Chimney Basics

The Rumford Fireplace – An Early Modern Fireplace Design   The Rumford Fireplace, invented in the late 18th century, was one of the most important innovations in fireplace technology at the time. Learn more about its history and how it works now!   The History Of The Rumford Fireplace   The Rumford Fireplace was first prototyped by Sir Benjamin Thompson, also known as the Count of Rumford. He was an American-born British physicist, who was very interested in studying heat and convection.   He created this fireplace in the 1790s, by creating a shallow, small fireplace with widely-angled sides to reflect heat into the room more efficiently. The fireplace quickly became a sensation in London and spread throughout the world.   How It Works   Beyond its angled sides, the principal innovation of the Rumford Fireplace was the idea of restricting the chimney opening using bricks. This, in turn, resulted … Continued

Have you ever wondered how the modern fireplace came to be? In this article, we’ll take a brief look at the history and development of the fireplace. Prehistoric Times – Ancient Cave Fires And In-Dwelling Fires The first “fireplaces” weren’t fireplaces at all! Early humans first started making fires in holes in the ground, and in caves, where they could enjoy the warmth and shelter from the elements. As we began to build more permanent dwellings, humans started building fire pits inside their huts, and in tents and other movable homes. Most huts had holes for ventilation, but there was still a high risk of carbon monoxide poisoning and smoke building up inside. Still, fires built in huts in this way were very popular, and we continued to build indoor fire pits like this until the Middle Ages. The Middle Ages – The Hearth And The Hall The hearth was … Continued

Ahh, nothing quite like the crackle of a fireplace, or the warm and welcoming heat of a wood-burning stove or furnace. And, just like any other appliance, the type of fuel you choose for your wood-burning appliances matters. In this article, we’ll discuss the basics about choosing the proper type of firewood, storing it, burning it effectively, and more. Let’s get started. Choose Seasoned, Dry Firewood For Maximum Heat And Efficiency  First things first, you’ll want to make sure that you burn seasoned, dry firewood in your furnace, stove, or fireplace. Seasoned wood will create heat more efficiently, and create less creosote, which helps keep your flue safe and clear. All firewood contains water, but fresh wood contains up to 45% water. While it may burn, a lot of energy will be used to vaporize that water and dry the wood before it burns, which means less heat in your … Continued