Ethanol eco-friendly fireplaces have become increasingly common around the home. They are a cleaner heat, no chimney needed, doesn’t generate soot or ash, doesn’t create smoke, they are easy to clean. Bio-ethanol fireplaces are sustainable and avoids pollution to the environment.
What you need to Consider before Purchasing a Bio-Ethanol Fireplace:
1. Function
You need to make a decision on whether you want a fireplace mainly for ambience or for heating. This will be the deciding factor on the size and model type that you purchase. Units that feature smaller burners that have a burner capacity of under 1L will typically not generate much heat and are usually chosen primarily for aesthetics. However, the larger burners on these fire-places, usually radiate a lot more heat and will last for longer before they will need refueling.
You also need to consider about whether you want a portable and free-standing unit or the model that is attached to a wall. If you have plans to use your fireplace outdoors when it comes to alfresco areas, ensure the model is designed to stand up to the outdoor elements. The weather-proofing of a fireplace necessitates a specific stainless-steel grade, which means if the manufacturer has specified that the fireplace can only be used indoors, using the unit outdoors may result in damages or void the warranty.
2. Price
You need to decide on how much you are willing to spend on your fireplace, as they vary significantly from under $100 up to thousands. When you compare the prices of the different brands and companies, consider the materials that are used and the overall burner capacity.
There are a few models that may appear to offer great value for money due to their external large size, but they might contain a small burner which will not radiate much heat. When it comes to the materials, make sure that glass components are always tempered, and steel is a stainless-steel or a form or powder-coated or treated steel.
While it may be obvious that the products that are more expensive do not always equate into better products, it is advisable to only look at the cheaper alternatives if it doesn’t compromise on quality or safety. The reputable companies that show confidence in quality of the products they sell will always provide a worthwhile warranty on the items that they sell.
3. Quality
It is a wise decision to select a fireplace which is produced by the manufacturers that comply with the set international standards, more specifically the ISO 9001 Quality Management Systems. The companies that sell products which comply with standards from other countries should also be high on your list. For example, the TUV standard from Germany or the United States UL standard. If you want more information on this check out this guide from Ethanol Fireplace Pros.
4. Safety
The bio-ethanol fireplaces may be completely safe when used as they are intended and correctly, it is always important to consider that flammable liquids and open-flames can cause property damages or bodily injuries, which means you should always practice care and respect when using appliances such as ethanol fire pits.
When you have invested in one of these fireplaces, ensure you have read over the instructional manual, particularly the portion which covers precautions and warnings. Make sure to follow these instruction as well as exercise care.
Below are a few safety tips and areas you need to think about.
Take note that these areas are not exhaustive, while only including the main concerns you need to be aware of.
- Similar to all type of open-fires, the bio-ethanol fireplace can pose safety hazards for pets and young children. If your home has pets and children, choose the wall-mounted fireplaces so that it is safely out of reach. The units on low tables or free-standing units are not recommended even when not in use, as the fuel inside these burners still pose a threat. For additional protection, go for a fireplace will a glass pane, to further protect your pets or children from the dangers associated with an open flame.
- The bio-ethanol fireplace uses oxygen from the air, which means the space needs to be open. If you use one in smaller spaces, make sure you keep a window or door open at a minimum of 25mm to ensure the free flow of air. If you start to experience stuffiness, headaches or any feeling of discomfort, the room is not receiving enough circulation or air. Even though bio-ethanol burns clean, and the primary by-product is heat, low levels of carbon-dioxide, water vapor and incomplete combustion will occur when the there is not enough ventilation which can result in indoor air-pollution.
- If you buy a fire-place that you want to mount onto a wall, ensure the manufacturer has included the necessary accessories so you can safely mount the unit. Such accessories include washers and screws and a steel mounting-bar. Consider the wall type that you have to make sure your fireplace has been affixed securely and safely. The concrete and brick walls will require the masonry screws, while plasterboard walls will require the screws that come with spring toggles. Avoid plastic wall-plugs that are flimsy which may even melt when your fireplace starts to heat up.
Bio-ethanol fireplaces are sustainable, all natural, clean and easy to use and can be a wonderful addition to your home adding warmth and a way to relax with your family on a chilly night. Just make sure that if you are considering purchasing or installing a bio-ethanol fireplace in your home that you take heed to the information above so that you can be sure your family is safe and stays healthy. Keep your environment safe!
