City Of Marietta: Are You Losing Heat And Money Because Of Your Fireplace?

Press release from the City of Marietta:

January 17, 2022

Designed more for show, traditional open masonry fireplaces should not be considered heating devices. Traditional fireplaces draw in as much as 300 cubic feet per minute of heated room air for combustion, then send it straight up the chimney. Fireplaces also produce significant air pollution. Although some fireplace designs seek to address these issues with dedicated air supplies, glass doors, and heat recovery systems, most traditional fireplaces are still energy losers.

High-efficiency fireplace inserts have proven effective in increasing the heating efficiency of older fireplaces. Essentially, the inserts function like wood stoves, fitting into the masonry fireplace or on its hearth, and using the existing chimney. A well-fitted fireplace insert can function nearly as efficiently as a wood stove. You should also  keep the fireplace damper closed when the fireplace is not in use. 

This press release was produced by the City of Marietta. The views expressed here are the author’s own.