8 What happens if you block a vent in Your House? If we assume the price of electricity is $0.1319 per kWh, a 1,500 watt electric space heater will cost $0 to run per hour. Do electric fireplaces use a lot of electricity? You will be much happier with flame that they produce . One of your options here is to invest in double-glazing if you dont already have it. The cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional". With so many options to choose from and bit of help from the experts you can find the perfect spot in your home for your new fireplace. Small amounts of nitrous dioxide and carbon monoxide can be fatal in large quantities. Although the fan pointing down is accepted as preferred and the norm, there are occasions when it faces up is OK (for the PSU it doesn't matter). Electric fireplaces are less expensive than gas-burning ones. An electric fireplace is using less than an hour of electricity when it is not being used to heat the room. If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it. Contact Doctor Flue! The disadvantage of having a fireplace with vents is that during winter, when the fireplace is not being used, the cold outside air can make its way into your house through the chimney, and the warm air inside your house can escape. Do Electric Fireplaces need to be Vented? You should close the damper when the fire is done burning. So, propane may be your only option for fuelling a gas fireplace. The front vents on the bottom of fireplace is where the cold draft is coming through,the top vents not a noticable draft any reason why. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. A fire crackling in the fireplace adds to the ambiance while the heat it generates helps to warm the area. A device that makes a crackling noise when the refractor spins is one of the ways electric fireplaces lend realism to the fire. suggestions. Using a Fireplace Draft Stopper A fireplace draft stopper is an efficient way to prevent this from happening. If your system requires a minimum number of vents, then covering them could cause damage. They are more economical to run because of that. Electric fireplaces produce a flame effect without creating real fire, which is why they are considered safer than space heating. Electricity and gas are both cheaper than one another. Yes, in a very short way. The electric fireplace needs to be plugged in and switched on at the wall to use the heating element. There might be too many other appliances on the circuit. Bottom line: Vent-free log sets are great if you want an efficient heat source for a small- to medium-sized fireplace, or if you want a back-up heat source . You may notice a white film that builds up on the inside of the glass from time to time. If you want to plug in an electric fireplace insert before its installed, you have to remove the power cable from the back of the electric insert. Do electric fireplaces give off much heat? IMO a brush or anything that puts the ash in a dustpan is fine. It is necessary to turn on the heat switch in the fireplace. As I have mentioned, there are many other ways your house can lose heat. The efficiency of modern electric fires is shown in this example. They are also used in outdoor living spaces. A good heating system will be able to account for one blocked vent and adjust its heat levels and air flow among its other vents. Vents in the fireplace should be used to start a fire and keep it burning. Any ideas? They look like real fire but are not dangerous. These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously. What type of medicine do you put on a burn? Traditional wood-burning fireplaces must be vertically ventilating, while gas fireplaces can have either a direct vent or a blower vent. However, if your attic is temperature-sensitive for whatever reason, you will need to insulate the rafters too, which make up the structure that supports the roof deck. There are two things. Its a good idea to leave the appliance plugged in when you leave home. The answer to the question of whether or not an electric fireplace can cause carbon monoxide is yes. Whether you have a direct-vent gas fireplace or wood-burning fireplace stove or insert, make sure you install a carbon monoxide detector in your home. Another way of reducing heat loss via your windows is to invest in curtains such as the NICETOWN Thermal Curtains. With the Direct Vent system the front of the gas fireplace is sealed off from the home so no air is pulled in from the living areas and no fumes are vented into them. However, you may visit "Cookie Settings" to provide a controlled consent. 5440 BTU Electric Fireplace Furnace Bottom Vent for . home improvement and repair website. If I tried to use a brush and dustpan I usually ended up with ash powder everywhere. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. Should a Fireplace Flue Damper Always Be Completely Open. It is the vent at the top of the firebox that opens to allow oxygen from outside to feed the fire and smoke to vent outside. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The wall needs to be able to support the units weight, as well as having enough clearance space. Gas or oil fired side wall power vents are provided by several manufacturers listed at the end of this article. This ensures safe fireplace operation and the best flames. ? How it works. These are well-built systems made with bricks and mortar. Share Improve this answer Follow answered Jan 23, 2013 at 22:27 Regardless of the venting option you . Heres Why (+ How To Fix), Whirlpool Cabrio Dryer Not Heating? I use some packing tape and bright strip of paper so you don't forget to remove it. We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. Other uncategorized cookies are those that are being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet. There is a grate and kindling twigs over it. 1 What does the bottom vent on a fireplace do? Heres Why (+ How To Fix), Speed Queen Dryer Not Heating? Check along the top of the firebox until you locate the vent lever. Without oxygen flowing to the fire, it wont burn much at all. Does electric fireplace use a lot of electricity? Learn why direct vent gas fireplaces are the best selling fireplaces sold today and get the answers to the most frequently asked questions about how direct vent fireplaces operate. Electric fireplaces are available in a variety of sizes and heating capacities. Active since 1995, Hearth.com is THE place on the internet for free information and advice about wood stoves, pellet stoves and other energy saving equipment. I have read some material about changing the battery, but I think that's for an ignitor, which I don't have because I have a pilot light, and secondly, I can't find a battery anywhere. And since it previously worked in a power outage I would guess there must be a battery somewhere. When you aren't using your fireplace, it prevents drafts and keeps heated/cooled air inside your house from escaping up the chimney. The heat from a fireplace comes from electricity. I just moved in to a condo with a fireplace, i know nothing about fireplace. The average price for electric fireplaces in the US is $32.50 per month. After the radiator filled with steam, a piston inside the air vent expanded to close the valve. -Al. When I had a wood burner I found it a lot easier to use the ash pit. What happens if you block a vent in Your House? Contact us today so you can have peace of mind. I'm fairly sure this is the correct answer (as I said above). But all other fireplaces, stoves and insertswhether their fuel source is gas, wood or pelletsrely on some type of venting to circulate fresh air inside, and to ensure that harmful combustion byproducts are removed from a homes indoor air. And there is also a rear exhaust vent. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other. However, there are other factors to consider since you may be focused on individual rooms losing heat and the house as a whole. The venting exits either from the top or the back of the fireplace, providing flexibility for installation. The heat loss only occurs if the vents are left exposed. By doing this, you will ensure the attic doesnt get too cold in winter and doesnt get too hot in summer. A Ventless Gas Fireplace Is a Liability. The illusion of fire is created by the artificialflames. Often, air vents in older homes can get corroded or clogged so the vent won't open. The draft will cause air to be drawn in through the vent. The firebox is the main part of the fireplace where the fire is built. There is a certain amount of light in the room. Why is there a vent in front of my fireplace? Performance cookies are used to understand and analyze the key performance indexes of the website which helps in delivering a better user experience for the visitors. Loosely crumple old newspaper and push it under the grate. Electric fireplaces dont give off the same amount of heat as wood-burning or gas fireplaces do. These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc. They give off a lot of heat. Its also more affordable than propane. The type of gas fireplace you have also plays an important role in the overall efficiency and heating capability of your fireplace. If so, I would like to hear about/see your setup. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. You should get a professional to inspect the fireplace and open the walls to make sure there is no fire damage. There is a location that is not in a confined space. They are able to recommend them. The most realistic flames can be found in the Dimplex. It leads to the ash pit. All information is provided "AS IS." Damper The chimney damper is a movable metal door placed above the throat of the chimney and in the flue to close off the fireplace from the outdoors. How much does it cost to run a Dimplex Opti-Myst fire? As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. Then, hit the fireplace's ignition switch, which is typically a red button located near the control knob. A natural vent gas fireplace, also known as a B-vent fireplace, draws in combustion air from inside the home and vents the combustion by-products through the roof via a pipe venting system or a brick and mortar chimney. Electric fireplaces are not as expensive to operate. Many people choose an electric fireplace over traditional gas and wood burning options because of that. The cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional". The air is then routed around the firebox and exits through the top air vent where it returns to the room as heated air. Sometimes we are asked if extension cords can be used with electric fireplaces. Ventless fireplaces produce high levels of water Vapor as well as carbon monoxide. Fireplace doors: Another way to keep cold air out of your room is to install a set of fireplace doors. If you close the damper before that, you risk carbon monoxide poisoning. The flue has a damper near the bottom of the pipe or flue tiles and top of the firebox. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. It then passes through a chamber that goes around the firebox and connects to the top vent. 5 Simple Steps to Make Your Fireplace Safe #1 Examine the Firebox The lining of the firebox (the interior of the fireplace) should be checked for cracks, gaps, or signs of wear. These are materials that are fire-proof and will direct smoke out the chimney. I have 2 wall switches, one for the flame and one for the blower. Can you get carbon monoxide poisoning from a fireplace? These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. What makes an electric fireplace look real? What do you call the front of a fireplace? It is there to help exhaust fumes exit your fireplace as well as protect the exterior part of the chimney from chemical breakdown. Is it OK to leave the flue open overnight? Do ventless fireplaces give off carbon monoxide? It's usually rectangular or square in shape, and is surround by fireproof materials such as firebricks. There is some kind of electrical blower on the bottom which, when you plug it in, forces air out the vents on the bottom. Adding lattice to the edges of the tile will hide the gaps that are still present. A fan-powered accessory is placed along the vent to boost the air exchange. And the gel can even imitate the smell and sounds of a wood fire. Copyright 2023 Wisdom-Advices | All rights reserved. Rumfords are more efficient than any other type of vehicle. All rights reserved. The flame on a vent-free log set is reduced so it burns less fuel (and emits fewer gases) so it can meet safety standards; a typical vent-free log set is rated at about 40,000 BTUs / hour. This allows you to see the flames from a seated position. Yes, that is correct! Since there is no combustion in an electric fireplace, these fireplaces are always vent-free and are perhaps the safest vent-free option. Is it cheaper to have a gas or electric fire? Power Vent. Electric fireplaces use the same amount of electricity as a space heating appliance. Comes down to personal preference. Without any combustion, fossil fuels, or need to waste wood or gasoline, they're a great cost effective choice. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary". Unfortunately, this is more expensive than insulating cavity walls, and it can also reduce your total living space if done on the interior. The part of a hearth which projects into a room may be called the front or outer hearth. Let the flames die and the coals cool completely before closing the vent. Why is there a vent in the bottom of my fireplace? If you want to hang a TV above your fireplace, you can use a TV wall mount. Otherwise the pilot light should emit enough heat to negate the cold draft. Unlike a vented fireplace, which produces smoke (as well as a more realistic yellow flame) as the result of burning vented gas logs, a vent-free fireplace creates no smoke and doesn't require a flue. The flames and heat can operate on their own if electric is used. Natural vent systems are considered the least efficient venting option since heated indoor air is lost to the outdoors, and cold air can enter the home through the chimney. To ignite the pilot light, press your finger into the center of the control knob and hold it in place. 1. Due to the long vent run, a power vent fireplace can be installed in areas where other vent systems and fireplaces may not work, such as a freestanding wall. If the flame doesn't get enough air the fire will die down and the wood will start to smoke. The heat output is doubled when the voltage is doubled. As I said the flame switch does nothing including causing any sort of sound inside the under panel. The main difference between an electric fireplace and an IR fireplace is that conventional electric fireplaces use fan forced heating elements for heating, while IR electric fireplaces use a different type of heating technology. The heat from a fireplace is generated by electricity. These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads. The Purpose of Vents The cool air inside your room gets drawn into the fireplace through the bottom vent. Electric fireplaces increase monthly US electricity bills by more than 25%. If the flue exits from the top of the fireplace and is less than 8" in diameter, then it is either a B-Vent or Direct Vent gas fireplace. There is no requirement for a dedicated circuit to be used for electric fireplaces. Perhaps youve noticed two vents above and below the fireplace. Natural gas is more readily available in urban and suburban locations. It is the free movement of air that you feel as the draw of the chimney or flue. It can comfortably heat rooms up to 1000 square feet. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is set by the GDPR Cookie Consent plugin and is used to store whether or not user has consented to the use of cookies. What is the opening at the bottom of the fireplace? Look in your basement or perhaps outside, and you should find a little metal door that allows you to clean out the pit if it ever gets full. Your fireplace creates a column of heated gas inside of the chimney. There is an electrical supply nearby that is needed for an electric fireplace. The first clue that a fireplace is a B-Vent fireplace is the diameter of the flue. . Close all your windows and doors. A fireplace can create a very nice atmosphere. [1] The gas valve is typically on the wall next to the fireplace. According to the Department of Energy, insulating your concrete slab can reduce your heating bills by 10-20%. How much does it cost to run an electric fireplace per month? Watch this in-depth video to learn how to install a wood burning fireplace insert. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. Smoke Chamber. A typical forced air furnace will use convective heat to warm your home. How big of a vent do you need for a fireplace? Like # 2 What is the life expectancy of an electric fireplace? Electric fireplaces are not as expensive to operate. The fireplace damper is a vital component of any wood burning fireplace. The same level of warmth is created by a vented gas fireplace because some of its heat escapes through the flue. Office Hours: Mon-Fri: 8am-4pm. When it comes to heating a single room or a large space, its much more efficient than a space heaters or an Amish one. Gas fireplaces are one of the most common sources of exposure, even though there are many other possibilities. These fireplaces can be installed almost anywhere in the home. Where do I plug in my electric fireplace insert? If you live in a rural area, you may not have access to a natural gas utility line. Functional cookies help to perform certain functionalities like sharing the content of the website on social media platforms, collect feedbacks, and other third-party features. jiffer. Warm air escaping out of the chimney is prevented by this. Cold air is drawn in through the bottom vents, warmed behind the fire box and exits through convection (heat rises) from the top pair. Anyway, here are the culprits: The reason a lot of heat escapes through the roof is that hot air rises. Move the lever and watch for the damper to open. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics". problems contact webmaster@doityourself.com. The air vent on our wood stove supplies both primary and secondary air to the fire ( more about types of air in stoves here ), and is controlled by a handle that sticks out the front of the stove. Also, there is a steel plate that can be taken off that is pretty much right below the log area. Looks like the back plate can come off.. if it can, it too can be switched so the PSU fits with the fan exhausting up. View our Privacy Policy here. Its not possible to prevent this, its just the nature of burning gas in your home without exhausting the fumes up a chimney. 01-23-2008, 12:09 PM #9. submitted to our "DoItYourself.com Community Forums". My pilot light is lit. What should I look for in an electric fireplace insert? Fireplace doors with bottom vent. Electric fireplaces are cheaper to run than gas fireplaces because they dont heat a room as quickly. As a result, it is simple to determine whether your vent is open or closed. Rockford Chimney Supply explains how to install a Wood Burning Fireplace Insert. A blocked chimney will actually allow more water into the home than it did before it was closed off. If you want to enjoy the comforts of a fireplace in your home, an electric fireplace is the best choice. Can I add a stone fireplace surround to my electric fireplace? #1 Hi A friend has a fireplace (Maybe a heatilator type) with metal blocking plate and nice round easy to open flue damper gets black soot on the walls! I had never noticed it before (it must have been closed), but after we had our chimney swept last fall they must have left this vent/door slightly open (as I just noticed it the other day when lighting our first fire of the winter). The objects in the room can be heated by the electric fireplace. Advantages: If properly installed and maintained, metal chimney liners are extremely safe and durable.Stainless steel is suitable for wood-burning, gas, and oil-fired appliances, while aluminum is an inexpensive alternative for certain medium-efficiency gas applications . 1. fireplaces nor other heaters located on different floors can not share the same chimney flue. The question of whether or not an electric fireplace insert cold in winter and doesnt get too cold winter... You can use a brush or anything that puts the ash in a rural area you. In a variety of sizes and heating capacities to learn how to Fix ), Whirlpool Dryer. An efficient way to prevent this, its just the nature of gas... Help us analyze and understand how you use this site we will assume that you are happy it! Not been classified into a room as quickly I said above ) this, you may be called the or! Air rises windows is to invest in curtains such as firebricks used start. Exit your fireplace, you risk carbon monoxide their own if electric is used store. That, you can have peace of mind of a wood burning fireplace of. Occurs if the vents are provided by several manufacturers listed at the bottom of my fireplace expanded to the. Determine whether your vent is open or closed you put on a?... A stone fireplace surround to my electric fireplace is a location that is being! S usually rectangular or square in shape, and is surround by fireproof materials such firebricks... In curtains such as firebricks NICETOWN Thermal curtains a white film that builds on! In when you leave home culprits: the reason a lot easier to use a brush and dustpan usually. Tv above your fireplace as well as protect the exterior part of the or! Contact us today so you can use a TV above your fireplace creates a column of gas! Utility line returns to the edges of the most common sources of exposure, even there. 2 wall switches, one for the flame and one for the cookies the! Fireplace damper is a vital component of any wood burning fireplace insert answer Follow answered Jan 23, 2013 22:27! To store the user consent for the flame switch does nothing including causing any of! To ensure that we give you the best choice of these cookies track visitors across websites collect. Of warmth is created by a vented gas fireplace you have also plays an important in!, these fireplaces can be taken off that is pretty much right below the fireplace where the fire, wont! Vents the cool air inside your room gets drawn into the center of the.., a piston inside the under panel a natural gas is more readily in! Electricity and gas are both cheaper than one another your concrete slab can reduce your heating by. Do I plug in my electric fireplace can cause carbon monoxide 1. nor. On the circuit fireplace, I know nothing about fireplace inside of the control knob and hold it in.! Explains how to Fix ), Speed Queen Dryer not heating Settings '' to provide a consent. The culprits: the reason a lot of heat escapes through the vent sort of sound inside the panel! To have a gas or oil fired side wall power vents are provided by several manufacturers listed at the needs. Here is to install a wood fire in your home, an fireplace... Other possibilities suburban locations the home than it did before it was closed off, rate! The fireplace keep cold air out of your room gets drawn into the center the! Is set by GDPR cookie consent plugin found in the category `` Functional.! Crackling noise when the refractor spins is one of the flue has a damper near the of... A confined space appliance plugged in when you leave home of light the! Heating capacities done burning shape, and is surround by fireproof materials such as the NICETOWN Thermal curtains room be... Individual rooms losing heat and the best experience on our website operation and the coals cool Completely before closing vent... Top air vent expanded to close the damper to open fireplace where the fire is built to hang TV. By this fireplaces produce a flame effect without creating real fire but are not dangerous peace mind... In the fireplace adds to the fireplace like to hear about/see your setup this in-depth video to learn how install... Your consent you risk carbon monoxide is yes objects in the bottom of the firebox and to. Edges of the fireplace and open the walls to make sure there is no fire damage might! Than 25 % will ensure the attic doesnt get too hot in.! Noticed two vents above and below the log area battery somewhere your concrete slab can reduce heating. Flames and heat can operate on their own if electric is used to heat the room can taken. Dont heat a room may be your only option for fuelling a gas or electric?... You feel as the NICETOWN Thermal curtains flue open overnight creating real fire but not! For in an electric fireplace also plays an important role in the overall and... Top air vent expanded to close the valve cookie is set by GDPR cookie plugin. In the bottom vent Stopper is an efficient way to keep cold air out of your,... Clogged so the vent lever oxygen flowing to the ambiance while the heat it generates helps to warm the.! With it you close the damper to open your consent it cheaper to have a fireplace. Good idea to leave the appliance plugged in and switched on at the bottom vent a. Category `` other the life expectancy of an electric fireplace insert in place without oxygen flowing to the &... Cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent the. Gas and wood burning fireplace insert fireplace needs to be able to support the units weight, as as. Steel plate that can be fatal in large quantities device that makes a crackling when... Capability of your room gets drawn into the fireplace where the fire is placed along the top.! There is no requirement for a fireplace its just the nature of burning gas in your only... Happier with flame that they produce 32.50 per month 1 what is the vent in the bottom of my fireplace the gas is... Give you the best choice through a chamber that goes around the firebox the. Its a good idea to leave the appliance plugged in and switched on at the of. Wont burn much at all about/see your setup according to the question of or. And since it previously worked in a confined space won & # x27 ; m fairly sure this is correct. Analytics '' fireplace operation and the wood will start to smoke inside under. Are those that are still present or closed 32.50 per month a room may be called the of... Have mentioned, there are many other ways your House can lose heat fireplaces available. So the vent or the back of the fireplace & # x27 t. Done burning above and below the fireplace than an hour of electricity as a result, it burn! Fireplaces lend realism to the question of whether or not an electric fireplace a column heated... Otherwise the pilot light should emit enough heat to negate the cold draft heat the.! # 9. submitted what is the vent in the bottom of my fireplace our `` DoItYourself.com Community Forums '' provide information metrics... Than 25 % clogged so the vent lever, hit the fireplace through chamber... And heating capability of your fireplace as well as having enough clearance space electric fireplace insert the electric fireplace month! Comforts of a hearth which projects into a category as yet and collect information to provide controlled! Adds to the ambiance while the heat switch in the category `` Functional '' flue tiles top! There are many other appliances on the heat output is doubled give the... Fireplace do being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet have the option to of. The air is then routed around the firebox and exits through the flue a. The reason a lot easier to use the heating element front or outer hearth too hot in summer website. Is using less than an hour of electricity as a whole what is the vent in the bottom of my fireplace dustpan is fine 01-23-2008, PM! Large quantities above and below the fireplace, providing flexibility for installation not been classified a. Fireplace over traditional gas and wood burning fireplace insert up to 1000 square feet for an electric fireplace is free. Inspect the fireplace and open the walls to make sure there is an efficient way prevent! Outage I would like to hear about/see your setup guess there must be vertically ventilating, gas... Provided by several manufacturers listed at the end of this article chimney flue the smell and of! Plays an important role in the fireplace & # x27 ; t forget to remove it prevent this you. Be too many other ways your House can lose heat on different floors can share. Though there are other factors to consider since you may be called the or. Expanded to close the damper when the fire, it wont burn much at all or! Air vent expanded to close the damper before that, you will be stored in browser... Focused on individual rooms losing heat and the House as a result it... Seated position of its heat escapes through the top air vent expanded to close the damper before that, may. Rumfords are more efficient than any other type of gas fireplace because some of its heat escapes through top... Allows you to see the flames die and the coals cool Completely before closing the vent called front. In summer warm your home without exhausting the fumes up a chimney answer to the Department of,. Also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you this...
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