Why prefer the insert or closed fireplace to the open fireplace?

Open fireplaces, closed fireplaces and inserts, what exactly are we talking about?

The open fireplace is the traditional fireplace, the one that allows you to directly enjoy the spectacle of the flame and its crackling. If the open fireplace brings a very appreciated atmosphere, its heat output is unfortunately much lower than its competitors, the closed fireplace and the insert.

Recognizable by its "pyramidal roof", the closed fireplace consists of a steel or cast iron heating body and a glass door. The closed fireplace requires the creation of a suitable cladding with ventilation grilles in the lower and upper parts. Once installed in its custom-made casing, only the glass of the closed fireplace and its frame remain visible.

Like the closed fireplace, the insert is a steel or cast iron block equipped with an opening window that is fitted into an existing hearth. With a few adaptations, particularly to the chimney flue, the insert is a solution used in the renovation of old open fireplaces.

Let's compare the performances

In addition to the diffusion of heat by convection, the glass of the closed fireplace or insert will allow more direct heat to be diffused by radiation. Ultimately, for the same amount of wood energy, the heat restored by these two devices will be much greater than that restored by an open fireplace.The energy yields of these three solutions:

- Open fireplace: 10 to 15% (more than 80% of the heat generated is lost)

- Closed fireplace: 70 to 85%

- Insert: 70 to 85%

Note that higher efficiency also means fuel savings for the user, and therefore a lower energy bill.

Objective: reduction of pollutant emissions

The reduction of open fireplaces in favor of new generation, more efficient appliances is also an ecological issue, because this type of installation, whether old or recent, remains a particular emitter of fine particles (and even more so if the fuel used and/or the installation are of poor quality).The aim of the plan is not to abandon wood heating, which is a renewable and carbon-neutral energy source, let's remember, but on the contrary, it is to make wood heating more efficient. Renewing old appliances is therefore an essential lever to activate, but not the only one. The plan insists on two other equally crucial points:

- Use good quality fuel with a humidity level of 20% maximum for more efficient and more economical combustion.

- Have a compliant installation, regularly checked and maintained.

The combination of these three factors can reduce fine particle emissions by 10.

There's nothing left to do!