Glossary Of Common Fireplace Terms

Glossary Of Common Fireplace Terms

British Thermal Unit (BTU) The British thermal unit is a traditional unit of ENERGY equal to about 1055 joules. It is the amount of energy needed to heat one pound of water by one degree Fahrenheit. B-Vent (Natural Vent) These type of fireplaces do not have a sealed combustion chamber and relies on the buoyancy of hot gases to vent effectively. They must be installed either with an existing chimney that meets the local building code standards or they can be installed using a B vent which is a vent pipe that must be installed to the same parameters of a masonry chimney but can be enclosed in combustible material.
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They draw air (oxygen) necessary for combustion from the area surrounding the fireplace. The combustion by-products or flue gases are hot and naturally rise up through the chimney which provides a route for these hot gases to escape from the house. As the fireplace continues to vent these flue gases up the chimney, the walls of the chimney heat up, which allows the flue gases to retain more of their temperature and buoyancy thereby increasing the speed with which they exit the chimney Builder Series Fireplaces specifically designed for builders and contractors that typically feature a blend of elegance, efficiency and economy. Cabinet A fireplace cabinet is usually a wood finishing option for direct vent or vent free fireplaces that are installed on the floor of a room and vented through a wall. Catalytic Combuster A device used on choice wood burning stoves to reduce the temperature at which smoke is ignited. Catalytic Wood Stove Catalytic wood stoves have a catalytic device built into the stovepipe. The catalyst is held in a honeycomb metal lattice that re-ignites smoke from the fire as it rises to exit through the flue. In this way, the smoke itself becomes an additional source of fuel, which not only results is fewer emissions but improves heating efficiency. Chase A structure that is built around, and also encloses sections of a chimney. In some cases, a chase can also enclose the appliance. Circulating Firebox A circulating firebox is designed to heat through air circulation. Heat moves from the fire to the firebox, and is then moved out into the room by a fan through louvers at the top and bottom. Clearance The distance required by building and fire codes between a stove, smoke pipe or chimney and combustible materials such as wood furniture or carpets. Direct Vent Direct Vent Gas Fireplaces do not require a chimney and can be vented directly through a wall or roof. The direct vent draws its combustion air from outside while venting to the same outside atmosphere - thereby not consuming warm house air, nor competing with other appliances and furnaces for combustion air. Direct venting also eliminates drafts and heat loss associated with other fireplaces. Electric Fireplaces / Log Set Electric fireplaces reflect the look of traditional masonry and modern contemporary fireplaces but with all the convenience of just plugging in,A perfect solution for anyone wanting the calming aesthetics of a fireplace without the need for venting. Electronic Ignition An ignition system is powered by electricity that r equires either 110v outlet or battery. EPA Regulations EPA develops and enforces regulations that span many environmental topics, from acid rain reduction to wetlands restoration. The EPA rules on wood burning appliances bought or sold after July 1, 1992 are as follows, must emit no more than 4.1 grams of particulate matter per hour for catalytic-equipped units and no more than 7.5 grams for non-catalytic-equipped units. Firebox A firebox or fire pit is the part of the fireplace where fuel is combusted, in distinction to the hearth,chimney,mantel, over door and flue elements of the total fireplace system. The firebox normally sits on a masonry base at the floor level of the room Hearth A hearth is a brick- or stone-lined fireplace, with or without an oven, used for heating and originally also used for cooking food. For centuries, the hearth was such an integral part of a home, usually its central and most important feature, that the concept has been generalized to refer to a home place or household, as in the terms "hearth and home" and "keep the home fires burning" High-Efficiency Wood-Burning Fireplaces This is an EPA-approved fireplace offering that offers equal energy efficiency as well as adding to the general décor of a room. Inserts Invented in 1869 by Joab R. Donaldson of Oliphant Furnace, Pennsylvania, thefireplace insert is a device inserted into an existing masonry or prefabricated wood fireplace. Fireplace inserts are these days categorized primarily by the type of fuel used (natural gas, propane, EPA-certified wood, pellet and coal), though most people associate them with burning wood. Today, many manufacturers also augment the operation of fireplace inserts by offering features such as fans and thermostatic controls, depending on the fuel type. Typically fresh air enters through vents below, circulates around the main chamber, where it is heated up, and the warmed air then exits through vents on the top of the unit. Fireplace inserts are popular with people who have an existing open fireplace and chimney, since they significantly improve both fuel efficiency and heat output while also providing an attractive focal point to a room Mantel also known as a chimney piece, originated in medieval times as a hood that projected over a grate to catch the smoke. The term has evolved to include the decorative framework around the fireplace Manually Controlled Designates that the height of the flame can be controlled only through the unit directly Non-Catalytic Wood Stove Combustion occurs inside the firebox. Non-catalytic wood stoves are generally less expensive than catalytic wood stoves and require less maintenance. ODS (Oxygen Depletion Sensor) A safety device that activates a fireplace's' flame monitoring device in the event that excessive levels of CO² are detected and is part of the pilot assembly. Pellet Burning Heating appliances that use pellets for fuel are classified as "pellet burning." The sawdust in pellets is a manufacturing byproduct otherwise destined for landfills. Radiant Fire Boxes Also known as a "flush face." Radiant fireboxes emit heat via infra-red radiation and are preferred because the facing (stone, tile, or brick) can cover above and below the fireplace opening. Surround A fireplace surround is an architectural element which surrounds a fireplace, providing aesthetic and safety benefits. There are a number of different styles of fireplace surround which can fit in a range of design schemes, from modernist concrete designs to formal tiled ones. Many home improvement stores sell or can order fireplace surrounds, and it is also possible to install a custom version of a fireplace surround, or to modify an existing surround to change its look and feel. Thermostatically Controlled senses the temperature at the unit not of the room. Not as versatile as a remote ready with a thermostat. Variable Flame Height via the remote, you can increase and decrease the height of the flame and turn the unit on and off. Also available in thermostatically controlled. Vent Free gas appliance that has no need for a flue. Although these units offer high efficiency, some areas may not permit their use. Zero Clearance Fireplaces a factory-built fireplace that is constructed so that it can be placed, safely, close to combustible material 
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