History of Fireplaces
Stone Age
Using fire for heating and cooking originated in the stone age, with evidence of controlled fire use dating back over a million years. Ancient fireplaces were located in areas where a fire could be started and contained to ensure complete safety in a controlled environment. The first structured fireplaces, or hearths, developed much later.
The Celts
During 500 BC, the Celts created fire pits in the centre of their small huts to emit heat, with smoke escaping through a hole in the roof.
The Roman Era (43 AD)
The Roman Era, the Romans started to use portable hearths to hold and carry fires from room to room, similar to modern heaters. These central heating systems called “hypocausts,” circulated hot air from a furnace under the floor and within the walls.
Medieval England (450)
English peasants used central fire pits in their huts for cooking and warmth. Smoke was expelled through a hole in the roof when the fire was in use.
1066
Chimneys were invented to create a draft and expel the smoke up and out of the building. This gave people the option of having a fireplace on a second floor.
1678
The fireplace grate was invented by Prince Rupert of the Rhine. He discovered that elevating the frame used for holding firewood allowed for better air circulation underneath it which, helped fuel the fire and increase its efficiency.
1742
Benjamin Franklin invented the Pennsylvania Fireplace in 1742. Franklin created a freestanding cast iron stove. Designed to double the heat output whilst using a quarter of the fuel. Not only did this improve the safety of having a fire in the home, but it also increased the overall heating efficiency.
1900s
Emphasis shifted from using fireplaces as a source of heat to their stylish design. In 1968, the first suspended, 360 degrees pivoting fireplace was invented.
Homeowners started looking for more environmentally friendly, cost-effective fireplace options from the 1980s onwards. The popularity of wood burning stoves and pellet appliances grew, as more and more people wanted sustainable ways of generating the most heat for the least amount of money.
During the 1980’s and 90’s, there was a huge development in the design of gas fires. As technology progressed, this saw major improvements in the safety, energy consumption and overall efficiency of gas fires which, in turn, increased their usability.
Today – 2000s onward
All these technological developments have contributed towards the high performance, energy efficient modern fireplace designs we have today. As such, there are many different fireplace options available to complement any home configuration.
Types of Fireplaces
Wood-burning fireplaces:
These wood burning fireplaces are the most traditional type of fireplace, using logs or firewood as fuel. They provide a cozy and rustic feel to any room.
Pellet fireplaces:
A Pellet fireplace is an energy efficient heating solution. Pellet fireplaces burn wood pellets as fuel. These modern, economical Pellet fireplaces are convenient, efficient and easy to use.
Gas fireplaces:
The Gas fireplace is becoming increasingly popular due to their convenience and low maintenance. Turned on with the flip of a switch or a remote control and provide instant warmth and ambiance.
Ethanol fireplaces:
Bioethanol fireplaces give a clean burn with no harmful emissions. Bioethanol is a natural fuel made from plant matter. Produce no smoke or ash and are a clean, mess-free alternative to traditional wood-burning fireplaces.
Choosing the Perfect Fireplace
There are several factors to consider when choosing a fireplace, safety, the size of your room, your heating needs, and your personal style preferences.
Safety:
A Closed combustion fireplace burns less fuel, creates more heat, and are safer than open fireplaces.
Size:
The size of your fireplace should be proportional to the size of your room. A large fireplace in a small room can overwhelm the space. A small fireplace in a large room may not provide enough heat.
Heating output:
When purchasing a fireplace look at the kw output of the Wood, Pellet or Gas fireplace and purchase accordingly.
Wood burning freestanding Cast iron and steel fireplaces with a heat output of 3-8kw for an area under 80m2, heat output of 9-11kw for an area under 120m2, and heat output of 12kw and above (120m2+).
Wood burning Built in steel fireplaces with a heat output of 9-11kw for an area under 120m2 and heat output of 12kw and above (120m2+)
