Fireplaces can help keep you warm during the cold torrid seasons of winter. They also improve interior décor and can create a unique ambiance for romantic dinners, reunions, and vacation homes. Traditional firewood-based fireplaces were once the most popular (if not the only) option available to homeowners. Today, there are various fireplaces you can install in your home ranging from gas to electric, gel and ethanol fireplaces. Ethanol, in particular, has become quite popular over the last few years. Besides being cost effective, it is clean, easy to maintain and eco-friendly.
But what really is an ethanol fireplace?
Ethanol Fireplace
As the name suggests, an ethanol fireplace, also known as bio-fireplace or bio-ethanol fireplace, is a ventless furnace (fireplace) that relies on denatured alcohol (ethanol) to produce heat. As a ventless system, it does not require any firewood and produces no smoke. You can find reviews of top ventless fireplaces to better understand how different systems work. Essentially, an ethanol fireplace consumes alcohol to provide real flames that release no smell, chemicals or smoke. It comes in a simple standard box that includes its body, accessories and the burner. These units can be installed anywhere in your house.
The Benefits of Ethanol Fireplace
The merits of installing an ethanol fireplace are quite obvious and straightforward. From easy installation, safety and aesthetics, these fireplaces are arguably the most ideal option for anyone. They are relatively new in the market and require no special construction work to install. No flues, pipes, gas/electric lines or reconstructions and needed. The liquid fuel is also poured directly into the ethanol pot. You can literally install an ethanol fireplace in the middle of the room since they come as preassembled tabletop constructions. Other benefits include;
- Safety
Ethanol fireplaces are quite safe compared to traditional firewood alternatives. The result of burning alcohol is heat, steam/water and carbon dioxide (CO2). The amount of carbon dioxide produced after 3 hours of running an ethanol fireplace is roughly equivalent to burning 2 average-sized candles. As aforesaid, no smoke or chemical is produced when burning ethanol, which makes it one of the safest fireplaces in the market.
- Aesthetic Appeal
Ethanol fireplaces come preassembled in unique, aesthetically appealing glass boxes. Ethanol also produces scattered (dancing) yellow flames that will complement and enliven any interior décor. As tabletop designs, these fireplaces can be installed both indoors and outdoors. They have gradually replaced indoor candles and torches and can be used in bathrooms, patios/decks, pool decks, and fire pits.
- Easy to Use and Maintain
Ethanol fireplaces are very easy to operate. All you need to do is purchase the right fuel, pour it into the fuel cabinet/pot and light up your fireplace. You can set it to maximum heat or minimum to conserve fuel. These fireplaces generally consume one liter of fuel in 4 hours at maximum setting and 8 hours on minimum settings. A regular rotating rod is attached to adjust or extinguish the fire and no internal cleaning is required. You can use a long lighter or long matchstick to light up the fire.
The cost of running ethanol does not deviate far from firewood and electric fireplaces. As a matter of fact, ethanol fireplaces are considered cost efficient when initial cost and installation expenses are put into perspective. When looking for an ethanol fireplace, it is recommendable to compare various options before making a choice. Consider where you want the fireplace installed, what you want to use it for (heating, aesthetic appeal…) and the ideal size. Most importantly, purchase from reputable brands.