Update Bulletin No. 553

Transcript

Update Bulletin No. 553 www.dulley.com T you for your interest in writing to me about how to make your woodburning fireplace more efficient and how to minimize the smoky smell in your room. It can actuJim Dulley ally create some usable heat for your house. Keep in mind the typical open fireplace, even one with loose-fitting glass doors, is a net energy waster. fireplace look very sharp. Many people buy them for this reason alone. The first improvement to make to any fireplace is to add tight-sealing glass fireplace doors. Basic heatThese doors not only circulating grate block huge amounts of heated room air from being drawn up your chimney when the fire is burning, but also when there is no fire. These fireplace doors are also attractive and can make an older If your budget does not allow for new fireplace doors, at least use a low-cost inflatable chimney pillow (see page 4) to block room air leakage up the chimney when there is no fire. Most built-in chimney dampers do not really seal very well. These pillows cost about $45 (plus shipping) and are very easy to use. Also, add a chimney-top damper if you do not already have one located above the fireplace. hank There are many manufacturers of glass fireplace doors, many of relatively low quality. They look good in the store, but do not hold up well to the heat. I have listed only the highest-quality ones on pages 2 and 3. In particular, Harris Systems and Diamond W Products makes some very high quality and decorative models (see page 3). Prices on good-quality fireplace doors can range from $150 to more than $1,000 for the most ornate ones. If you have a good source of firewood and want to use your fireplace to provide significant usable heat for your house, you can install an add-on heat circulating grate (see illustraChimney fan tion to the left and page 4). Thermo-Rite by Exhausto and Stoll Fireplace make high-quality models. A 24-inch wide Thermo-Rite Cozy Grate cost about $500. A 24-inch Gas Log Heater cost about $100 less. Installing a cast iron fireback is attractive and can increase the heat output and comfort . The prices start at about $130. If you have a problem with smoke getting in your room, installing a chimney fan may help. (See diagram above and page 4.) Prices for a 12 x 12-inch fan start at about $1,000. Selected Manufacturers of Energy Efficient Heat-Circulating Grates CUSTOM FIRESCREEN, 108 Jefferson, Des Moines, IA 50314 - (515) 243-3942 www.customfirescreen.com type - “Wood or Gas Emberaire” heat output - 28,000 Btuh size - 26" w x 17" d x 13/8" h features - Heater may be used with most glass doors. The tubular exchanger is manufactured of titanium alloy for a long life. Heater comes standard with 42" black vent bar. Custom vent bars and sizes are also available. Functions efficiently with either gas logs or wood. The “Emberaire” fits most fireplaces and is adjustable. The cord can either exit on the right or the left side of the heater. Equipped with a variable speed fan control with two settings. The motor housing is thermally protected. Five year limited warranty. The heater stops 22,000 cubic feet of heated air from escaping your home when used with a glass door. Also available with high efficiency glass doors. This glass allows 90 percent of the heat that hits the glass pass through to the room. STOLL FIREPLACE INC., 153 Hwy. 201, Abbeville, SC 29620 - (800) 421-0771 www.stollfireplaceinc.com type - “Heat Exchanger” heat output - 40,000 Btuh size - 29" (front - narrower at back) w x 16" d type - “Heatgrate” heat output - 40,000 Btuh size - 24" w x 20" d • 24" w x 17" d • 24" w x 14" d type - “Heat Champion” heat output - 50,000 Btuh size - 46" w x 33" d • 40" w x 33" d features - The “Heat Exchanger” is made with 14 gauge steel construction and has a 200 cfm variable-speed blower with an automatic on/off fan switch. It just slides into the top of the fireplace where the fire is the hottest. The power cord exits from the bottom of the unit on the left or right side. It can be used for either gas or wood-burning fireplaces. The “Heatgrate” is made from 11 gauge steel and includes a 132 cfm double blower and a variable-speed on/off switch. It is best for gas fireplaces. The cold air is drawn in through the middle, heated, and then returned out the sides. The “Heat Champion” includes airtight glass doors with the heat exchanger. There also is an optional upper chamber for cooking. All models have a five-year limited warranty. HEAT-N-GLO, 20802 Kensington Blvd., Lakeville, MN 55044 - (925) 985-6000 (888) 743-2887 www.heatnglo.com type - “Grate Heater” heat output - 40,000 Btuh size - 24" w x 22" d • 22" w x 20" d • 20" w x 17" d features - The concealed blower is 60 cfm on the gas unit and 100 cfm on the grate heater. Equipped with a thermostat control that turns on automatically at 110°F and off at 90°F. It is manufactured of heavy 12" gauge steel. The Grate Heater can be quickly installed in any woodburning fireplace. Units come with grille which is 1 3/8" high and 291/4" to 48" wide, simply trim to fit fireplace opening. Custom heaters can be ordered to fit any fireplace including see-through and corner units. It has a standard fan and heat exchange area to maximize the heat output of your fireplace. This grille slides over the existing black front grille and can be bent around the corners to give a finished look. All electrical components are UL approved. The gas heater holds 16" to 30" gas logs. Custom finish grilles also available. THERMO-RITE, PO Box 1108, Akron, OH 44309 - (330) 633-8680 (800) 321-0313 www.thermo-rite.com type - “Gas Log Heater” heat output - 25,000 Btuh size - 24" w × 20" d • 20" w × 17" d type - “Cozy Grate Heater” heat output - 40,000 Btuh size - 24" w × 22" d • 20" w × 22" d • 20" w × 17" d features - The heater has a variable-speed blower of 100 cfm on the grate heater and 60 cfm for the gas log heater. Equipped with a thermostat control that turns on automatically at 110° F and off at 90° F. Both heaters come with a front grille 1 3/8" high and wide enough to fit any standard or custom enclosure. Special finish trim bars are available to match your enclosure finish. The gas heater holds 16" to 30" gas logs. The electrical components are UL approved. Custom heaters can be ordered to fit any fireplace including see-through and corner units. Finishes available — antique brass, polished brass, black, chrome, pewter, or satin. www.dulley.com Update Bulletin No. 553 page 2 Selected Manufacturers of Energy Efficient Fireplace Improvements ADAMS CO., PO Box 268, Dubuque, IA 52004 - (800) 553-3012 (319) 583-3591 www.adamsfireplaceaccessories.com product - heat radiating fireback — Antique French-design cast iron firebacks in several sizes and shapes. Other accessories available are decorative toolsets, folding screens, fire screens, very decorative and beautiful wrought iron screens and baskets, log carriers and andirons. The weights for the typical cast iron firebacks range from 30 to 70 pounds. They also make a very large one that is 300 pounds which retails for as high as $1,600. BATTIC DOOR, P.O. Box 15, Mansfield, MA 02048 - (604) 320-9082 www.batticdoor.com product - “DraftStopper” — An easy to install inflatable pillow for chimney openings to save energy and stop backdrafting. The pillow is made of polyurethane and measures 20 3/4" x 43 1/2". It comes with an optional adjustable Tee device to help fit the pillow in the firebox. The Tee has a locking positioning wedge to allow the Tee to fit your firebox. If the Tee is too long, simply cut the sliding tube with a saw for the correct height. Maximum firebox size for standard installation is 20" wide by 40" long. See installation instructions on page four. BENSON ENERGY, 2940 East 4430 South, Salt Lake City, UT 84124 - (801) 273-1800 product - “All Season Control Cover” — A damper replacement system for woodburning masonry fireplaces. Also for new construction. It is fully assembled and comes with a complete installation kit. It installs with clamp-on mounting brackets that slip over a flue tile. It opens approximately 85° and is powered by a torsion spring. See diagram and details on page four. BYERS PORTLAND WILLAMETTE, 6800 NE 59th Place, Portland, OR 97218 - (800) 288-7511 www.portwill.com product - glass fireplace doors — Rectangle, arch, corner, multisided or unusual shapes of fireplace doors are available. Some of the glass doors have both a top and bottom damper. Glass tints are available — clear, smoke, bronze, or black. All available plain or with beveled vertical edges. Door and trim finishes — satin black, antique copper, polished copper, brushed nickel, polished nickel, polished brass, satin brass, antique brass, textured iron, or pewter. The finishes can be mixed. Door options — cabinet doors open 180° for full access, full-fold doors open 180° for access and cleaning or bifold, in-track doors open to a 90° angle and are easily removed for cleaning. Available with a mesh curtain. The curtain rods are graphite impregnated for smooth operation of the mesh screen. There are several styles of decorative filigree patterns to choose. The “Illusions” series is available with several different marble trim finishes. Available in two frame styles in brass or black in three sided or four sided frames with a myriad of decorative inserts to create your own unique look. Available accessories include decorative metal and marble panels with trim, tool sets, andirons, wood holders, and firelighters. COUNTRY IRON FOUNDRY, 65 12th St. S., Naples, FL 34102 - (800) 233-9945 www.firebacks.com product - heat radiating fireback — Design and manufacture a line of firebacks made specifically to fit into prefabricated fireplaces. Most of the styles are antique replicas of primarily American and French firebacks and stove plates. An actual collection of antique firebacks and stove plates are used as the originals to make the replicas. Each replica is hand cast in sand molds with patterns made directly from the originals. They are all authentic replicas and none is a copy of a reproduction model. More than 30 styles of firebacks and stove plates are available with a wide range of images and sizes. These models incorporate a safety support systems — supports keep the fireback from falling forward • allow fireback to slant with the back wall if necessary • will raise the fireback 2 1/2 inches which makes the fireback more visible • slots (not visible) in the supports can be used to insert the legs of a grate. See Country Iron Foundry fireback example on page three. DIAMOND W PRODUCTS, 30 Railroad Ave., Albany, NY 12205 - (800) 653-3668 (518) 459-6775 www.diamond-w.com product - glass fireplace doors — The custom-designed door frames are welded to resist twisting or bending. The doors fold back 180° and lift off for cleaning or storage. Doors can be equipped with keyed locks to provide safety and security if there are small children around or face mounted hinges. Several styles available are standard straight for rectangular fireplaces, arch top for rectangular or arch top fireplaces and a bowed unit for a bay look for rectangular fireplaces. Choose twin or bifold doors in either full view or with decorative handles. Door and frame finishes — antique copper, gloss black, pewter, verdi green, ancient age, graphite, polished brass, weather copper, antique brass, gray granite, polished chrome, weathered iron, antique white, gun metal grey, polished copper, wrought iron, cast black, hand rubbed brass, satin brass, cast brass, oil rubbed bronze, satin chrome, cast bronze, oil rubber copper, satin copper, cast iron, old English, satin nickel, dark pewter, natural iron, stucco, darkened steel, penny vein, and textured dark green. Glass colors — clear, gray, bronze, mirror or solar bronze. Three damper styles available. See door example on page three. EXHAUSTO, INC., 1200 Northmeadow Pky., Suite 180, Roswell, GA 30076 - (800) 255-2923 www.exhausto.com product - “RS Chimney Fan” — A residential-type chimney top-mounted fan (cast aluminum construction) to be used in conjunction with wood, gas, oil, and coal fired appliances. Can be used with fireplaces, fireplace inserts, stoves, ovens, BBQ's and more. Used for draft problems and mounts outside, atop the chimney, where it sucks the smoke from the flue. It can be installed on any type chimney system (steel, masonry or cast material — installation on prefabricated chimneys requires a special adapter). See installation instructions on page four. The variable speed motor assures the fan will never overdraft the appliance. The speed can be adjusted to provide a perfect draft. Top of fan is hinged and can be opened for cleaning. Designed for minimum energy consumption, using about as much energy as a regular light bulb. 2-year factory warranty, 10-year corrosion perforation warranty and 6-months performance guarantee. Standard equipment includes — fan, mounting brackets, gasket, 5 amp fan speed control and a weathertight junction box. Four models of chimney fans are available with the following air flow ratings — #RS9, 450 cfm • #RS12, 950 cfm • #RS14, 1400 cfm • #RS16, 1800 cfm. HARRIS (CFM), 2695 Meadowvale Boulevard, Mississauga, Ontario, Canada L5N 8A3 - (800) 944-8982 www.cfmcorp.com product - glass firescreen doors — Designed to be installed on face of most masonry fireplaces. Each size fits a range of openings by overlapping fireplace facing. Contemporary filigree on top and bottom. Safety-tempered glass bifolds which operates smoothly and shut snugly by means of magnets. Reduces heat loss up the chimney by as much as 90 percent. Damper knobs to adjust airflow. Reinforced at top and bottom for rigidity and strength. www.dulley.com Update Bulletin No. 553 page 3 LYEMANCE INTN’L, 486 Roberts Ave., Louisville, KY 40214 - (866) 466-3728 www.lyemance.com product - “Lyemance Original Damper” — Top sealing fireplace damper can be installed on chimney tops in minutes, used with new or existing fireplace. No special tools required. Available in sizes to fit most standard flue liners. The lid on the damper is spring loaded in the normally open position. It is shut with a stainless-steel cable that extends through the cable guide then down the flue to firebox, where it is held to a bracket fastened into a forward part of the side fireplace wall. Dampers completely assembled with a 32’ cable and a tube of silicone sealant to bond the damper to flue tile. The “Round Top Sealing Fireplace Damper” offers the same features as the “Original.” It is available in a 12" size for masonry fireplaces with additional sizes being added on as needed. PENNSYLVANIA FIREBACKS, INC., 2237 Bethel Rd., Landsdale, PA 19446 - (888) 349-3002 www.fireback.com product - heat radiating fireback — Cast iron fireback can be supported with a pair of 3" or 4" Safe-T-Boot supports. They have a step design so the fireback can be held at an angle against the back wall. Firebacks can be used with any iron grate, log dogs, andirons or gas log system. Many decorative styles and shapes to choose from including reproductions from the renowned Winterthur Museum in Delaware that has a collection of American antiques and decorative objects. THERMO-RITE, P.O. Box 1108, Akron, OH 44309 - (800) 321-0313 www.thermo-rite.com product - glass fireplace doors — The doors have 1/4" tempered glass that is float mounted and allows the glass to expand and contract, lifetime warranty on glass. Glass finish — bronze, clear, grey, bronze mirror or beveled. Standard finishes — polished brass, antique brass, satin black, black with polished brass trim and black with antique brass trim. Custom finishes — chrome and pewter. Door styles — full swing trackless clearview bifold, clearview bifold or clearview twin. The full swing doors fold back a full 180° and have a self aligning center hinge. The “ClearView” door has no vertical strips on the glass to allow a full view of the fire. Spark screens are available but not standard with each door. VIRGINIA METALCRAFTERS, PO Box 1068, Waynesboro, VA 22980 - (540) 949-9403 www.vametal.com product - heat radiating fireback — Decorative cast iron firebacks in several sizes and shapes. WILKENING FIREPLACE CO., 9608 State 371 N.W., Walker, MN 56484 - (800) 367-7976 www.hearth.com/wilkening product - glass fireplace doors — The “Ultimate Seal” door is a 1/4" constructed steel door with a dual gasket system. The cam activated latch mechanisms assure a locked fit and will keep the door closed even when a heavy log rolls against the glass. Standard features — rectangular flush mount frame, heat resistant black finish, 1/4" tempered safety glass, heat resistant gasket seals and all mounting hardware. Optional features — polished or antique solid brass trim, swinging or sliding screens, tinted or ceramic glass, clearview combustion air inlet for fireplaces that have not been ducted for outside combustion air, raised arch metal face frame, arched glass sections and frames for arched openings, recessed mounting, electroplated finishes in 24 carat gold or nickel, Swedish steel, brushed steel or hammered steel finishes. The “Full View” door is custom built so there is no center piece to detract from the viewing area. Custom doors available for corner fireplaces. Fireplace Safety and Tips for a Clean, Efficient Fire ball. Wet wood makes a dull “thud” sound. Peel • Open damper wide — always make sure it is open enough to ensure an adequate oxygen back bark and make sure no green is showing supply to the fire. Build a small, hot fire first under the bark. Burn a mixture of hardwoods to preheat the firebox and chimney. This helps and softwoods. the flue establish a good draft. • Start your fire with a softwood kindling such as • Leave a thin layer of ash for insulation. pine or fir. It ignites easily, burns fast and hot • Crumple a few sheets of uncolored newspaper and will heat the firebox and flue quickly. Then and add some small pieces of burn hardwoods (eucalyptus, kindling (small twigs, pine The Colonial Vine and almond, apple, cherry, etc.). needles, pine cones), then Hardwoods are denser and take Leaf Enclosure by light. Add bigger kindling longer to ignite, but burn slower Diamond W Products (large twigs, small and more evenly, producing less branches, small splits of smoke. They also provide more wood anywhere from 1/4" to heat energy than softwood logs 1" in thickness) as fire the same size. grows. When hot coals are • Light and refuel your fire visible, add 2 or 3 logs close quickly and carefully. enough together to keep Smoldering fires cause as much hot, but far enough apart to as six times more pollution than let sufficient air move hot, clean fires. between them. • Maintain your fire properly. • Burn only seasoned Look for a thin stream of white firewood. Seasoned smoke coming from your chimney. If you see firewood contains little moisture and creates billows of dark smoke, you are causing less polluting smoke when burned. It should unnecessary pollution. Adjust your fire to burn be dried for 6 to 12 months minimum. cleaner. • When buying seasoned wood look for the • Clean and inspect fireplaces and chimneys following — wood should have dark colored, before the heating season begins. cracked ends, with cracks radiating from the • Fireplaces should be equipped with a tight fitting center like bicycle spokes. Wood should be spark screen or enclosed with glass doors to stop light in weight with little moisture. Hardwood sparks from landing on carpet or other nearby logs are heavier than softwood. Pay attention combustibles. to the sound of wood when two logs are hit • Special retaining screens can also keep children together. Dry wood sounds like a bat hitting a and pets at a safe distance from the fire and so reduce the possibility of accidental burns. • Make sure that the door latch closes properly. • Never use gasoline or other flammable liquids to start a fire. • Do not burn charcoal, coal, garbage, treated lumber, plastic materials like cups, plates or wrap in the fireplace. • Ashes need to be thoroughly dampened, cooled, and stored in metal cans that are used solely for ash storage, not in compost piles, cartons, boxes or anything else that is combustible. • It is important to use only thoroughly dried firewood. This will prevent or slow buildup of creosote which is the cause of many chimney fires. • Keep all flammable material — papers, books, toys, etc., away from your fireplace. • Make sure that the fire is completely out before going to bed or if you plan to leave the house. • The fireplace damper should never be closed while hot ashes remain in the fireplace. A closed damper can cause heat to build up and create a sudden flare-up. • Always keep a fire extinguisher near the Rooster Fireback by Country Iron Foundry fireplace. Update Bulletin No. 553 www.dulley.com The DraftStopper by Battic Door The Tee device is used to prorest vide a quick and clean installation of the “DraftStopper.” Because firebox heights vary, the Tee is adjustable and has a locking positioning wedge to allow the Tee to fit your firebox. If fixed tube the Tee is too long for your firebox, cut the sliding tube to sliding tube with a set tee height in saw to desired the fireplace height. Firebox Preparation for First Time Installation Only Check for anything that could puncture the “DraftStopper” pillow. Puncture points could be metal spurs on the 1 damper, damper hinge, damper retaining brackets or angle iron lintel. Any rough-finished mortar should be chipped away and flattened with a hammer. If you have glass doors, both ends may need to be filed smooth or removed. 2 The walls of firebrick or metal surfaces, where the unit will seal, should be quickly brushed clean. This process helps to reduce the transfer of soot to the unit and prevents 3 dirt from getting into your house. Next, take a look at your damper handle. If the handle is on either end of the firebox, the “DraftStopper” will mold around it for a good seal. If the handle passes through the center of the firebox, remove the handle if you can. top of the pillow Chimney Fan by Exhausto expands to seal off chimney fill tube fire warning label page 4 If the handle cannot be removed easily, there are five places where you can cut a slit for your damper. Decide which slit you will use and with a sharp knife make an incision in the middle area slightly smaller than the handle. This is done to reduce air leakage. If the hole is too big, fill it with a piece of foam rubber insulation or paper towels. Installation on a brick chimney — Exhausto Fan mounts outside, atop the chimney, where it literally sucks the smoke from the flue. If a flue tile sticks up, cut it back so it is flush with the chimney crown. Place the fiber mat on top of the flue. Install the mounting brackets on the fan base. Mount the fan on the mat and adjust the mounting brackets, so they almost touch the flue wall. Features • Used with oil, gas, wood and coal. • Energy efficient motor is standard. • Cast aluminum construction. • Low silhouette and low weight. • Quiet operation. • Variable speed. • Fan opens for easy cleaning. • 2-year factory warranty. • 10-year corrosion perforation warranty. • 6-month performance guarantee. Cozy Grate Heater by Thermo-Rite Installation Instructions 1) Place the Tee onto the floor of the firebox and raise up until it reaches 1" below the damper. Lock into place. Check the walls of the firebox to be sure there are no metal protrusions or rough masonry surfaces that can damage the “DraftStopper.” 2) Place the “DraftStopper” on the Tee. Partially inflate, put into position, then complete inflation. 3) Wrap the inflation tube around the Tee and tuck into orange warning sleeve. The All Season Contol Cover by Benson Energy Damper replacement system for masonry fireplaces Contents — 1 “All Season Control Cover” • 30 feet of stainless steel cable • 2 cable ties • 10 links of chain • 1 spring • 1 o-ring • 1 tube of silicone • 1 locking bracket • 2 anchor bolts Flue sizes available — 9 x 9 • 9 x 13 • 9 x 17 • 13 x 13 • 13 x 17 • Functions like an insert. • Preserves chimney life. • Fully assembled, with complete installation kit. • Does not obstruct air flow. • Does not interfere with cleaning operation. • Installs simply with clamp-on mounting brackets. • Will mount to oval or round shaped flue tile. • Will not freeze when closed. • Will not allow any debris to enter fireplace when opened. • Full year limited warranty on all parts and material. For Wood Fires • 40,000 BTU’S of Heat Per Hour • 100 CFM Blower (variable speed) • Rheostat and Thermostat Controlled • Steel Tubing Warranted for 3 Years. • Turns On Automatically at 110° F, Off at 90° F. • All Electrical Components are U.L. Approved & 1 Year Warranty. All units come with front rail 1 3/8. high and 51 1/4. wide. Glass door sits on top of front rail and is elevated 1 3/8. If your door is an inside fit, you must have 1. extra depth to accommodate the depth of the grate heater. On left hand motor models the right side of the heater is solid steel (no opening for gas line). A model for gas fireplaces has the following features: • 25,000 BTU’s of Heat Per Hour. • 60 CFM Blower/Low Profile Motor Box. • Thermostatically Controlled. • Turns On Automatically at 110° F and off at 90° F. • Steel Tubing Warranted for 2 years. • Holds 16. to 30. Gas Logs (Most mfgrs) • Cord Length equals 8 ft. • Can only be used with a sand pan type burner. Visit www.dulley.com for a listing of all 194 Dulley Update Bulletins available to order by mail for email delivery.