How does a mantelpiece fireplace work?
A fireplace with a water jacket is an effective and energy-saving source of heat. It complements the main heating. Additionally, the possibility of observing a phenomenal vision of fire makes the fireplace create a harmonious mood and a specific atmosphere in the room. Before choosing a specific model, it is worth familiarizing yourself with its way of working. So how does a fireplace with a water jacket work? What is a water jacket? What are the most important advantages of such a solution?
Fireplace with a water jacket – what is it and how does it work?
Fireplaces with a water jacket are an effective source of additional home heating, especially in the so-called transitional periods, i.e. autumn and spring. Moreover, they are perfect for situations when we want to increase the temperature in only one room (e.g. the living room). Additionally, a fireplace with a water jacket can be connected not only to the central heating system, but also to the popular underfloor heating. In practice, this means significant savings.
What is a water jacket? Depending on the specific fireplace, the water jacket takes the form of a tank or a pipe containing water. The heating medium (i.e. the water surrounding the furnace) is heated during fuel combustion. It is a heat exchanger that absorbs thermal energy from exhaust gases and then effectively heats the water flowing through the jacket. The place where the water is heated is called the receiver. The heated water can be distributed not only to pipe systems connected to radiators, but also to underfloor heating installations. Depending on the connection method, a fireplace with a water jacket can be an effective heat source heating one or several (selected) rooms.
Other information on how a fireplace with a water jacket works
A fireplace with a water jacket has both practical and aesthetic functions. The universal appearance makes the fireplace a coherent whole with small and spacious rooms. Unlike standard (ordinary) ponies, the heat from the burned fuel is not carried outside along with the exhaust gases through the chimney, but is effectively used for heating.
Safe use of a fireplace with a water jacket
Even if a large amount of fuel (e.g. seasoned wood) is burned for a long time, the water in the jacket will not boil. One of the built-in protections is the so-called cooling coil equipped with a precisely operating and reliable temperature sensor. The most important task of this element is to constantly monitor the current water temperature and prevent the water from boiling (i.e. reaching a temperature of 100°C). When the water temperature in the water jacket begins to approach this limit, the sensor sends a signal and the valve opens automatically. If necessary, excess water is discharged directly into the sewage system.
Letting cold water into the system immediately lowers its temperature. The entire process is fully automatic and does not require any user intervention. Its effect is practically unnoticeable. Effective and reliable protection allows you to use the fireplace with a water jacket for a long time, without fear of damage caused by boiling water.
How to install a fireplace with a water jacket?
To safely install the fireplace and connect it to the central heating system or underfloor heating system, you should use the services of a professional company. Otherwise, the manufacturer of the fireplace with a water jacket may not recognize the warranty, i.e. free repair of damage resulting directly or indirectly from incorrect installation.
Key advantages of a fireplace with a water jacket
Fireplaces with a water jacket are an interesting proposition for all people who value both aesthetic and practical functions. Modern fireplaces are extremely easy to keep clean. Their design and functional solutions mean that maintenance activities are limited to an absolute minimum. Selected models are equipped with the so-called clean glass system. It makes the vision of fire especially beautiful. Additionally, a fireplace with a water jacket allows you to reduce heating costs. The amount of savings depends on, among others: on the type of fireplace, its power, how the house is insulated, the size of the house, the type of windows and fuel fuel. In some cases, cost reduction at heating the house with a fireplace may be as much as -40%, in relation to the costs incurred using only the main heat source.
Another advantage of this type of fireplaces is the high efficiency of over 80%. This is due to, among others, due to the tightness of the water jacket that surrounds almost the entire fireplace. Modern fireplaces with a water jacket, manufactured by renowned companies, meet all Polish and European requirements. Moreover, they are characterized by reliable operation, even in case of frequent use. A number of advantages make this type of fireplaces extremely popular. Their purchase is a good investment that quickly pays off in the form of savings and the opportunity to observe a beautiful vision of fire whenever the desire arises.