Features of gas fireplaces
The ease of use of classic wood-burning fireplaces is doubtful - it is necessary to harvest firewood or fuel briquettes, melt the fireplace and constantly monitor it during combustion in order to avoid a fire. In addition, the efficiency of wood-burning fireplaces is low, their efficiency does not exceed 15-20%, and the emission of harmful substances into the atmosphere is large due to incomplete combustion of fuel. Gas fireplaces for summer cottages are devoid of all these shortcomings: they are safe, easy to operate and do not require firewood, kindling and constant monitoring.
The design of gas fireplaces determines their efficiency. The firebox of gas fireplaces is usually heat-resistant steel, the walls of the firebox have a ribbed surface, which increases the heat transfer area. Inside the furnace, in its lower part, there is a gas burner with automation sensors and a piezoelectric element.
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Homemade gas fireplace
Nothing prevents you from assembling a fireplace with your own hands. There is nothing difficult in this, the assembler will need straight hands and good tools. The gas burner for the fireplace is the heart of the appliance. It is installed in a pre-prepared metal frame and connected through a control valve to a gas cylinder through flexible hoses. It is also possible to install it in a full-fledged brickwork.
In general, a homemade gas fireplace will cost much less than its factory counterparts. The price of one refractory brick will cost 45-50 rubles, only a few dozen are needed to equip the firebox. The outer part of the combustion chamber is laid out already from ordinary bricks, the portal is finished in the same way. For the installation of masonry, a special refractory mixture is purchased - it is sold in many hardware stores. It remains to equip the finished fireplace with a chimney and a burner.
A metal fireplace will cost the cost of sheet iron. Choose sheets with a thickness of at least 3 mm so that they do not burn out under the influence of a flame. The portal is made from any available building materials, including bricks. If you are too lazy to mess around, buy a ready-made portal - the prices for them are not as high as for the fireboxes themselves.
Gas fireplaces are characterized by rather high prices. Their cost reaches up to 500 thousand rubles and even more. Therefore, before buying, you need to read the reviews of the owners.
Faber The BUZZ, Alexander, 37 years old
Before buying a gas fireplace, I looked for reviews on the Internet - there are very few of them. The gaze fell on a portable model that could be placed on a barbecue area and enjoy the warmth in the autumn cold. Apparently, Faber is the leading brand, since I did not find anything else in our stores. I bought it, installed it on the site, I am completely satisfied with the purchase - it is easily ignited, does not make noise, does not require lining firewood. I connect to a large gas cylinder, enough for a month with regular use. But the prices for all these fireplaces are simply inadequate - I took this one for 123.5 thousand rubles. Everything else is even more expensive.
Napoleon BGD36, Leonid, 42 years old
I don’t know what can be said about a gas fireplace - it works and works, there is a flame, there is an imitation of wood masonry in the firebox. It is controlled from the remote control; for installation, a small niche was assembled from bricks, as if repeating a real wood-burning fireplace. The niche was finished with plaster, gypsum and ceramic tiles, and a couple of figurines were placed on top. The gas pipe from the main gas pipeline comes from the side, painted it white so that it does not stand out against the background of the decorative plinth. The flame is quite realistic, except that it does not crackle. The power is 5 kW, but it will not be possible to use a fireplace as an independent source of heat - this heat flies out into the chimney.But as a worthy decoration of the interior, it is worth taking it.
Faber Fyn 450, Anton, 32 years old
It would be better if I took a biofuel model - it is less of a hassle with it. It all started with gas problems. They did not allow the gas pipe to run through the wall. There were no logical explanations for the refusal, and that's it. Somehow they agreed that she would not go in the middle of the wall, but closer to the floor, although this is also a violation. Initially, they generally said to bring it down from above, but the issue was nevertheless resolved. With the chimney, nit-picking began from firefighters - they demanded that he go out from the windows at a distance of at least a meter (it turned out less). The problem was solved, but they demanded to make an outlet in the room - and this is with a unit with a closed combustion chamber. I made an outlet, after acceptance I laid it with gypsum plaster. The fireplace itself upset with the constant operation of the protection against extinction, I had to call a service master. Money rolled off a bunch, and got one headache.
Popular designs of gas fireplaces for country houses
- Burners. Liquefied gas burns in the burner, the decay products, heated to high temperatures, flow around the radiator, heating the fireplace. The principle of operation is similar to a conventional kitchen oven.
- Fireplaces with a flameless heating system. An infrared burner is installed in the center of the fireplace, which is responsible for heating the unit.
- Fireplaces with catalyst burners. When mixed with oxygen, the gas from the cylinder does not ignite, but lends itself to the oxidation process on the catalyst grid, releasing heat at low temperatures.
In a gas infrared fireplace, the surface heats up to 1100 ºС, in units based on nozzles - up to 800 - 850 ºС
Please note that the hot air in the room absorbs oxygen and leads to a decrease in the level of humidity, so it is very important to ensure the organization of supply and exhaust ventilation in the house.
The advantages of using bottled gas include the fact that toxic substances are not formed during its combustion, which cannot be said about burners that are not gasoline or diesel fuel. It has long been known that gasoline, for example, emits carbon monoxide, which can cause poisoning of the body. The amount of soot and fuel residues formed varies within 0.01%, efficiency - at the level of 95-98%. Different models are different.
You can fill the cylinders at gas stations, and connecting to the system takes a few minutes. Gas fireplaces of modern types are equipped with automatic control systems, which greatly simplifies their operation.
Often, the high cost of such a unit and the high cost of gas stop the purchase of a gas fireplace for giving under a cylinder. At first glance, it may seem that it is much more profitable to heat an ordinary brick oven with wood, but if you dig deeper and understand the intricacies of gas fireplaces, your opinion may change radically.
Video - Gas fireplaces
In some models, the burner is covered with ceramic heat-resistant false coals or logs - the gas, leaving the burner, falls on the “firewood” and beautifully flows around them with a flame, which creates the effect of burning firewood. The upper part of the firebox forms a smoke box that passes into the chimney. The front part is usually closed with heat-resistant glass doors that provide fire safety, but there are also open models.
Fire in a gas fireplace
The fireplace is controlled either from the panel on the front side or from the remote control. Gas fireplaces with automation are equipped with a controller that regulates combustion, as well as sensors for stopping the gas supply, the disappearance of draft, and the extinction of the flame. In case of any violation of the operating mode, the fireplace is turned off, which makes it safe to use. Gas fireplaces must be connected to the mains or battery in order to ensure the operation of all sensors and the controller.
Installing a gas fireplace for a summer residence depends on the type of its execution.At the same time, it is necessary to comply with the manufacturer's ventilation requirements and provide air access to the furnace through a special channel or chimney. It is better to entrust the connection of the fireplace to the main gas to a specialist, because in any case you will have to coordinate its installation with the local gas service. Fireplaces running on liquefied gas can be connected independently.
The chimney is made of materials resistant to corrosion and high temperatures, usually special steel. Ready-made prefabricated chimneys with a layer of thermal insulation are the most convenient; thanks to various elements, they can be led out through walls or ceilings and extended to any length.
Security
Gas is a flammable substance, but despite this, gas fireplaces are considered one of the safest devices. Thanks to a multi-level tracking system, any emergency situations will be prevented.
From movies, we know 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 decrease in pressure in the line and will turn off the supply in case of a discrepancy.
Infrared sensors are fireplace position sensors. They react if the device suddenly falls. To prevent a fire, the gas supply system is turned off.
Small mobile unit
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gas stoves
The gas used in cooking stoves creates a significant amount of harmful combustion products that can affect the inhabitants of the house. Gas burners emit nitrogen oxide and particulate matter. At high concentrations, these substances lead to headaches and allergies. If the hood over the stove does not have enough power, which leads to the spread of gas combustion products in the air. Use smooth metal ventilation ducts of a sufficiently large cross section with a small number of elbows. Do not use flexible ventilation ducts. If the hood is too small, it will not be able to perform its functions. Build vertical screens around the stove area to direct the jet of combustion products into the hood. Sometimes the hood is not used, not because it does not work well, but because it emits too loud or unpleasant sounds. Choose the quietest kitchen equipment. Most kitchen fans are characterized by users as "noisy". The best way to reduce noise is to mount an exhaust fan at some distance. You can place the fan in the attic, providing it with a protective casing from vibration. The use of hoods over gas stoves is necessary to maintain clean air in the kitchen. Combustion products from stoves, water heaters for bathrooms Combustion products from gas appliances can spread throughout the house if the chimney has a too small cross-sectional area, is clogged or has a backdraft. Propagation of gas around the house is accompanied by an unpleasant odor, a high concentration of harmful substances in the air and a large amount of water vapor. If this condition becomes regular, then health problems may arise: headaches, diseases of the respiratory system. The presence of a large amount of carbon monoxide in the fumes increases the risk to human health. If the pressure in the house is more than 5 Pa lower than the outside pressure, then a reverse draft is formed or the spread of combustion products from gas equipment throughout the premises. Ensure that sufficient combustion air is supplied to each unit of gas Make sure that the air supply for all large capacity exhaust fans, especially those with a capacity of 75 dm3/m2 or more, is properly sized and directed accordingly. Instead of local fans, it is better to use a well-designed supply and exhaust ventilation system. Use gas-insulated draft water heaters, products combustion in which are isolated from the interior spaces of the house.The water heater can be placed near an outside wall. Use forced draft stoves in conjunction with water heaters with the same draft. Make sure that all flue pipe connections are well sealed. The free air supply to the heater can be supplemented by a fan that will pull the combustion products out. It is common practice to place gas equipment and water heaters outside the house
They are usually located in a heated garage adjacent to the house or in a specially separated boiler room. Particular attention should be paid to the airtight system of air barriers between the boiler room and the house. The air channel should be sealed to prevent cold air from entering from outside and reducing pressure. All channels must be thermally insulated
The temperature in the boiler room should not fall below +10 ° C. If a long time passes between the start of the gas supply and its ignition, then a lot of harmful substances are released into the air. at the same time. The reason for the spread of combustion products throughout the house may be insufficient draft in the pipe. Do not use long and curving chimneys. Seal the joints in the chimneys to prevent air from entering the pipe. this impairs draft. The problem is described in more detail later in the section "Ventilation: Health and Safety Aspects". Backdraft caused by wind causes combustion products to enter the house. To prevent this phenomenon, use chimney nozzles that increase draft. There should not be tall trees near the chimney. Increase the height of the chimney.
Device device
Various manufacturers provide a choice of numerous options for the execution of gas fireplaces. But if you understand their structure, then you can single out single key nodes that perform strictly defined functions.
Suspended version of the fireplace system
- The process of combustion of gas takes place in the furnace. It is she who determines the type of fireplace and can be open or closed.
- The chimney box concentrates the products of combustion before they enter the chimney. Its purpose is to ensure that carbon monoxide escapes without loss and does not remain in the room.
- Do not forget that the main purpose of such a fireplace is heating, so the heat exchanger is an indispensable part. With the help of it, heat is released from an increased area.
- The supply of gas to the immediate place of its combustion is provided by a gas burner.
- Firewood dummy.
- Flame control system.
In this configuration, it is easy to imagine the principle of operation of the fireplace. After switching on, which is carried out from the control panel, the gas supply begins. At the same time, automatic ignition takes place, which works thanks to the piezoelectric effect. Temperature sensors send a signal to the controller and "monitor" the air in the room. When a certain temperature is reached, the gas supply decreases and the intensity of the flame drops.
Recreation area in the space of the apartment
The fireplace earned its name by the advantage that it is not necessary to mount a chimney, to observe its height to ensure the necessary traction. 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 you need permission from the management company.
Manufacturers of gas fireplaces on bottled gas
The choice of a gas fireplace is a responsible matter. Your task is to choose high-quality and reliable equipment with good functionality.
- Cheminees Philippe, from a French manufacturer. These are fireplaces that have stood the test of time.The range of the company is quite wide, everyone can find a suitable model for their needs. Prices for fireplace models are more than affordable. In addition, they are beautifully decorated.
- Gutbrod Keramik, German manufacturer. The company specializes in the production of gas stoves for heating houses and has a fifty-year history of manufacturing fireplaces. Reliability, quality, increased heat transfer, attractive appearance and high efficiency - this is all about the fireplaces of this brand.
- Waco & Co, Belgian production. The company produces gas fireplaces for country houses, powered by wood and gas. In addition, demanding customers will like exclusive models. Originality of design, expensive finishing, high functionality and reliability of the equipment characterize this brand.
- Element4, manufactured by a Dutch company. They have a modern, laconic design, nothing more, as they say. The main feature is the breathtaking view of the "live" fire. Finishing the body is quite simple, flawless automated system, make it possible to minimize the maintenance of the fireplace. Also, a very affordable price can attract a buyer.
- Napoleon, USA, produces the Patioflame table-fireplace, which is ideal for highlighting the seating area in VIP establishments. The fireplace can be installed on the terraces of penthouses or in prestigious country houses.
