out from refractory fireclay bricks or bought in an already fully assembled state (metal, ceramic, cast iron);
  • Doors. Closed combustion chambers are always equipped with one or more doors. They are necessary to protect, improve the efficiency of the heating unit. Many manufacturers make this element from transparent tempered glass, installed in a cast iron or steel frame. Thus, you can admire, control the flame in the firebox without opening it;
  • Clean-out flaps. Any fireplace, especially one that runs on solid fuels, needs to be cleaned periodically. soot, soot accumulates in the chimney, ash pan and other components of the device. For more convenient elimination of such precipitation, cleaning doors are used. They can be located in one or several places in the chimney at once;
  • The grate. To control the degree, intensity of flame combustion in solid fuel foci, a grate is used, it is on it that logs are laid. In the future, by adjusting a special damper, you can increase or decrease the power of the fireplace, the heat of the flame with your own hands;
  • Ash pan. Solid fuel structures are characterized by the presence of sludge formation. In order to get rid of the combustion products remaining in the hearth, clean the stove, a grate is installed. Often it is represented by a retractable design that is easy to clean, remove the remains of burnt coal and logs.

The main components of a solid fuel heating unit

Fireplaces with a water circuit are more efficient: the photo shows the principle of operation of such installations

Method of placing a wood-burning fireplace in a one-story building

Advice: if you do not have enough experience in drafting fireplace heating projects, constructing this type of buildings with your own hands, it would be best to entrust the assembly, installation of the heating device to a professional stove-maker!

Fireplace heating of private houses requires an individual approach, professional work of a master who can carry out all the work, draw up a drawing, not only according to your wishes, but also based on the individual characteristics of the building itself.

Which chimney is suitable

Knowing which fireplaces are better for heating a private country house, you need to decide which chimneys are suitable for it:

  1. Made of stainless steel. Chimney systems assembled from a material such as stainless steel are robust and durable. Chimneys made of stainless steel are well tolerated by strong heat, sudden temperature changes, exposure to acids, alkalis and condensation. However, in order to use such pipes, it is necessary to make their mandatory insulation. The most popular variation of stainless chimney pipes, at the moment, is precisely the sandwich. Such pipes are very strong, reliable, have three main layers (inner, outer and intermediate insulation);
  2. Brick. Brick chimneys have been used since time immemorial. However, they are not as popular today as they were several decades ago. The brick does not tolerate the influence of the acid-alkaline environment formed due to the emitted vapors, the withdrawal of combustion products. In addition, the structure of the brick begins to crumble, and the surface soon gives cracks that break the tightness of the structure. This is due to the formation of a large amount of condensate on the inner surface of the walls of the chimney. Also, such systems are quite difficult to install, assemble, maintain. For brick pipes, due to their large mass, a separate foundation must be erected, and the inner surface is insulated with heat-resistant materials. The advantages of brick chimneys include good tolerance to high temperatures typical for solid fuel fireplaces;

Ceramic chimneys are reliable, but they are heavy

Brick systems are short-lived and do not tolerate an acid-base environment

Stainless steel flues are durable, lightweight and have better performance

  1. Ceramic. Ceramic systems are among the most popular modern ones. Even a beginner can build such a structure with his own hands. Ceramic blocks withstand high temperatures well. Due to the special structure, the structure does not freeze. The disadvantages include a large mass, rather large dimensions. However, if necessary, such a ceramic chimney can be hidden in a previously prepared niche or box, lined with any refractory materials in a given style direction;
  2. Flexible. If you want to erect a structure that has several branches, complex slopes, bends, turns, it is recommended to use flexible pipes that bend in the required direction, retain their shape, do not deform. For the installation of such elements, a minimum amount of connecting fittings, parts, fasteners is required.

You can assemble a portal for a purchased hearth from fireclay bricks

Stationary hearth that does not require additional equipment with a portal


Corner oven with air heating circuit in a wooden house

Tip: for do-it-yourself pipe insulation, you can use basalt fiber or any other non-combustible material. In this case, the insulation can be located inside or outside the product.
Important: if your brick chimney is in poor condition, its tightness is broken, you can not completely dismantle it, but simply insert inside its stainless steel pipes of a suitable diameter.
Interesting to know: self-assembled fireplaces with air heating do not have a high enough efficiency. Installations that have not only the possibility of air heating, but also a water jacket will be much more efficient. Such devices are connected to the heating system, water supply at home. Thus, you will receive not only an efficient device with an efficiency of up to 80 percent, but also the opportunity to always have hot water in the house, which can be used for domestic purposes.

A fireplace for heating several rooms must be powerful enough and efficient. The performance of such a unit is calculated based on the total area of ​​all living quarters in the house. To achieve a greater effect, you can place the stove in the wall of two adjacent rooms or make your own hearth with several sides of the radiation of thermal energy. Also, as an option, for two-story buildings, you can place one stove with an average power on each floor.

Fireplaces have always been characterized by a special energy. They not only heat the room, but also warm the soul. It is always nice to sit with a loved one by the fireplace, watching the dance of fire. Tongues of flame draw their own pattern, which attracts attention, bewitches and makes you drop all problems and worries, which are replaced by a feeling of peace and satisfaction.

Almost no country house, dacha or cottage is complete without a fireplace. But today, not only decorative fireplaces have become very popular, but heating fireplaces-stoves, which perform various functions: from heating the house to cooking.

Interest in this kind of stoves has so captured modern society that craftsmen began to make them from various materials. Today there is a fairly large selection of fireplace stoves, which differ in size, installation method, materials used, type of design, functionality. To make the right choice, you need to familiarize yourself with the proposed options in advance, study the advantages and disadvantages, and determine your own wishes and preferences. The choice of a heating fireplace-stove should be approached carefully and deliberately.

Today, hardly anyone can be surprised by the presence of a fireplace in the house. However, not everyone can afford this luxury. A more profitable option, both from a financial point of view and in terms of functional use, are considered to be modern heating stoves, fireplaces, which not only serve as a kind of interior and decor items, but are also used to heat rooms. Relatively low cost, high efficiency, simplicity and rationality of use are the key factors that have significantly increased interest in this type of heating device.

Manufacturing companies of various heating systems have significantly expanded the model range and provided customers with a wide range of stoves for heating private houses, cottages, summer cottages.

Heating stoves-fireplaces can be classified according to the following criteria:

  • alternating combustion devices that require periodic shutdown;
  • ovens long burning for home.

Location and installation:

Material for production:

  • firewood;
  • coal;
  • pellets (pellets are specially processed granules, which include wood, peat and other elements).

Functionality and additional features:

  • with a heat exchanger;
  • with air circuit;
  • with a water circuit;
  • with a couch;
  • with a hob;
  • with an oven;
  • other options.

Types of heating stoves meet almost all requirements modern man, when much attention is paid not only to the functionality, practicality and efficiency of the device, but also to its appearance.

Characteristic

The now popular fireplace stove is a kind of heating system. The combined view of the heating device is ideal for small-sized summer cottages. Unfortunately, this kind of stove, according to its technical characteristics and properties, cannot heat large rooms. Heating fireplaces-stoves are designed to heat living quarters, country houses and cottages with a relatively small area.

Modern heating devices combine the functions of a fireplace and a stove:

  • stylish interior decoration of the premises;
  • fast warming up of a house or summer cottage;
  • excellent ventilation due to the presence of a chimney;
  • high coefficient of performance (efficiency);
  • presumably long operational life;
  • multifunctionality;
  • the possibility of cooking food on fire, which gives the dishes a special taste and aroma;
  • some models are lightweight (for example, steel stoves), which makes it possible to install them both on the first and second floors;
  • safety (unlike a conventional fireplace or stove, here the firebox is closed with a special protective door, which is most often made of tempered glass);
  • wide range of models;
  • various types of "fuel": coal, firewood, pellets;
  • ease of installation;
  • variety of exterior design styles;
  • acceptable price range.

Device

A modern fireplace stove with a boiler has become a popular device that is installed to heat small houses in summer cottages or cottage villages.

Heating fireplaces-stoves warm up the room faster, while the consumption of "fuel" is several times less than that of conventional open-type fireplaces. At the same time, fireplace stoves are safer to use, since most of them are made with a shield that covers the fire. Models with an oven deserve special attention. The processes of cooking in such conditions take a little time and give incredible pleasure.

Stoves-fireplaces that are used to heat country houses are both corner and frontal. If corner stoves look more stylish and interesting in the interior of a room, then front ones are less attractive, but they are considered more functional. A fireplace, which is installed on one of the walls, is more open to access, respectively, it gives off more heat and heats the room much faster. The corner-type heat center is more beneficial only when its location is of the internal type, that is, both walls are internal, and not external.

Heating fireplaces-stoves (46 photos): a stove for heating with a hob and a long burning stove for the house


Heating stove fireplaces combine the energy efficiency of a heating stove with the capabilities of a traditional fireplace. What are the characteristics of choosing a stove for heating long burning for a private house? Which models can combine a hob and a stove bench?

Fireplace for home heating: device options

Specifications

Fireplace heating of a private house can be of several types:

  • minimum;
  • maximum;
  • nominal.

Firstly, these are systems with furnaces that provide continuous combustion. They are suitable if the parameters of the fireplace endow it with the ability to leave it in operation for up to 8 hours with a single wood burning.

In the nominal mode, the furnace gives off thermal energy in the amount of 10 - 18 kW. These values ​​are obtained by leaving the damper door in the middle position (also read: “Installing a fireplace insert, facing and assembling an open and closed insert”).

  1. Firstly, it should be borne in mind that 10 m2 of space will require 1 kW of power.
  2. Secondly, this indicator is relative, because in order to achieve it, it is necessary to warm the room well enough, and the ceiling height in it cannot exceed 2.8 meters.
  3. Thirdly, based on the averaged data, we conclude that if a fireplace for heating a house can allocate power up to 12 kW, then it will be enough to heat a room of 100 m2.
  4. Fourthly, to increase the efficiency indicator, you can additionally purchase systems with water or air heating in a private house.

An air heating system heats the room by circulating hot air, while a water heating system heats the room using batteries. In both cases, the main thing will still be the heating of a private house with a fireplace, in which the heat carrier will be responsible for heating.

Air heating system

The purchase of a fireplace with these types of heating allows you to increase efficiency by retaining the wasted heat energy at the time it moves through the pipes of the entire system. So, the air passes from a fiery environment into a metallic one, and then into the room itself. That is, the number of passing media in this case is much less than when using a water heating system, since in the second case the chain is a transition from a fiery medium to a metal one at a heat exchange installation, then into a water one, then into a metal radiator room, and only then into the room itself ...

This distribution becomes possible when flexible heat-insulated ducts are installed, through which hot air streams will be delivered to all rooms. This process can be done in two ways: forced and natural. You can also combine the two data types.

When drawing up a circuit plan, it is necessary to take into account such an arrangement of all elements of the system so that the maximum level of heat transfer can be achieved. Fireplace heating at home does not imply the use of special injection installations, which completely eliminates the need to purchase devices to reduce the noise level emitted during the active operation of the entire structure.

Natural heat distribution

In case of natural convection, it is necessary to install duct systems with larger cross-sections. This minimizes aerodynamic drag. It is advised to purchase fireproof materials as materials of manufacture, moreover, a layer of fire insulation should be laid in places in contact with the fire elements of the entire structure. The natural principle allows no more than 4 rooms to be heated, provided that the length of each duct does not exceed three meters. A lot of kinks and tapers should also be avoided.

Forced heat distribution

As for the forced type of convection, all the air enters a special chamber in which the fans are installed. It is due to the fans that the process of air flow distribution is carried out. A fireplace stove for heating a house, working on this principle, can be located at a distance of 10 meters from radiators. This also allows the purchase of air ducts with a smaller cross-section and the use of flexible ventilation ducts. See also: “What are the types of fireplaces for the house by design, location, style of execution”.

This principle of operation allows you to uniformly heat all rooms, as well as humidify and filter warm air flows. Nevertheless, there is a certain disadvantage, which is that it creates an increased level of noise in the room, and also directly depends on the power supply.

Fireplaces with a water principle of operation

Systems of this kind can be installed in rooms that are far from each other. These fireplace installations can be either a completely independent heating system, or additional with gas, electric or oil structures. Their principle of operation is built on the principle of a thermo fireplace, which has a built-in heat exchange chamber and a closed firebox. See also: “Fireplace on biofuel - the device of biofireplaces by examples”.

The main part of the entire structure is a pump that delivers hot water through all pipes of the heating system. It is this principle of operation that makes it possible to heat an entire room in a minimum of time. In addition, there is also the possibility of purchasing radiators with a smaller diameter within 12 mm.

Fireplace for home heating - types of heating systems, detailed photos and videos


Fireplace for home heating - types of heating systems, detailed photos and videos

Fireplace for home heating - varieties, design, requirements, advantages

There are two main groups of fireplaces on the modern market - decorative and heating. And if the models related to the first option are able to bring only aesthetic pleasure, then the fireplace for heating the house will create a cozy atmosphere, help you relax and warm you on a frosty day. Since ancient times, the hearth has gathered the whole family around it. He helped cook and heated food, gave positive emotions, allowing you to admire the play of the flame, and encouraged people to have pleasant, unhurried conversations.

More than one century has passed since the appearance of the first fireplace, but it has not lost its relevance. Modern models use not only wood and coal as fuel, and their functionality has expanded somewhat.

Modern fireplace - what is it like?

  • floor-standing or hinged;
  • mobile or stationary;
  • wall, island or corner;
  • built-in or protruding;
  • compact or massive:
  • with portals or other facing;
  • with open or closed fireboxes.

The following is used as a source of thermal energy:


Fireplaces for home heating are made of metal, ceramics and fireproof glass. Portals are made of wood, artificial or natural stone. Structures are clad with various heat-resistant materials that can accumulate heat. And the furnaces can be lined with fireclay bricks, made of cast iron or steel. The modern market offers a huge assortment of heating fireplaces that will not only heat the home, but can also become the main decoration of the house.

You should be aware that if the fireplace will be provided as the only source of heat, then the option with a closed firebox should be chosen.

When using a fireplace stove as additional heating equipment, the firebox can also be used in an open type. But in this case, it is necessary to strictly observe the fire safety rules and not to lose vigilance during the burning of the hearth, especially if there are children and the elderly in the house. You can, in particular, cover the combustion compartment with a special glass screen.

Do not neglect safety measures!

Gas fireplaces

As the name suggests, this equipment uses gas or LPG as fuel. If the main gas pipeline runs too far, it is possible to install a gas tank in the local area, into which gas will be pumped as needed.

The advantage of gas fireplaces is the absence of soot during their operation and the ability to regulate the flame level in the burner. And the lack of equipment can be considered the lack of real wood burning. There are artificial logs in the firebox, and an imitation of their crackling occurs in it. Although in some modern models of gas fireplaces, everything looks quite realistic.

Wood burning fireplaces

The traditional version of home heating is due to the thermal energy of burning wood or coal. Such a fireplace is the most popular among those who like to sit by the fire, admire the sparks of fire and dream up.

Manufacturers produce furnaces with the ability to regulate the combustion power. But the process, nevertheless, should be observed, throwing the logs in time. And a special place for storing firewood will need to be allocated.

Electric fireplaces

Modern equipment simulates the burning of logs and the play of fire. In some cases, this happens so realistically that it seems as if there are real firewood in the firebox, which burns, emit a kind of crackling and even let off smoke.

Electric fireplaces are mobile and can be easily moved to other rooms. The main thing is that there is an electrical outlet nearby. As a rule, such equipment is equipped with a thermal relay, which automatically turns on and off the furnace.

Fireplace design

The device of fireplace stoves is quite simple, but only an experienced stove-maker can correctly lay out or assemble a structure with a chimney, as well as competently lay the foundation. Unprofessionalism will sooner or later lead to problems with traction and smoke in the room.

It should be noted that traditional open-hearth fireplaces differ from classical stoves in the absence of channels provided for the passage of hot air masses. In this regard, their efficiency is much lower than that of furnace counterparts. But their advantage is the rapid warming up of the room and good air circulation, and the disadvantage is the lack of heat accumulation. This leads to a rapid cooling of the walls after the logs burn out.

Wood and gas heating fireplaces consist of four main parts:

In addition, depending on the design of the fireplace, it may contain:

  • dampers - retractable or fastening;
  • jumpers;
  • underfloor;
  • air intake hole;
  • grate bars;
  • podzolnik;
  • smoke tooth or smoke collector;
  • warm air distributor;
  • "Water coat" and other elements.

Heating a house with a fireplace powered by electricity is unprofitable and impractical. It is used only as an additional source of heat. The electrical equipment does not have a chimney and all the additional structural elements listed earlier. The electric fireplace can be installed permanently or be able to move from room to room as needed.

It is allowed to build solid fuel or gas fireplaces in any room or part of the house. The only condition is the absence of drafts.

Fireplace with air heating system

Metal ventilation pipes made of aluminum or stainless steel are installed in the structure of walls or floors to allow heated air to pass through them. He enters them and progresses:

  • in a natural way under the influence of gravity - when rooms are located at a distance of less than three meters from the location of the chimney;
  • forcibly using an electric pump - when rooms are located at a distance of more than three meters.

Through the air ducts, hot air masses enter the neighboring and higher rooms and heat them.

Fireplace with hot water heating system

Heating radiators are connected to the fireplace stove through the piping. The firebox, in this case, has a peculiar design. It has two layers, and water circulates between them. While warming up, the coolant moves through pipelines, passing through all rooms. This system is completed, as a rule, with thermostats and an electric pump. Regulation of work can be either manual or automatic.

A coil is often placed at the top of the fireplace, which supplies hot water for household needs.

Open and closed fire chambers

A fireplace with an open hearth is used as a temporary source of heating. While the wood is burning, the room is warm, and as soon as the logs turn into ash, the surrounding air begins to cool down. Such systems have low efficiency. Heat losses account for almost 80%.

An open firebox requires almost twice as much fuel resources, and the room must be provided with good ventilation.

A fireplace with a closed hearth is able to heat the room more efficiently, and even the whole house. Its efficiency reaches 75%. The furnaces are made of heat-accumulating heat-resistant materials that do not lend themselves to rust.

Advantages and disadvantages

Like any other heating system, fireplaces designed for heating buildings have their pros and cons.

Positive points

The most significant is the fact that solid fuel and gas fireplaces do not require a lot of electricity. It is needed only for the operation of the pumps.

Also, the benefits include:

  • fairly fast warming up of the surrounding space;
  • the possibility of compact placement;
  • individuality of the design solution;
  • decent quality of modern models of fireboxes;
  • the likelihood of cooking;
  • the feasibility of flame regulation, which has a beneficial effect on the thermal regime;
  • saving fuel resources for closed-type furnaces.

Weaknesses

A significant disadvantage of solid fuel fireplaces is the need to control the combustion process in manual mode. We cannot talk about any automation here. After burning out firewood, coal or other solid fuel the system begins to cool down gradually. In addition, you must:

  • constantly get rid of ash;
  • periodically clean the chimney, grates and other devices;
  • allocate a place for storing firewood, coal, or for installing a gas holder.

Installation requirements for fireplace stoves

The simplest option is to install a heating fireplace during construction work. In this case, there will be no difficulties when laying the foundation and arranging the chimney. But if the house has already been built and inhabited, then it will be quite difficult to install the chimney structure, since you will have to partially destroy the floors, roof and walls, as well as strengthen the base of the floor.

It is not allowed to arrange classic wood-burning fireplaces in operated apartment buildings, since the throughput of the ventilation ducts is too small for the unimpeded passage of large quantities of carbon monoxide gases.

Before starting the construction of a fireplace in a built private house, you must invite an expert who will assess the possibility of installing it. After that, you will need to obtain permits. Further, specialists must inspect the proposed location of the firebox and chimney, and then make a project taking into account the wishes of the customer.

There are several nuances that you should pay attention to:

  • the total mass of the fireplace can reach several tons, so the foundation for it is made strong and very durable. The design must be confirmed by calculations. In some cases, it is allowed to use a concrete slab as a basis;
  • heating fireplaces for the home located on the second floor and above must have a lightweight design;
  • Most of the chimney should be inside the building, with only the top of the chimney outside. The outer segment must be thermally insulated in order to avoid the appearance of condensation on its surface;
  • it is allowed to install wood-burning fireplaces in spacious rooms with a wall height of at least three meters and a volume of 40-45 m3;
  • the room must have the correct geometric shapes so that there are no obstacles to the movement of air masses;
  • the heating system should be installed with extreme caution, strictly observing the work technology.

Do not be afraid to install fireplaces in homes. The main thing is to do it competently, with the involvement of specialists. In this case, safety, comfort and coziness will be ensured!

In order for the heating system to work without interruptions, only well-dried wood or high-quality coal must be used to light the fireplace. Poor quality fuel can clog the chimney too quickly.

The logs should not be resinous or large. It should be remembered that birch bark, for example, contains a lot of tar, so it will smoke when burning. And conifers of wood pollute the inner surface of the chimney with soot.

It is not allowed to close the dampers if the wood is not completely burnt out in the fireplace. They should go out naturally, so it is not allowed to fill the coals with water.

In order to prevent birds from nesting in the chimney in the summer, experts advise covering the chimney with a vertically arranged metal mesh with fine meshes.

Good heating is facilitated by routine cleaning of the chimney, as well as a stable inflow of air masses, but not a draft.

Firewood burning in the furnace sparks. Therefore, it is strongly recommended to lay sheet metal, decorative stones or heat-resistant tiles in front of the fireplace to ensure fire safety. In addition, such a coating will not be difficult to wipe off if ash gets on it when cleaning the fireplace.

Before installing a fireplace, you should obtain permits from the relevant services, especially if you intend to install it in an already built house.

Fireplace for home heating - varieties, design, requirements, advantages


Fireplace for home heating - varieties, design, requirements, advantages There are two main groups of fireplaces on the modern market - decorative and heating. And if the models,

Fireplaces for home heating

Modern fireplaces for home heating are powerful enough devices through which you can heat your home. Of course, such a heating system will not be as efficient as a system organized by means of a gas boiler. Typically, the fireplace should serve as an additional source of heat. Such a device, however, can also be the main source. The most optimal option is to use it in the country, if the owners do not go there too often. By means of a fireplace for heating a house, you can quickly increase the temperature indicators in a small country house. Also, by means of a fireplace, you can maintain comfortable temperature conditions for many hours.

Fireplace for home heating

System features

Fireplace inserts can be divided into several categories. The first ones are intermittent combustion furnaces, if the design features of the fireplace allow maintaining the operating mode for 6-8 hours by means of one firewood bookmark. Other fireboxes belong to the category of continuous burning, if one load of firewood is enough for more than 8 hours. In the continuous burning mode, the furnace operates at the lowest power and produces from 3 to 6 kW of heat.

In the nominal mode, the furnaces can produce more heat, from 10 to 18 kW. This value of heat output can be achieved if the firebox damper is opened approximately in the middle position.

If the air supply is open to the maximum, then the heating mode will also be at the maximum level. In this case, the wood will burn at such a rate as from 0.5 to 4 kg per hour. The parameters of the furnaces and their operating modes can vary significantly. The manufacturers of such devices usually indicate the maximum power and efficiency in the documentation. When choosing devices such as fireplaces for heating, you need to see what the maximum power will be in nominal mode, and what power will be in the minimum mode. It depends on these parameters how effective the fireplace heating at home will be, and how economical.

Fireplace device diagram

You can calculate what the power of the fireplace insert should be. To do this, you need to adhere to some rules. The main rule that must be taken into account when choosing a device for heating says that 1 kW of power is enough to heat 10 sq. meters of the room. However, such a room should be well insulated, and the ceiling height should be no more than 2.8 meters. If the fireplace insert has such a power as 10 kW, then such a device can heat about 100 sq. meters of area.

Heating systems such as hot water or air heating can be used to deliver heat from the fireplace to other rooms.

In the case of an air heating system, heat will be distributed to other rooms through hot air currents, and in the case of water heating, the rooms will receive heat from radiators. The main source of heat in the case when a fireplace stove is used to heat a house with a water heating system will be the coolant. A single fireplace can be used to heat a house with an area of ​​no more than 170-250 sq. meters.

Air heating system

An air-heated fireplace is more efficient when you take into account the heat that it loses during its transfer from one medium to another. The amount of such media is minimal: fire, the metal part of the furnace body and air. If we compare it with a water heating system, there the chain through which heat is transferred will be much longer. It will look like this: fire, metal part of the heat exchanger, water, metal area of ​​the radiator, and indoor air.

The main purpose of an air heating system is to distribute the heat that comes from equipment such as an air heated fireplace stove over the entire area of ​​the house.

This task can be accomplished by a system of thermally insulated flexible ducts. Through these channels, hot air from the fireplace will flow into various rooms of the house.

The principle of operation of a fireplace with air heating

The air distribution system can work both due to natural convection and due to forced injection. Another option is a combination of two types of air injection. If the air system is vertical, then natural convection will be sufficient. If the rest of the rooms are at a sufficiently far distance from the fireplace, then you need to use various devices for forced air injection.

Heating by an air duct fireplace can increase the comfort and efficiency of the fireplace.

When designing an air heating system, it is necessary to use the possibilities of natural convection at the maximum level. Heating a country house with a fireplace does not require mains-powered blowers, and you do not need to drown out the operation noise of these types of blowers.

To ensure natural convection, you will need large air ducts. This is necessary to keep the aerodynamic drag as low as possible. Such air ducts should be made of materials with maximum fire resistance. It is also necessary to provide fireproof insulation for those places that are near combustible structural components of the building. A maximum of 4 rooms can be heated with such a heating system. The length of the air ducts that go from the fireplace to the room should be no more than 2-3 meters. It is also desirable that the duct does not have various constrictions or bends.

Forced convection systems

In such systems, air is forced into the convection chamber, and then forced into the premises of the house by means of one or more duct-type fans. Heat can be transported no more than 10 meters away. It is possible to use air ducts with a small diameter, as well as flexible type ventilation ducts.

Composition of the fireplace heating air system

Such heating of a private house with a fireplace heats all rooms evenly, humidifies and filters warm air. The main disadvantage of such a system is the noise that comes from the fans. Also, such systems are dependent on an electrical power source.

Water heating system with fireplace

With such heating systems, you can heat more distant rooms in the house. Such fireplaces for heating several rooms can work independently, or they can be combined with boilers such as gas, electric or oil. Such systems are organized on the basis of thermo fireplaces. A thermo fireplace is such a device with a built-in heat exchanger and a closed-type firebox.

Diagram of a water heating system with a fireplace

A fireplace with water heating with forced circulation is dependent on the source of the network, since electricity is necessary for the operation of a device such as a circulation pump.

The pump is an important element in such a system, since thanks to this device it is possible to transport the coolant to any part of the house. Thanks to such a heating system, it is possible to raise the temperature in the house to a comfortable value in the shortest possible time. If it is planned to install radiators, then you can use pipes of not too large diameter, from 10 to 15 mm.

You can also use heating devices with high hydraulic resistance. A stove-fireplace with water heating can also be equipped with a plate-type heat exchanger, in which case the house will be provided not only with a heating system, but also with hot water supply. If it is supposed to use such fuel as firewood for the operation of the fireplace, then you need to buy a fireplace insert, equipped with everything necessary to organize the supply of water to heating radiators.

Fireplaces for heating a private country house with air heating


Fireplaces for home heating. Air and water heating system with fireplace. Features of their device and principle of operation.