Eco Friendly Ethenol Fireplaces

Eco Friendly Fireplaces are a hot new product in the indoor and outdoor furniture market. Wood-burning fireplaces are around 12% efficient at converting wood into heat. The acrid smell and stinging smoke are testament to the eco-unfriendlyness of this archaic method. Natural gas is a great alternative, but can leave your fireplace tied down to complicated plumbing and unsightly tanks. Fortunately, designers have found an alternative solution that is efficient, stylish, and versatile.

Ethanol Fireplaces

Bonfires and fireplaces have always been a romantic gathering place. Unfortunately, the messy process of burning wood, coal, or natural gas can ruin much of the fun. Ethanol fireplaces burn ethanol, which is corn-based, completely renewable, and available from your local paint store. No wiring, plumbing, or pumps exist to complicate the design.

Ethanol burns clean, giving off only steam and carbon dioxide. Because of this, ethanol fireplaces like the Uni Flame do not ventilate up a chimney pipe like a traditional fireplace. Because of this, the open, unventilated flame heats at an amazing 90% efficiency. Because of how new this technology is, the sight of a large, unventilated fireplace floating in the center of a room or on a covered porch is a surreal sight for many house guests.

Ethanol is an absolute alcohol, created by the fermentation of natural sugars from corn, sugarcane, potatoes, or wheat, In the United States, ethanol is sold in a denatured state to deter human consumption. Denatured Ethanol burns just as clean as pure ethanol, and is ozone friendly. Denatured ethanol is 100% biological in chemical makeup, and is easily biodegradable. Ethanol is also miscible, meaning that is mixes with water, unlike petroleum products that float on water.

How long does an Ethanol Fireplace Burn?

Depending on the size of the flame desired, a gallon of Denatured ethanol can burn for over 15 hours. Even at the smallest flame settings, these fireplaces give off immense amounts of heat due to their unventilated nature. At about $4.50 a gallon, the cost of running your fireplace every night is likely less than you spend on gasoline for your lawnmower!

Ethanol fires are completely odorless. The ethanol itself has a slight smell after the fire is extinguished that lingers for mere moments, but it is pleasant. Ethanol is easily stored in a cool area, preferably enclosed to offer extra protection in the event of a house fire. You should make sure to check your local building codes to learn what amounts of denatured ethanol you can store without a permit (usually 2.5 gallons or more).

To learn more about these eco-friendly fireplaces, be sure to check out some of the manufacturers who offer these stylish, and convenient heat sources:

Eco-Smart
Radius Design