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Today, when equipping their home, they often decide to install a fireplace in it. After all, it acts not only as an addition to the interior design, but also as a heating device.
In this article I will draw your attention to this type of fireplaces as gas. After all, they are rapidly conquering the market due to their main advantage - ease of installation and operation. A gas fireplace is a living flame heater that uses gas as a fuel. I'll tell you about the main types of gas fireplaces and their features.
Gas fireplaces, their advantages and disadvantages
In order for the fireplace to delight you with cozy warmth on long cold evenings, it should be properly cared for. This means that you need to constantly monitor the combustion process, the moment of cleaning the furnace, etc.
Anyone who owns such a structure understands that its installation requires a considerable investment of effort and money. In addition, the development of a project and installation requires, first of all, coordination with the relevant authorities, and in terms of a country house there should already be a prerequisite for arranging such a structure.
However, there is a simple solution to this problem. You can buy a good model of a gas fireplace and install it in your home.
They do not require special care, are easy to operate and do not clog up (ash, wood, soot) the room. Apart from decorative models, gas ones can be used as ordinary heating appliances.
A gas fireplace is a heater with a living flame effect that uses natural gas (methane) or liquefied gas as fuel.
It makes sense to install a gas unit in apartments and country houses, to which the main gas is supplied.
Although it is possible to organize its operation on gas in cylinders. But in this case, you will need to equip a special room for storing containers with gas, and the cylinders will have to be refueled from time to time (which is not very convenient). The combustion temperature of gas (500-650 ° C) is significantly lower than that of firewood.
Therefore, the requirements for the heat resistance of the materials from which the fireplace is made are different. In addition, when burning gas fuel, very little soot is formed - basically, it breaks down into carbon dioxide and water vapor.
Benefits:
- Much more environmentally friendly than wood-burning fireplaces, less hazardous substances enter the atmosphere.
- Gas fireplaces are cheaper than wood-burning ones, and they are much simpler in design.
Fuel dosing is fully regulated by an automatic system, both electronic and mechanical. This means that regardless of the degree of modernity of the model, a gas fireplace in an apartment does not require constant adjustments and interventions during operation.
- Live fire as in a wood-burning one, but without ash and soot.
- The heating power of gas fireplaces can be up to 8 kW.
Gas has a high specific heat of combustion, which explains the level of efficiency, which is incomparably higher than that of wood. In our case, it can exceed 80%.
- It is easy to operate, it ignites quickly and does not require constant maintenance (throw up firewood, adjust the draft, you can leave it unattended).
Disadvantages:
- To install a gas fireplace, you need permission from the relevant services (gas and fire).
- The gas fireplace should ONLY be installed by a specialist. Its first launch is accompanied by permits from the gas and fire service.The owner, on his own initiative, cannot make any changes to the design and to its operation.
- Hazardous propane-butane or natural gas is used as fuel, so a fireplace with a safety violation or malfunction can cause trouble.
Fireplaces are equipped with a chimney that acts as a chimney. If it is located far from the built-in ventilation duct, then a lot of work has to be done, deliberately agreed with the fire inspector.
Modern fireplaces are automated by electronic control systems, which means they require energy costs. They are small, but the installation of a fireplace implies the installation of an outlet in the immediate vicinity, which increases the total amount of work.
A gas fireplace can have an open or closed firebox - equipped with a heat-resistant glass door.
The unit with an open hearth resembles a fireplace using solid fuel. You can light it with matches without much difficulty, but there is also a danger of being burned by its flame.
The glass door covering the front of the firebox plays a double role: it protects the burner from contamination and the users from possible burns due to careless handling.
In gas fireplaces with a closed combustion chamber, heat-resistant glass is used.
Gas is a flammable substance, but, despite this, gas fireplaces are considered one of the safest devices. Thanks to the multi-level tracking system, any abnormal situations will be prevented.
Infrared sensors are fireplace position sensors. They react if the device is suddenly dropped. In order not to cause a fire, the gas supply system is turned off.
A gas fireplace is a rather powerful source of heat, so this unit can be used to heat large areas of your home.
Gas fireplaces put forward lower requirements for the hood compared to wood-burning ones, which need a full-fledged chimney.
After all, the combustion products of natural gas are steam and carbon dioxide, and the temperature of the exhaust gases at the outlet is much lower. It also increases the attractiveness of the gas fireplace in the eyes of the modern consumer.
However, at the same time, you must understand that the connection of the gas appliance is associated with additional work that must be carried out by specialized services. Also, this procedure requires documentation in accordance with local legislation. For many reasons, the location of gas equipment is limited by safety requirements.
The variety of models of gas inserts and fireplaces will allow you to implement any idea for the implementation of a modern comfortable fireplace in your home.
You can install a fireplace in one of the existing ways:
- Outdoor way. This arrangement implies the installation of the firebox on the floor covering.
- Wall-mounted method. The firebox is hung on the wall and has a completely closed design with ventilation channels.
- Embedded way. The firebox is placed on an equipped base and covered with decorative elements.
- Street. The structure is installed outdoors, in a summer kitchen or gazebo.
Design and specifications
The firebox acts as the main element of a gas fireplace. Depending on the implementation of design solutions, it can have a different shape. In the manufacture of the body of the device for fuel combustion, cast iron or heat-resistant steel is used. The inner part of the structure is equipped with a burner, a lined firebox, a reflector-reflector and a screen from which the gas supplied to the furnace is directed to the burner. The design of the fireplace is created in such a way that all these elements are hidden behind fake logs made of ceramic or other heat-resistant materials - imitation of natural firewood.The flame is clearly visible through the fireproof glass of the fireplace door.
During the operation of the unit, liquid fuel can flare up to a temperature of 650 ° C. Carbon dioxide discharged through a special pipe to the street can reach indicators up to 200 ° C.
Features of gas fireplaces
Gas fireplace equipment includes the following structural elements:
- Fireplace insert that decorates the room.
- Body made of cast iron or special metal alloy.
- High capacity burner from which gas is supplied.
According to fire safety rules, such a device must have a high-quality refractory lining, which, in addition, performs a decorative function.
There are fireboxes of various sizes and appearance, i.e. design, so everyone will be able to choose the most suitable option for the interior style of the firebox for a gas fireplace.
To comply with fire safety measures, so that the air circulation in the fireplace is not disturbed, the firebox must be lined. The cladding can be made of ceramics, artificial and natural stone or ceramic tiles, but the cladding material must necessarily have refractory properties.
Inside the combustion chamber there is a firebox, always lined with fireclay bricks, a gas burner, a reflector and a protective screen. All these elements are hidden behind artificial logs.
On the reflective screen, the fuel burns, which comes out of the burner onto it. Such a screen consists of special frames that warm up quickly enough and give off heat.
The reflector, in turn, helps to accelerate the heat transfer process. The radiator in the fireplace gives off heat to the room by convection of hot air. The power depends on the number of radiator sections.
The gas fireplace burner is decorated with refractory ceramic casts. They create the impression that wood or coal is burning in the fireplace, and the flame is knocked out between the logs.
The body of the fireplace is usually cast iron, with possible finishing with stone, ceramics, metal, tempered glass.
The upper part forms a gas collector to which the chimney is connected. A ribbed radiator is installed on the gas collector - the main heating element.
The heat exchange is so efficient that the heat loss is only 15%. And for fireplaces with solid fuel - 50 - 70%.
The efficiency of a gas fireplace is achieved due to the optimal combustion mode, and a special design of the body, which allows you to give maximum heat from the gases to the air in the room.
Chimneys for gas fireplaces are made of special stainless steel, as the result of combustion is a lot of water vapor saturated with acids.
Chimneys are fenced with heat-insulating material that is resistant to heating and oxidation, which prevents condensation of water right in their lower part.
The upper part of the fireplace is a flue gas collector, which passes through the flue duct into the chimney itself. The smoke collector has the shape of an accordion, which increases the heat transfer of the gas fireplace.
The chimney of the fireplace is designed to create draft and remove combustion products outside the room. In the process of gas combustion, carbon dioxide and water vapor are released, which adversely affect the chimney. For this reason, it is made of a heat-resistant material that also has a water-repellent property, most often steel is used for this.
The power of gas fireplaces is usually in the range of 7-12 kW, which is quite a lot, enough to heat the "floor of the house". At the same time, fuel consumption in heating mode can reach 500 grams per hour. And in the simulated flame mode - 180 grams per hour, which is comparable to the consumption of a gas stove burner.
The gas device is controlled by a microprocessor.The fireplace is supplied with temperature sensors, so you can set the room to warm up to a certain temperature. Other sensors control the draft, gas flow and pressure, optimal combustion, etc. In case of violations, the fireplace will be turned off, the safety of this household appliance is guaranteed by the manufacturer.
Gas fireplaces are produced both for main gas and for liquefied propane in cylinders, and this is an option for a remote summer cottage.
In any case, the gas unit is connected by the master of the gas service, according to the gas supply project, for which the relevant documents are issued.
But before purchasing and installing a fireplace, you need to obtain permission to install it. For a house and a summer residence it is easier, but for an apartment it is problematic.
The nuances of installing equipment on bottled gas
When assembling the unit, you need to know:
- When laying a gas pipe, it is placed on the surface of the wall.
- To prevent gas leakage, make sure that the pipes are correctly joined.
- The fireplace is installed only in a ventilated area.
- The firebox must not be placed in a draft.
- When the fireplace has an open combustion chamber, flammable objects should not be placed close to it.
- A flue duct is required for the unit to function.
- The best option for a chimney design is a stainless steel pipe, which is wrapped in non-combustible thermal insulation.
- For finishing the unit, use natural or artificial stone, bricks or ceramic tiles.
Gas fireplace safety
Modern gas fireplaces are equipped with several automatic security systems at once:
- Gas pressure check.
The gas supply system provides and maintains a constant pressure, and a built-in sensor controls the process, and in case of any irregularities, it automatically stops the gas supply.
- Air analyzers.
Another sensor is atmospheric. They constantly check the condition of the air in the room, determining the level of carbon dioxide generated during combustion, and in case of exceeding the norm, they automatically issue a command to turn off the gas supply.
- Infrared sensors.
Their task is to monitor the position of the fireplace. If, for some reason, it topples over unexpectedly, infrared sensors will detect this and instantly stop the fireplace.
Device device
Various manufacturers provide a choice of numerous options for the execution of gas fireplaces. But if you understand their structure, you can single out single key nodes that perform strictly defined functions.
Suspended version of the fireplace system
- The combustion of gas takes place in the firebox. It is she who determines the type of fireplace and can be open or closed.
- The flue gas collector concentrates the combustion products before they enter the chimney. Its purpose is that carbon monoxide gases evaporate without loss and do not remain in the room.
- Do not forget that the main purpose of such a fireplace is heating, so the heat exchanger is an obligatory part. With the help of it, heat is released from an increased area.
- The gas supply to the immediate place of its combustion is provided by a gas burner.
- Fake firewood.
- Flame control system.
In this configuration, it is easy to imagine the principle of the fireplace. After switching on, which is carried out from the control panel, gas supply begins. Simultaneously with this, automatic ignition occurs, which works thanks to the piezoelectric effect. Temperature sensors send a signal to the controller and "monitor" the air condition in the room. When a certain temperature is reached, the gas flow is reduced and the intensity of the flame decreases.
A gas fireplace without a chimney, despite its obvious advantages, is associated with additional work. In its natural form, it can only be used outdoors, for example, in the country.Working indoors, he still needs to remove the combustion products.
Recreation area in the space of the apartment
The fireplace has earned its name with the advantage that it is not necessary to mount the chimney, observe its height to ensure the required draft. The burnt gases are discharged through a special pipe through the wall to the street. It is also possible to equip an apartment with such a fireplace, but only for this, permission is also required from the management company.
Good to know: European fireplaces from leading German and Czech manufacturers
Gas fireplaces without chimney
The principle of operation of chimney-type fireplaces consists in complete combustion of fuel, which leads to the absence of combustion products.
They are used as decorative elements and are made in several modifications:
- Floor fireplaces for home on gas without a chimney - they look like an ordinary island fireplace.
A small gas cylinder is installed inside the body, the capacity of which is sufficient for full-fledged work for several hours.
Floor-standing models are often equipped with casters or can simply be carried to any convenient place. A convenient option, since it does not require special tweaks during installation and can be used even outdoors, on verandas and in cafes.
- Hanging and built-in fireplaces. Easy to install outdoors, creating a cozy and comfortable atmosphere.
Installation of stationary embedded devices is more difficult, but the result is more aesthetic. The front panel of the fireplace is flush with the wall, the device does not hide the space of the room. In the wall, you can "hide" and gas supply communications. In addition, such a fireplace can be used to decorate a wall, then the flame can be observed from two or even three sides.
The models are completely safe, no toxic combustion products are emitted during combustion. To install a smokeless fireplace, there is no need to obtain permits. For full operation, before turning on the device, you should ventilate the room.
Advantages of gas fireplaces without a chimney
When choosing, most buyers are guided by the ratio of positive and negative properties of heating equipment.
By comparing the pros and cons, they make certain choices and make a purchase.
Gas fireplaces for an apartment without a chimney have a number of distinctive features:
- Fast ignition.
While it takes a long time to effectively ignite wood or coal, the gaseous mixture ignites immediately, and within a few minutes you will feel the temperature rise in the room.
- Additional properties.
Many models are supplemented with devices that simplify the operation process. For example, a thermostat can control the level of heat generated in order to improve fuel efficiency.
- Simplified operation.
Installation requires a minimum of effort and time, you do not have to constantly carry logs, chop wood and look for coal.
- Environmental Safety.
Gas-powered structures emit a minimum of pollutants into the atmosphere. An alternative option is to use biogas from waste processing - when burned, it emits significantly less carbon dioxide.
Benefits of using
As a result of long-term operation, many disadvantages have been identified in wood-burning fireplaces. These include the consumption of firewood, soot in the house, the need to prepare fuel. In addition, it is now problematic to install a brick hearth in an ordinary apartment, because you will have to agree on the presence of a chimney, take into account the load on the walls. So a gas fireplace for home is a great alternative with a lot of advantages:
- Security. Modern versions of the gas hearth have a sealed chamber. Gas leakage is excluded.
- At the time of combustion, there is no soot in the room. The flue gas temperature is low, which simplifies the chimney arrangement several times.
- The combustion process is automated. It is enough for a person to turn the thermostat slider or control the fireplace with a special remote control.
- Lack of firewood. You do not have to constantly think about their preparation, not to mention the fact that storage of this type of fuel requires a lot of space.
- The work is carried out both on main gas and using a cylinder. So you can safely purchase a gas fireplace for a summer residence, into which ordinary gas is not supplied.
- Thanks to its decorative effect, it is very easy to choose an option that will be the perfect complement to your home interior.
In this video, you will learn how to install a chimney to a fireplace:
Someone may at first be scared off by the cost of a gas fireplace for an apartment, but, in fact, it will be the same as in the case of the construction of a traditional stove. Only in the future you will not have to worry about soot and firewood.
Gas fireplaces on the cylinder
When installing, the first step is to decide on the location of the fireplace, make a markup of exactly where the structure will be located, and only then get down to business.
And although gas cylinder fireplaces are modern safe designs, precautions must be observed.
There are certain rules for installing a gas fireplace that must be strictly followed.
Remember that neglecting these rules, you risk the health of not only your own, but also your relatives. After all, through negligence and negligence, a fire, explosion, or damage to equipment can occur.
Basic Rules:
- Gas fireplace, the stove should be mounted exclusively on a stable, level surface. Such a surface must necessarily be made of refractory materials or can be faced with refractory tiles.
- Structural floors must be able to support the weight of the fireplace. The bearing capacity of concrete slabs is 750 kg / m2, for wooden floors - no more than 300 kg / m2. If the bearing capacity is less than the mass of the heating device, then it should be distributed over the entire surface, increasing the support area.
- Move all flammable furniture and structures away from the heating surface of the fireplace to a safe distance. As a rule, this is indicated in the passport of the device.
If the wall is not insulated, a distance of 60 cm is considered safe, for a ceiling - 130 cm. If you need to shorten this distance for some reason, this can be done using sheet steel cladding.
A sheet of steel is laid on top of a layer of mineral or basalt wool or asbestos, the thickness of which must be at least 8 mm. It is worth noting that the asbestos material itself is not environmentally friendly, and for this reason it is not desirable to use it in residential premises.
- The gas main is supplied through metal pipes, as well as special gas fittings. This type of work must be entrusted to specialists. Only gas cylinders are allowed to be connected by yourself, but if you are not confident in your abilities, do not risk it, invite the master.
- Cylinder gas fireplaces without a chimney may not be used.
The flue for exhausting recycled gases must be made of resistant materials. Ceramic and stainless steel chimneys are suitable, they will be resistant to acids.
Mostly, sandwich chimneys made of stainless steel are purchased, which have high corrosion resistance and good thermal insulation. Prefabricated ceramic chimneys are also reliable, but they are more expensive.
In addition, you can use a coaxial chimney with a built-in recuperator and an air duct.
- In order for the combustion efficiency to be high, air must enter the furnace without obstacles.The intake can occur both from the room through the air ducts, and through special air channels in the chimney system.
- Make sure that the room with the fireplace is always ventilated. Models of fireplaces with an open type of firebox should be placed in such a way that the flame is not directly exposed to air.
- When installing the built-in type of firebox in the casing, make channels in it in advance so that the air can freely circulate both in the upper and lower parts of it. The convection flow must pass freely between the casing and the heating chamber, and at the same time could remove heat from its walls.
Principle of operation
Although you can find a wide variety of options, all devices are not much different in their work. Such a hearth consists of the following elements:
- closed or open firebox;
- a smoke collector tapering upwards;
- heat exchanger and gas burner;
- reflector for distributing fire, gas;
- control unit, automation;
- coals or false logs (decorative function).
In the case of closed versions, heat-resistant glass is provided. And the gas fireplace on cylinder gas can be with an additional niche for further installation of the cylinder.
The fireplace can be operated using a remote control or a regulator. The gas supply starts, which ignites and burns in decorative mode or until the set heating temperature is reached. When the desired temperature is reached, the power is reduced automatically or manually - it all depends on the specific model and the availability of different modes.
Security
Gas is a flammable substance, but, despite this, gas fireplaces are considered one of the safest devices. Thanks to the multi-level tracking system, any abnormal situations will be prevented.
From the movies, we know of cases when the gas supply stops, and then resumes, then the room will be filled with a poisonous substance. Of course, you need to remember this danger, but not in the case of a fireplace. The gas dosing system is equipped with a special pressure sensor. It reacts to a drop in line pressure and shuts off the supply in the event of a mismatch.
The content of carbon dioxide in the room is constantly monitored by special atmospheric sensors-analyzers. They have saved many lives in cases where the hood was not working correctly.
Infrared sensors are fireplace position sensors. They react if the device is suddenly dropped. In order not to cause a fire, the gas supply system is turned off.
