Why choose a fireplace with cassette over a traditional wood-burning fireplace? If you have come this far, it is very likely that this question is on your mind. Therefore, in ParaTuReforma we want to tell you about the advantages of choosing this system over the conventional one.
Fireplace with cassette vs. traditional wood-burning fireplace
But before we dive into the advantages of a modern fireplace with a cassette modern fireplace with cassette compared to a traditional one, we have to explain what this system consists of.
Specifically, a cassette is a home heating appliance that is installed in an open fireplace. That is to say, it takes advantage of the installation already made previously, so it does not require the realization of a great work. It is only necessary to take advantage of the flue to place the extraction pipe.
The cassette has a combustion chamber enclosed by a glass-ceramic glass door capable of withstanding temperatures of up to 750 °C. In some cases, it can have an additional one in which the gases derived from the first combustion are burned, which means higher efficiency and performance.
However, the fireplace with cassette should not be confused with the wood-burninginsert . The fundamental difference between one system and the other lies in the use of natural ventilation in the first case and forced ventilation in the second.
Now it is time to talk about the advantages of this type of fireplace over conventional open fireplaces.
Increased combustion control
This benefit is mainly due to the fact that the chimney cassette remains closed during combustion, so that the air in the room does not influence the combustion. In fact, the only air entering the chamber comes from the pipe through which the smoke is evacuated.
By better controlling combustion, it is also easier to regulate the amount of heat that is distributed throughout the room and the amount of wood that is used. This is especially true if the system has a fan. In an open fireplace, this is almost impossible.
Less smoke, odors and ash
The door to which we have referred prevents smoke and bad smells from the fireplace from mixing with the air in the home. This element, in addition, implies a greater safety of use, since it is impossible for an accidental fire or carbon monoxide poisoning to occur.
For its part, the chimney environment remains much cleaner, since the ashes cannot fall outside. In many cases, chimney cassettes are equipped with deposits to retain them and facilitate subsequent cleaning.
High thermal efficiency
By the term performance, we refer to the capacity of the cassette to take advantage of the heat generated by the burning of the fuel. Generally, in this type of chimneys, it is around 70 % in the case of a single chamber. If they have two, the figure rises to 80%.
However, the efficiency of an open wood-burning fireplace is much lower. It is usually between 30% and 40%. By having the fireplace open, the ambient air accelerates combustion and the fuel disappears much sooner.
Ease of installation
As we said before, the cassettes can take advantage of the hole of a conventional chimney and use your flue to extract the smoke. Therefore, their installation is extremely simple. So much so that anyone can carry it out on their own or, at least, with minimal professional help.
Elegance and energy efficiency
Opt for a design fireplace with cassette is always a wise choice. Keep in mind that, currently, the main brands in the sector offer models of all styles, so you can find one for your rustic, minimalist, industrial or vintage living room without any difficulty.
This aesthetic versatility is also not provided by open wood-burning fireplaces, as they require the use of exposed firebricks. In addition, the cassettes can be surrounded by special plasterboard frames or masonry pieces to give them a special touch.
However, acquiring a fireplace with a cassette cassette is also a smart decision in terms of energy efficiency. Here are the reasons why.
Zero emission of polluting gases
Obviously, cassettes, like any other type of chimney, emit carbon dioxide to the outside. So why do we talk about their emissions being zero? Quite simply.
To explain this, we must analyze the origin of the fuel used by these heating appliances, i.e. firewood. As you know, it is extracted from trees, which throughout their life consume CO₂ and release oxygen into the environment.
Therefore, the polluting gases emitted by the cassette are compensated by those absorbed by the tree before being transformed into firewood for the fireplace.
Firewood is an inexpensive, sustainable and renewable resource
In this sense, there are two possibilities. On the one hand, you may have a country house surrounded by trees and, once a year, you may have to cut down their branches so that they grow healthier and bear better fruit. In this case, as long as you have a place to store the firewood, the fuel will be free.
On the other hand, you may have to buy firewood from a supplier. In this case, don’t worry, since its price is very cheap and stable. Much more so than gas or electricity, which have been particularly volatile in recent years.
At this point, you’ve probably decided to buy a cassette fireplace instead of installing a traditional wood-burning fireplace. It seems natural to us. Therefore, we would like to invite you to take a look at the ParaTuReforma catalog, as we are convinced that you will find the perfect model for your home. You can also contact us if you have any doubts or if you want to ask us for a quote, please contact us without obligation!
