Many people have been wondering about ventless fireplaces, they are interested in finding out how they work, if they are safe, if they deliver on the promise of benefits that is implied in all the ads. This article will try to answer all these questions.
What is the makeup of ethanol?
The most commonly asked question about ethanol fuel is it very nature. Using ethanol in our homes as a means of heat is still fairly new and most people are a little reluctant to buy an expensive item like a fireplace without knowing more about the availability of the fuel and knowing more about its general use.
The nature of ethanol is just that it is natural, and renewable. Ethanol is made from cereal like wheat or corn, or from sugar cane, it is a combustible that essentially burns alcohol derived from the fermentation of these plants. The alcohol is usually filtered and manufacturers add some ingredients that will create a yellow to orange colored flame. Liquid ethanol is a little different from gel ethanol in that it does not give off any smell. Gel ethanol has also been known to generate some black streaks on fireplaces, liquid ethanol burns cleanly.
How long will the fire last?
This depends on the quantity of fuel in the container, on the ambient conditions, and on the size of the flames that is set. For most fireplaces that have a flame control (not all fireplaces do,) when set at the highest level, one quart of ethanol should burn for about three hours. The duration of the fire can be extended to about 4 hours by reducing the size of the flame.
What happens in the air when it burns?
When ethanol burns it produces CO2 and some water steam.
How much CO2 is emitted?
The quantity of CO2 emitted by burning a 3 hours fire is about equivalent to the amount of CO2 produced by burning 2 average candles.
How much steam is sent out into the air?
It is about the same as what you would get from a room humidifier.
Most ethanol fireplaces have some logs, what are they made of?
This of course depends on manufacturers and brands but most are made of a special ceramic and calcium silicate. They can be used over and over, but they can be broken and should not be dropped.
Where can you buy fuel?
Everywhere. Regardless of your location you can get fuel. If you live in a remote area, you can shop online and it is permissible to ship ethanol. On line giants like Amazon offer good prices and free delivery. The store where you bought your fireplace will often sell fuel as well.
How much does it cost to heat a house with ethanol?
Ethanol is not intended to be used as a primary heat source for a home. First you can use it for ambience as you would an open hearth fireplace. Like any fire that consume a combustible some heat is generated and will add to the temperature of the room, but you should not use your fireplace for long periods of time (3 to 4 hours at a time is normal.)
Is the use of ethanol safe and are there regulations in place?
The use of ethanol fireplaces is not restricted in the US, but safety measures are taken by manufacturers to ensure that consumers are safe is using the product as intended. There are some restrictions in some other countries and you would have to check with your own environmental offices to find out what applies in your locality.
Can you move or install a fireplace on a patio?
There are some ethanol fireplaces made specially for outdoor uses, in addition if you have a floor or table model you can certainly move it to the patio whenever you want as long as you have a flat sturdy surface. You should however avoid drafts, and in no circumstances should you expose your fireplace to rain unless you have an outdoor model.
Even a fireplace attached to a wall can be moved when you remodel the house, or if you decide to move to another apartment.
