There are a few great alternatives to the tradition, wood burning fireplaces we’re all familiar with. For example, there’s electric nits which have become widely popular over the years and boast tons of great styles to fit any home.
But there’s also ethanol fireplaces, which is really one of the better options in terms of safety, appearance, and environmentally friendly features.
Like anything new, the world isn’t quite sure how to take them. Ethanol isn’t a common household name, and not everyone is educated on the fireplace side of it. We’ve answered questions here before, but there’s just so many.
Common Questions Regarding a Bio Fuel Fireplace
1) ARE ETHANOL FIREPLACES SAFE TO TOUCH?
Yes, and no. Bio-ethanol fuel burns differently than that of natural gas or wood feed flames, but like gas fireplaces, they are still highly flammable. However, you won’t ever scald yourself or get severe burns, but the burner itself can get a bit hot. It’s recommended not to intentionally touch it, although it’s quite safe to have close to people or objects.
However, unlike traditional fireplaces or a gas fireplace, you won’t need vents, chimney, or flue. You won’t even need gas lines. Most bio fuel fireplace are vent free. That is why you are assured of good air quality.
2) CAN YOU INSTALL AN ETHANOL FIREPLACE ANYWHERE?
Yes! The beauty of an ethanol wall insert is that it can be installed anywhere you please. In a wall, a piece of furniture, under the TV, in the bathroom, etc. Because ethanol fireplace requires zero venting and give off no emissions, they’re safe to stick wherever you please!
Unlike electric fireplaces, you won’t need electricity to get your bio ethanol fireplace to work.
Ethanol burners are safe to use. They emit minimum amount of carbon dioxide and natural gas. They run on bioethanol fuel, which is a renewable energy source. These clean burning fuel inside your ethanol fireplaces are produced from crops like maize or sugar cane.
3) CAN YOU INSTALL A BIO ETHANOL FUEL FIREPLACE OUTDOORS?
You bet! An outdoor ethanol fireplace makes for great outdoor heat sources and look beautiful at night. Sit back and relax without having to keep feeding the fire with wood. And because they don’t produce smoke, you won’t worry the neighbours.
4) ARE THEY PORTABLE?
To an extent, yes. Inserts are actually installed within their structure, so they become a permanent fixture. But because there’s no venting involved, you could remove it and place elsewhere.
You would easily find a freestanding ethanol fireplace that you can place anywhere you want. However, if you want the conventional look, you can get an ethanol fireplace insert to place in your existing fireplace. You could also choose to get a wall mounted ethanol fireplace.
5) WHERE CAN YOU BUY THE BIO ETHANOL FIREPLACE FUEL?
Lots of places! Where you purchased the fireplace itself, retailers often sell a recommended brand with their products. You can also find it wherever fuel products are sold like hardware stores and some major gas stations.
The fuel itself doesn’t expire or go bad, so if you plan to use your fireplace on a regular basis, then purchasing it in large quantities is the best way to do it.
Hopefully these answer your questions and set your mind at ease when considering an ethanol fireplace. They’re really great, easy to maintain, and environmentally friendly. You can’t go wrong!