Alternative Technology Assn Forums

1. 

   Trace
   Member

   Hi Everyone,

   My mum in law has a home that was built in the 1950s with a fireplace. As with all open fireplaces, the smoke doesn't filter through the flue and she is looking to have a slow-combustion fire installed in the existing fireplace.

   I have been looking into the slow combustions fires and can see that they retail around $2k to $5k and was wondering if anyone can tell me about the installation costs (especially where it is into an existing fireplace).

   Also, any helpful information or tips that could help. I would love to be able to do this for her.

   Trace

   Posted Saturday 12 Jun 2010 @ 11:44:16 am from IP #
2. 

   snapperking
   Member

   Gday Trace
   Your comment that "smoke does not filter through the flue" puzzled me. It doesn't filter through the flue in slow combustion fires either, unless a converter is fitted (compulsory in parts of the US I understand). My experience has been that slow combustion fires don't necessarily smoke less than an open fire. Modern SC fires circulate the gases in the firebox for more complete combustion (and less dangerous emissions) but they can still stink up the neighbourhood if used thoughtlessly. Installation costs into an existing fireplace would depend if the SC fire fitted into the existing space. You'd save the necessary heat protection shield and flue guard (if it's against a wall) and where the flue goes through the ceiling. Best to get a couple of quotes. Stick with a professional or you could void your mum's insurance. Good luck!

   Posted Sunday 13 Jun 2010 @ 3:22:53 am from IP #
3. 

   Trace
   Member

   Helpful points thanks snapperking

   Posted Thursday 17 Jun 2010 @ 11:40:15 am from IP #
4. 

   LanceTurner
   Key Master

   I agree with snapperking's comments, most people overload the firebox, turn down the airflow and let the fire smoulder more than burn. This produces lots of noxious gases including methane, as well as tonnes of particulates (smoke).

   Your best bet for a clean wood fire is a pellet heater...

   Posted Friday 18 Jun 2010 @ 2:26:10 am from IP #
5. 

   Russell Moore
   Member

   I always burn my slow combustion heater at full airflow, and I try to only light it when there is a good breeze to disipate the flue gases.

   To keep smoke to a minumum, always try to use well seasoned hardwood. After 15 min a good slow combustion heater with a secondary burning chamber should be emitting no visible smoke at all.

   Posted Saturday 19 Jun 2010 @ 12:14:33 pm from IP #
6. 

   Gruen
   Member

   Does she live in a city? I'm always wondering when Australian cities will move to ban OFPs as is the case in much of the rest of the first world. Given the ability to effect change in Australia is usually pretty glacial, I'd suggest it is not imminent but might be a factor to consider for an older person who looks for good value for money. If I was advising my old mum I'd perhaps go for a less labour-intensive heating option. We, a household of asthmatics, suffer terribly every winter in our inner-city Melbourne 'burb as a result of our neighbours' belching fire places (open and sc). For many of us, it's really quite a dirty and inconsiderate way to heat one room in a home.

   Posted Monday 21 Jun 2010 @ 10:31:14 am from IP #
7. 

   Mrs Cackle
   Member

   We have a Eureka wood stove/oven installed in the house. In winter our power bill goes down significantly as we do all the cooking on or in the fire. Basically it is an Aussie made fire with an oven underneath.

   I cannot speak highly enough of my wonderful cooker! Fits 5 good sized pans on top and the oven heats plates or cooks all our cakes, pizza and the most amazing roasts ever.

   Cost $3200 including flue and worth every cent.

   Posted Friday 25 Jun 2010 @ 12:06:35 pm from IP #

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