How to get more heat from your fireplace

Fireplaces are the heart and soul of many homes, providing a beautiful blend of warmth, comfort and style. But if your fireplace isn’t emitting as much heat as you’d like it to, you may be wondering how to get more heat and efficiency from your beloved centrepiece. 

So, let’s explore some ways to get the most out of your fireplace. 

How to get more heat from a fireplace

1. Consider an insert: A fireplace insert is essentially a way of creating a closed combustion system to prevent heat loss. The insert is placed into a fireplace surround, is usually made from cast iron and has a glass front to create a stylish solution to trap warmth and direct it back into the room – preventing it from being lost up the chimney or elsewhere.
2. Chimney sweep: Maintenance is a key part of fireplace ownership that can really make a difference in the performance. Over time, soot and other particles will build up in your chimney from repeated fireplace use. This will reduce suction and airflow to your fire – decreasing its heat output. By regularly getting your chimney swept, you can keep your fireplace clean and performing at its best.
3. Install a fireback: A fireback is a reflector, usually made from some sort of metal, that is installed on the back wall of a fireplace. This acts to reflect heat from the fire back into the room, amplifying the warming effect and retaining heat that would otherwise have been lost up your chimney or flue.
4. Ventilate properly: Many fireplaces draw air from your room to sustain the flames. So if the ventilation in your home is poor, then this could create a vacuum that hampers the fire’s ability to draw in this valuable air. To sidestep this problem, make sure that your home is well ventilated, with a few doors and windows kept slightly ajar – a few centimetres will be enough. Vents which join the inside and outside should be opened fully to allow in fresh air from outside.
5. Check your damper: If you have a traditional fireplace, the chances are you have a damper – an inbuilt mechanism that is designed to seal off the chimney when a fire isn’t in use and prevent air loss. Check the damper is fully open before you relight a fire – it seems simple, but it’s an easy thing to overlook. Not only will this ensure adequate airflow to your fire, but it also stops nasty gases and smoke from entering your home.
6.  Get a heat exchanger: Heat exchangers are a godsend for warming up a home, as they basically ‘recycle’ warm air back into your interiors. They work by drawing cool air into the fireplace and expelling the warmed air back out into your home. Make sure you get professional advice on whether this would be right for your home, and always ensure any fireplace or fireplace accessory is installed by a certified expert – such as Enviro-Flame.

For maintenance, supply and fitting of fireplaces across London, look no further than Enviro-Flame. With over 20 years’ experience, we provide chimney sweep services, CCTV flue surveys and expert fireplace installation to keep your fireplace healthy and functioning. To find out more about our supply, installation and maintenance services, simply get in touch today.