Understanding Fireplace Terms And What They Really Mean

You’re in love with the idea of having a fireplace. Who isn’t? It adds warmth and a classic, cosy feel to any home. However, getting one (and getting it to work) involves more steps than simply purchasing one at a store and then lighting it. To better understand what a fireplace needs to function, you need to understand how it works, and this means understanding its technical terms. It’s important for you to understand what these mean so that you can pinpoint the location of any possible problems and understand how your fireplace warms and brightens your home. Let’s break down some of these terms for you.

Automatic Combustion Control – This technological advancement is available in certain fireplaces, and it ensures that while burning is occurring in your fireplace, there’s enough air for the wood to continue burning. This helps your fireplace burn efficiently.
Burner – This device delivers gas to the place where the flame is produced.
Carbon Monoxide – Fires can produce this poisonous, colourless and odourless gas that can cause harm if not channelled out of the home.
Combustion – This is the process of burning that releases intense heat and energy.
Creosote – This is the carbon material that remains after wood has burnt, which tends to accumulate and clog in the chimney.
Embers – The still hot glowing remnants of burnt wood, which can be extinguished.
Flue – A duct, tube or pipe that directs smoke and gas from the fire out the chimney.
Firepit – A reinforced hole in the ground, that is used outdoors to contain a fire.
Hardwood – Wood derived from broadleaf trees like maple, ash, oak or beech.
Hearth – The area at the base or the floor around the fireplace.
Insert – A gas burning device inserted into an existing brick, stone or wood fireplace.
Mantle – This is the structure above the opening of the fireplace that can be decorated in many beautiful ways.
Pilot Light – This is a small gas flame, which when lit, will ignite the main burner to ensure that a roaring fire is produced.
Softwood – Wood that comes from trees like conifers, pines, spruces and cedars.