The parts of a fireplace have many different components with different functions. All parts of a fireplace must be working properly so the unit we have can perform the way we expect.
Furthermore, because fireplaces are available in a variety of uses and styles, I’ve put up these parts of a fireplace guide to explain the various parts of a fireplace that you may find in your house.
Another informational review: Best Wood-Burning Fireplace with Glass Doors + Buyer’s Guide
First of All, What are the Different Types of Fireplace?
For homeowners, fireplaces are increasingly becoming a must-have item. Whether you currently have a fireplace in your house or want one installed, it’s vital to understand that there are several distinct types.
Although the entire process appears to be one simple device, it’s critical to know what sort of fireplace you have or desire before attempting to build or run one.
Wood-Burning Fireplace
The traditional form of the fireplace is a wood-burning fireplace. If you’ve always wanted a fireplace with a crackling fire, this is the one for you.
Also, wood-burning fireplaces feature an open hearth design, and the heat generated by the burning wood is excellent. Enclosed fireplaces, fireplace inserts, and wood-burning stoves are all options for a wood-burning fireplace.
Gas Fireplace
If you prefer a cleaner, more classic aesthetic, a gas-burning fireplace is a way to go. Wood-burning fireplaces may look nice, but they require a lot of maintenance. Furthermore, gas-burning fireplaces are less difficult to set up.
Electric Fireplaces
These fireplaces are also quite quick and easy to set together. They’re easy to make and give just the right amount of heat for the space. Furthermore, electric fireplaces come in a variety of types, including entertainment centers.
Parts of a Wood Burning Fireplace
Wood burning fireplaces assist to enhance the efficiency and heat production while you are burning wood in your house. A typical wood-burning fireplace can reach around 80 percent efficiency, while a classical fireplace can only have an efficiency of around 20 percent.
Although each kind of wood-burning fireplace is designed and made differently, they all have the same fundamental parts of a fireplace that allows us to obtain the greatest heat from burning wood.
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Firebox
A wood-burning fireplace’s firebox is the primary compartment. It’s where the fire is placed and where the wood is applied.
The stove’s glass door is located in front of the firebox, giving you a clear view of the flames. The rear and sides of the firebox are covered with heat-resistant materials.
Also, additional fire-resistant components for wood-burning stoves could be installed at the bottom of the firebox.
Generally, the bigger the fireplace, the more fuel the stove can hold and the more warmth it can provide. The efficiency of the fireplace can also affect heat production.
Air Vents
Every wood-burning fireplace contains a series of air vents, or numerous sets, that are meant to give sufficient air to the fire in certain areas around the firebox.
In a wood-burning fireplace, there are three types of air vents that feed the fire:
Primary Air Vent
The primary air vent, which is usually supplied to the base of the firebox to deliver oxygen to the main region of the fire, is particularly beneficial when igniting the fire and bringing the stove up to full operating temperature.
Moreover, principal air vents may become less significant as the fire progresses, and secondary and tertiary air vents may take over as the primary supplier of oxygen to a firebox.
Secondary Air Vent
A secondary air vent can be supplied into the stove from the bottom or the top, which means that it can be situated beneath or over the front of the fireplace.
Furthermore, the secondary air vent serves to give oxygen for the secondary burning of gases created by the fire, as well as air for the air wash system on the stove, which helps to keep the glass door clean.
Tertiary Air Vent
Secondary air can be replaced as the primary supply of oxygen for the backup burn by a tertiary air vent. Tertiary air vents are normally found at the rear of the stove and cannot be regulated manually.
Air Vent Controls
Primary and secondary air vents of a wood-burning stove may normally be controlled manually, however tertiary air vents cannot.
For example, you can adjust how fast and effectively the flame in the firebox burns through into the wood by manually opening and closing the primary and secondary air vents.
Because the vents on different kinds of wood stoves function differently, it’s essential that you study the user manual. As a result, you understand how to use the vents on your specific stove to gain the greatest heat from burning wood.
Flue Collar
The flue collar is normally positioned near the top of the fireplace, behind the baffle, and above the firebox. The flue collar connects the wood-burning stove to the stove pipe, creating a channel for exhaust fumes from the fire, allowing you to securely exit your home.
However, the flue collar may also be situated on top of the fireplace or on the rear, depending on the type of the fireplace. It is determined by which direction the exhaust leaves your home.
Baffle
A baffle is indeed a metal backplate placed at the top of the fireplace that allows residues of the fire to remain in the fireplace for a longer length of time.
Also, the additional combustion of exhaust fumes can contribute significantly to the heat created by burning wood. More time is offered to assist burn off the gases by retaining these gases in the firebox for extended periods of time utilizing the baffle.
In fact, the baffle is necessary to withstand the high temperatures produced by the fire, but it can be destroyed if the heat output surpasses the stove’s designed working temperatures.
Fireplace Doors
A wood-burning fireplace’s door is positioned on the front of the fireplace and usually has a huge glass screen that allows you to see the fire even when it’s closed.
Then, stove doors feature a seal around the interior to prevent any air from entering the fireplace through the door, assuring that all air entering the firebox is routed thru the air vents and therefore manageable.
Fireplace Pipe and Flue
The flue collar links the fireplace to the flue, while the fireplace pipe connects the fireplace to the flue.
Moreover, the flue can be placed vertically through the ceilings, at an angle via an exterior wall, or up to the roof through the interior of a chimney.
Damper
Some earlier versions of wood-burning stoves may include a damper positioned inside the fireplace pipe, which is a panel that can be opened and closed manually to assist manage the draw on the stove.
A damper, in conjunction with the air vents on the stove, can thus be used to assist control the amount that fire consumes through the fuel, and hence the total heat output.
How To Maintain A Wood-Burning Fireplace?
Always remove old ashes from the parts of a fireplace in a safe manner
Removing ashes may be hazardous because hot embers can continue to burn long after the flame has been extinguished.
An expert’s advice: Before cleaning the ashes from your fireplace, kindly wait at least 24 hours. Instead of immediately throwing them in the garbage, transfer those to a fire-resistant pail. Also, cover the bucket with a lid and let it for at least three days until dumping it.
Check the damper on a regular basis to ensure that it is operational
The damper is a vent within the fireplace that must be opened to allow air to enter when the fire is raging and closed to prevent leaks out when the fire is out. If the damper doesn’t really open, please refrain from using your fireplace until it has been repaired or replaced.
At least once a year, have a chimney specialist clean and examine your fireplace
Despite the fact that many people use seasoned firewood, creosote still accumulates in the fireplace. At the end of each burning season, it is recommended that you must employ a chimney sweeper to wipe up creosote accumulation.
Tips When Using Your Wood Burning Fireplace
- Only use dry firewood and firewood exclusively.
- When you’re not using your wood fireplace, always close the damper.
- When lighting a fire, always keep the bifold glass doors open.
- Install a chimney cover.
- To avoid heat loss, check and replace a damper that is not properly sealed.
- It is recommended to install smoke and carbon monoxide detectors.
- Take the initiative to have your chimney cleaned regularly twice a year.
- To make a safe fire, build it gently and putting more wood as it warms.
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Parts of Gas Fireplace
Gas fireplaces are made to appear and feel like other types of fireplaces. Then there are a variety of parts of a fireplace that aid in the safe and effective combustion of fuel in a gas fireplace.
Related: 5 Best In-Wall Gas Fireplace in 2021 with Buying Guide
Firebox and Frame
The gas fireplace’s frame is the outside shell that houses many of the major components.
Furthermore, the appearance and size of a gas fireplace frame will vary based on the kind of gas fireplace model. When you would like to install a gas fireplace, always consider the size and shape of its frame.
Importantly, the firebox is the primary region within the frame of a gas fireplace where the media and flames are placed.
Fireplace Media
A gas fireplace’s media is a component that allows it to simulate the aesthetic appeal of gas fireplaces.
This gas fireplace media is often available in form of logs and coals, but it can also include stones and other materials. As a result, logs are the most popular gas fireplace media impact.
In fact, a gas fireplace will not be complete without media; otherwise, the flames would be all that remained. Since a gas fireplace uses gas as its fuel, the media in a gas fireplace isn’t genuine.
Alternatively, non-combustible components such as ceramic are used to create media. When positioned together within the fireplace, these porcelain pieces are meant to resemble a coal fire.
Furthermore, the combustion matrix also aids in the movement of individual coals from the burner assembly within a fireplace. A combustion matrix, on the other hand, may not be present in all the gas fireplaces, but it does assist lend some elevation to coals in some fireplaces.
Firefront
Based on the type of gas fireplace, a covering or frame that covers the internal components is typically included.
Also, most of the gas fireplaces include a frame cover that may be removed or opened to get access to the controls. This cover is made up of two distinct sections that are not directly joined to the main gas fireplace unit but rather stand alone on the hearth.
However, some types of gas fireplaces usually feature a glass front through which to observe the flames.
Burner
The burner of a gas fireplace, also known as the burner tray, is the portion at the top of the burner unit that produces the primary flames.
The burner can be designed in a variety of styles, however, the burners in the majority of gas fireplaces look similar to a tray.
To create flames over the breadth of the fireplace, the burner might contain a number of holes.
Thus, the amount of the flames created by the main burner on a gas fireplace may be regulated using the controls, and the primary burner flames can be ignited using the pilot.
Controls
Use the controls on a gas fireplace to start and modify the flames.
Furthermore, the most common control for many gas fireplaces is a single dial. However, these controls may differ greatly in appearance between kinds, brands, and versions of gas fireplaces, but they usually have the same or very comparable functionality.
Ignition
A gas fireplace’s ignition system ignites the flames.
The pilot is one of the key components of a gas fireplace that is part of the ignition system, with the other main components generating the sparks to light this pilot flame.
Also, the pilot lighting in a gas fireplace can be thought of as a “start flame” that aids in the ignition of the main burner and hence the main set of flames.
Normally, the ignition mechanism and pilot are hidden near the peak of the burning unit, behind the fireplace media.
Gas Supply Pipe and Valve
Because gas is the main fuel source for a gas fireplace, it must be brought to the fireplace through a specialized gas supply line.
The supply line is also often equipped with a shut-off valve, which can be used to disconnect the supply of gas from the fireplace.
Then, this supply route and the shut-off valve are located around the side of the fireplace breast, wherein the gas fireplace is usually placed.
Firebox Liner
A gas fireplace’s firebox is frequently coated with fire-resistant panels.
However, most gas fireplaces include ceramic panels on the edges of the firebox. However, these panels may or may not be detachable from various makes and brands of gas fireplaces.
Venting
Most gas fireplaces have some sort of positive venting system that allows waste air to safely exit the home.
This is applicable for natural and direct vent gas fireplaces, however, ventless gas fireplaces normally do not require any direct venting devices.
Also, natural vent gas fireplaces often include an aperture at the roof of the firebox that permits waste air to exit the home into the brick chimney or flue.
Direct vent gas fireplaces usually include air vents in the back and a glass front from the firebox to keep the air in the room and the air in the fireplace separated.
How To Maintain a Gas Fireplace?
Always run a gas line test
Always inspect the pressure of the gas and the condition of the gas pipe in your fireplace. During an inspection, make sure to inspect the pressure in your gas line to ensure that there are no dangerous gas leaks.
The pilot light is cleaned and inspected
The pilot light is an essential component of a gas fireplace, and it can become clogged with dirt over time. If you don’t clear out your gas fireplace each year, these buildups might prevent it from igniting properly.
Check the safety features and ignition on a frequent basis
In the event of a problem, most contemporary gas fireplace systems have an emergency shut-off mechanism that turns the fireplace off. You must make sure that your fireplace has the necessary safety measures, such as carbon monoxide alarms, to keep everyone around it safe.
Examining the glass
Fireplace glass could really lose strength and durability, resulting in cracks as it increases in size during cooler or warmer periods of use. If the glass is damaged, you will need it to be replaced before using the fireplace.
Clean inner surface
Throughout the year, various debris might build in your fireplace. To ensure a clean burn, always include a total cleaning of the fireplace interior.
Having chimney inspected
It is recommended to have a yearly chimney inspection to ensure that the internal walls surrounding the chimney are extremely durable. Condensation is a risk with gas fireplaces, and moist spots on the surfaces all around the chimney can contribute to degradation and corrosion.
Take note: These procedures are normally carried out by experts. When it comes to cleaning your gas fireplace, I recommend hiring an expert.
Tips When Using Your Gas Fireplace
- Be constantly reminded of the clearing zones.
- Inspect your safety screen barrier on a frequent basis.
- Have your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors tested
- Make plans to arrange an annual inspection
- Keep your kids and dogs away from the fireplace.
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Parts of Electric Fireplace
Electric fireplaces help people to create the look and ambiance of a genuine fire in a house while avoiding many of the drawbacks.
Because electric fireplaces do not have a genuine flame, many of their components are not required to be non-combustible, as they are in wood-burning fireplaces.
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Main body
The electric fireplace’s main body is composed of metal. This involves the internal parts of a fireplace that serve to keep it all together.
Heater
The heating component of an electric fireplace operates similarly to a standard space heater, with a blower sucking in cooler air and blowing out warm moist air into the heated room. It is then passed via a heating element.
Moreover, the blower is the primary heating component that you will often see in many electric fireplaces. The fireplace’s blower is usually cylindrical and is made up of multiple steel fan blades. At one end, it is powered by a motor, which drives air through into the heat source next to it.
Then, there’s control where you can toggle between low and high heat settings. In addition, there isn’t much of a difference in the frequency of sound generated by the heater in between low and high-temperature settings.
Lastly, the cables going just above the heating element generate the electric fireplace’s flame effect.
Flame Effect
In addition to the heating components, we have the component that produces the flickering flame effect inside an electric fireplace.
The electric fireplace will either feature a LED display or a bright light with revolving mirrors that provide the flame illusion, depending on the type.
An LED electric fireplace functions similarly to a television. In addition, a typical freestanding electric fireplace creates the illusion of flames by reflecting light onto the rear of a plastic screen.
Furthermore, the light source is located just below the revolving mirrors farther within the fireplace unit. Many electric fireplaces come with a strip of LEDs, but some older models may use a standard bulb as the light source instead.
Also, when you switch on your fireplace, the LEDs must turn on automatically. The LEDs are positioned within the electric fireplace beneath the artificial logs, and they light up the logs to make it appear as though there is a genuine fire.
Typically, the revolving mirrors within the electric fireplace create the illusion of flashing flames. These flames can also be seen slightly above the logs.
An engine placed at a single end controls a sequence of strategically arranged steel plates across a rod to generate the flames. Lights from the LEDs bounce it off of the steel plates and then onto the fireplace’s background screen as the rod rotates.
Fireplace Legs
The legs of the electric fireplace are usually constructed of plastic, as opposed to the main body.
Door
The electric fireplace’s door opens similarly to that of a wood-burning stove. The door is made of plastic, but there is an actual piece of glass inside. Typically, the door has a brass-effect steel handle.
Controls
The electric fireplace controls are disguised behind a panel that resembles the ash pan chamber on a real stove. The covering, as well as the controls, are both composed of plastic.
How To Maintain an Electric Fireplace?
Unplug the device from the power supply
Turn off the heater and leave to cool fully before having to clean the electric fireplace. Before cleaning, always unplug the electric fireplace out from the power supply.
Double-check all of the electrical components
Carefully inspect all wiring and plugs to ensure they are not damaged. This is an uncommon occurrence, but if not treated, it can create a fire danger.
Keep the heater clean
Clean the area of the heater with a clean and dry cloth. Also, carefully clean the heating outlets using a vacuum cleaner’s gentle brush attachment. This will wipe any dust inside the heater and allow it to function at peak efficiency.
Make sure to wipe all sides of the glass
First, read the directions for removing the front glass screen in your owner’s handbook. Then, wipe each side of the glass after removing it.
Please keep in mind that aggressive cleansers will damage the glass. A cleaned dry cloth may be used to readily remove dust.
Clean the inner surface
Dust builds within any electric fireplace, just like it does in every other appliance in your house. Just simply wash off the interior with a clean cloth to eliminate any dust. Then, carefully dust any media within your electric fireplace, including such logs and glass.
Tips When Using Your Electric Fireplace
- Other things should always be kept at a safe distance from anyone.
- Try not to touch the surface.
- Never leave your children or dogs alone.
- Your unit should be never used outside.
- Make sure that your outlets are secure
- When not in use, disconnect the unit.
- Most importantly, never make any changes to the unit.
- Attractive and Practical Design:50"L x 18.11"H x3.89 "W ,The thickness of the new style is only 3.85 inch while the old one is 6 inch. And it opearates the same as the old one. Also we redesign the location of main power and power cable, which makes the new fireplace more attractive and practical.
Additional Accessories You Can Use For Your Fireplace
Fireplace Brush
During a fire, a fireplace brush should be a must item for keeping ash isolated in the firebox. Brushes are also effective for separating old, cooled ashes from the firebox in order to keep them clean.
Stoker
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From a safe distance, you can poke and push wood about the firebox using a fireplace poker or stoker. Using your poker to move the flames and wood about in place is one of the finest methods to keep fire burning or reignite flames.
Fireplace Tongs
Use fireplace tongs to take up substantial chunks of wood and securely reposition the logs even though the fire is burning.
Log holders
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The log holder protects your carpets and floor clean while also allowing you to express your particular style.
Conclusion
All of the components of the fireplace have been chosen and created to complement your own taste. Because a fireplace is usually the main point of the space, it takes careful design and makes the most out of this decorative structure.
Importantly, I recommend getting a professional assessment if you’re concerned that portions of your home’s fireplace aren’t working correctly.
FAQs About Parts of a Fireplace
Why do I have glass doors on my fireplace?
Glass doors were employed to limit the quantity of heating wasted in the flue gases while also significantly reducing the radiation released by the fireplace.
How often should I clean the ashes from your fireplace?
When ash accumulates to a depth of one inch or more, and at the ending of the fire-burning season, it should be cleared.
Is it necessary to open the window when using a fireplace?
Yes. When utilizing the fireplace, open a window to keep the area from becoming smoky.
Is it safe to keep the fireplace flue open all night?
Yes. Because the smoke from burning hardwood contains carbon monoxide, it is essential to have the flue opened overnight to avoid this harmful waste from entering your home.
What’s the distinction between dampers and a flue?
A damper is positioned in your chimney’s flue. When the fire burns, smoke escapes via the flue. Dampers are used within the flue to assist manage airflow.
James is a marketing specialist based in New Jersey who has worked for a fireplace company for over 10 years. With his years of experience in the industry, he has learned everything to know about fireplaces, including the best brands, best fireplace features, and types and troubleshooting the most common issues.
He has helped thousands of customers and clients find the best fireplace for their homes and family.
Now, he uses this expertise to educate Fireplace Heaven readers about new fireplace technologies and features and reviews some of the best ones available in the market today!