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re: need help w/fireplace problem
20 nov 2000
phxbrd@home.com wrote:
>> > ...how would these inlets save energy?
>> by using unheated makeup air.
>which, as a bonus, is also more efficient in the combustion process.
oh? a woodstove delivers more useful room heat per pound of wood when
using, say 30 f vs 70 f inlet air? i'da thunk the other way round...
>a good fireplace should also seal off indoor heated air from being
>sucked up as part of the draft.
sure. we may be depending too much on natural draft for woodstoves,
with a serious energy penalty. we might take a clue from the pellet
stove people, and use a fan to ensure a draft, with a short double-
walled horizontal heat exchanger "chimney" to preheat incoming air
with outgoing air. a fan could also help get a fire started, and
help with room temp control.
>most traditionally 'open' fireplaces suck away as much or more room heat
>than they produce. that's why you often have a cold back even when your
>front is uncomfortably hot, while sitting in front of that fire.
the latter phenom is "radiant heat," unrelated to "sucking away room heat"
with excess draft air.
nick
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