The holidays are almost over, but fireplace and wood stove season is still in full swing. You can finally relax now that you’re done shopping for presents and the in-laws are back home. But as you unwind next to the crackling fire with a steaming mug of hot cocoa, the question hits you: How does this thing actually work?
It’s important to understand how your fireplace or wood stove functions to get the most out of it. There are a lot of factors that can impact your wood burning systems efficiency – from the anatomy of the chimney system to the type of firewood you use if you have a wood-burning appliance. Heat output is its primary job, but how do you know if your fireplace is giving off enough heat?
Contrary to popular belief, heat output isn’t measured by feel. In the chimney industry, we use a measurement called a British Thermal Unit (BTU) to gauge your fireplace’s performance. Getting some insight into BTUs will allow you to take better care of your fireplace while maximizing its output – and it might even help you save a few bucks in heating costs.
When your chimney isn’t working as well as it should, you can turn to Mr. Smokestack Chimney Service. We’re a proud local company that has serviced residents in Broadway and Raleigh for almost two decades! Call us today at 919-747-1859 or schedule an appointment online.
What Are BTUs? Why Are They Important for Fireplaces?
You’ve likely seen the term “BTU” before. If you’ve shopped for a window-mounted air conditioner in the past few years, it’s one of the more prominently featured pieces of information in listings. Did you overlook it because it sounded like techie-speak? Well, it is. But let’s embrace the tech side for a bit to learn more about your fireplace.
The British Thermal Unit, commonly known as a BTU, is a standard unit for measuring the output and input of heating and cooling appliances. A BTU is determined by the amount of energy an appliance needs to raise or lower the temperature of one pound of water by one degree Fahrenheit. Let’s put it like this – if you’re considering knocking down the wall between your family room and your kitchen to create an open-concept living area, you’ll need to be aware of your fireplace or wood stove’s BTU rating to know if it can handle heating a bigger space.
What Is the Best BTU Rating for a Fireplace?
What’s the best SUV for a family? Who has the best barbecue in Raleigh? Who’s currently the worst team in the NFL? We can be quick to label something as the “best” or “worst,” but they’re both blanket terms that fail to take individual tastes and needs into consideration. With the BTU rating, it’s easier to consider it over a range.
On average, wood-burning fireplaces have a range of 20,000 to 100,000 BTUs per hour.
When thinking about your wood-burning system’s BTU rating, you need to keep your specific wants and needs in mind and block out other opinions. For instance, let’s say you and your neighbor are both looking for a new heating option. You plan to use your system as a primary heat source for a large area, so you’re in the market for a system with a higher BTU rating. You find a system that checks all the boxes, and you recommend it to your neighbor. Yet, your neighbor only needs to heat a small room, so what’s appealing for you doesn’t feel right to them. Rather, they’ll be on the search for something with a lower BTU rating, as your top pick would be too overwhelming for their space.
What Is the Best BTU Rating for a Gas Fireplace?
The BTU rating for gas fireplaces comes in a little below their wood-burning counterparts with a range of 7,000 to 60,000 per hour, while some vented appliances have even lower ratings. So is a gas appliance the right choice for your home? Again, that depends.
Gas appliances have a lot of benefits – they’re easier to use (you don’t have to deal with temperamental firewood), they’re lower maintenance because they don’t produce as much creosote, and you can opt for a ventless unit if it’s more convenient for your home. Gas fireplaces have the versatility to fit within any aesthetic and it is possible to find a model with an adequate BTU rating that can meet your needs.
When You Need Help With Your Fireplace, Call Mr. Smokestack Chimney Service
Keeping your home heated during the winter months is an understandable priority for you. It’s always a hassle to deal with a fireplace or wood stove that can’t perform when it’s needed most. Mr. Smokestack Chimney Service is here to ease your stress level. If you have a heating appliance that isn’t meeting your needs, reach out to our customer service team and let us help you out.
Get in touch with us now by calling 919-747-1859 or book your appointment online.