How Fireplaces Work

Everybody loves a nice fireplace in their home, the way it adds a romantic air to the room.  There seems to be an association of such device with family, love and warmth.  In many parts of the world in addition to the visual appeal of flames tango dancing together that produces almost a hypnotic effect, it is a method of survival, in locations where there is no electricity it is an invaluable tool to stay warm in the winter months.

In this article you will discover how exactly a fireplace works and what elements produce the effective warmth of such invention.

The heat generated by the fireplace is based on the principal of energy radiation.  It is not air that is being warmed as many might think.  Radiation is defined as transfer of thermal energy threw the vacuum of empty space. The Sun is the most predominant example of radiation that travels millions of light years away to bring warmth to our existence. It occurs when an atom disintegrates which then has no mass and travels in waves to an object of lower temperature then its own.  How does this all happen in a fireplace?

FireplaceView

where there is a lot of thought, art and science that goes into fireplace design. A fireplace is made of key elements to channel that energy:

The hearth: is the fire resistant foundation on which it is built on. Is job can also be to conduct heat to be radiated to an area, it is commonly what you see that extends beyond the fireplace box enclosure.

Some fireplaces have a foundation that connects it to a basement or directly outside allowing more intake of air and generate heat without using resources from the area it’s heating.

Firebox: is where the wood is to be placed

Ash dump allow for the collection of ash and avoid it being sent out to the area it resides.

Damper: Regulates the draft up the chimney to control the amount and direction of which it flows. One common mistake that  people make is trying to start a fire while the damper is closed, which in-turn causes the fire not to start or to extend the combustion into the room.

Smoke Shelf: stops smoke from reversing back into the room

Flue: controls gases out of the chimney to the outdoor flow.

Caps: Stops objects particles and Santa from coming down the chimney.

One important component that is often overlooked is the spark screen, it is what stops spark debris from entering a room.

Some of the contributors to the effectiveness of a fireplace include Prince Rupert, Ben Franklin, count Rumford and human ingenuity that continues to improve our way of life.

How To Care For Your Fireplace

A cast iron fireplace can last a lifetime with proper care. Cast iron is very durable but since a fireplace is exposed to high temperatures for prolonged periods of time, some care is needed to keep them looking their best. Moisture and the resulting rust are the worst enemies of cast iron and prevention is easier than repair.

If you have purchased a new cast iron fireplace, it needs to be seasoned similar to the way that cast iron cookware is prepared. Rub the stove with oil being sure to get oil in any cracks and crevices on the fireplace to protect the finish and prevent rust. If your cast iron fireplace is not exposed to moisture you will not need to do this very often. Once or twice a year should be sufficient but it is fine to oil the stove as often as you wish. After you have used the fireplace for awhile you may want to apply stove blacking or heat resistant paint to renew the cast iron’s glossy black finish.

If you are purchasing a fire pit or chiminea for use outside you will have to be more vigilant to prevent rust. The first thing you should do to protect your cast iron fireplace is to purchase a cover to protect it from the elements and use the lid, if your model came with one. Oil should be applied frequently or a protective coating sprayed on. WD-40 is used by some to prevent rust but it has to be done frequently. Be sure to read the manufacturer’s instructions for care of your particular fireplace.

Whether your cast iron fireplace is inside or outside your home, there is one issue that you will have to deal with: ashes. Some fireplaces have a slide out tray that is easy to empty, but some will require you to sweep them out after use. After the majority of the ashes have been removed, take your vacuum and vacuum the rest out to get it thoroughly clean. Make sure there aren’t any hot embers before disposing of the ashes or using the vacuum.

Your  fireplace will be a focal point in your home for entertaining and for quiet relaxation. With just a little care, it can become a treasured family heirloom. Rust should be dealt with quickly, to prevent further damage. If you see a little rust on your fireplace, don’t despair, you can sand the rust out and paint it or apply stove blacking and it will look good as new.

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