Homemade bio-fireplace in the apartment

If you can make a real fireplace in a private house, then it will be difficult for owners of city apartments to implement such a project. Despite this, there is a new unusual solution that allows you to quickly and easily install a structure with live fire at home. Anyone can make a bio-fireplace for an apartment with their own hands. Such a device allows you to get heat, but at the same time, except for steam and a small amount of carbon dioxide, no other harmful substances are released.

General information about bio-fireplaces for apartments

This is a decorative source of open fire, which runs on special fuel. The presence of a portal allows you to protect people from the flames, so the structure is completely safe.

Main Features

This device does not require a chimney, so it can be installed in any apartment. Since the biofuel does not contain heavy impurities, it burns completely, and does not form harmful volatile substances, soot and carbon.

No special permission is required to install a bio-fireplace. This device does not require a foundation or heat-resistant piping. But it should be used in a room that can be periodically ventilated, since carbon dioxide is released when fuel burns, so oxygen reserves in the room must be replenished.

The efficiency of a bio-fireplace is high, but due to the small size of the firebox, the heat output is insignificant.

Device

If you decide to make a bio-fireplace yourself, first study its structure, evaluate your capabilities and only then start working.

Regardless of the type, such a device has the following components:

1. 

   Heating unit. It includes a tank made of sheet steel with a thickness of 3 mm. The capacity of the tank can vary from 100 ml to 5 l, it all depends on the size of the future device. It also includes a burner, a wick and a valve.

2. The body. Different materials are used in its creation, the structures can be both open and closed. The size and shape depend on the imagination and capabilities of the master, the availability of free space for installing such a fireplace.
3. Decorative elements: forged grates, stones, ceramic logs, etc. They serve to give the finished device originality and uniqueness.

Functional purpose

Such devices perform not only a decorative function - they also have a practical value. In traditional fireplaces, a lot of heat goes into the chimney, and when bio-fireplaces are working, it remains in the room. It will not be possible to use such a hearth as the main source of heat, but it copes well with the task of additional heating.

The operation of modern industrial models can be controlled using a remote control, phone or tablet, using a Wi-Fi network. Such a device is easily integrated into the "smart home" system.

Operating principle

The working element of a bio-fireplace is a burner, in some devices there may be several of them. It is connected to a tank containing alcohol fuel. It rises along the wick to the burner, where the combustion process takes place.

When it is necessary to extinguish the fire, it is enough to cover the burner with a damper. It blocks the flow of oxygen. Such an element is an obligatory part of any bio-fireplace.

Advantages

There are a number of advantages that indicate that it is worth having a heater such as a bio-fireplace in your home:

• 

  simplicity of design (you can do everything yourself) and maintenance;

• environmentally friendly (no smoke, soot or other harmful substances are released during operation);
• lightweight design (even large models do not require a separate foundation, since their weight does not exceed 100 kg);
• safety (subject to simple precautions);
• additional air humidification (relevant during the heating season, when the humidity in the apartment is low).

Another important advantage is that there is no need to coordinate its installation with government agencies and neighbors.

Composition and characteristics of biofuel

The eco-fireplace uses fuel made from natural renewable raw materials.

The composition of biofuel varies depending on the brand, but traditionally it is as follows:

• 95% bioethanol;
• 4% distilled water;
• 1% methyl ethyl ketone - denaturing agent;
• a little bit of crystalline bitrex (this is a bitter powder, it is added to prevent the fuel from being consumed as alcohol).

Bioethanol is most often made from corn or cane, which contain a lot of sugar and starch. The result is a type of alcohol. It can be used like gasoline, but the cost of such fuel is high.

When bioethanol burns, it produces a blue flame. To make it more similar to what is produced when burning wood (yellow-orange), special additives are added to it.

Depending on the number and power of burners, fuel consumption will vary.

To operate a unit producing 4 kW/h, approximately 400-500 ml of fuel is required.

Main varieties

There are several main types of bio-fireplaces, differing in size and installation method.

Wall mounted

Such devices are made in an elongated shape, they have a wall mount. For safety of their use, the front part is covered with transparent glass, and the back is made of fireproof material. During operation of the eco-fireplace, its body practically does not heat up, therefore it cannot cause a fire or cause a burn to someone who accidentally touches it.

Floor standing

Such a bio-fireplace is mounted directly on the floor or a small podium. The bottom of the structure does not heat up much, so it can be placed on any surface in a place where it is convenient. If necessary, the device can be moved to another place and additionally heat the part of the room where it is needed.

Tabletop

These are compact models that look similar to the previous version, but are smaller in size. They can be installed on a table, shelf, rack, stand, etc. Such small functional devices can hardly be called full-fledged fireplaces. Despite this, they are easy to use, can create coziness and generate additional heat.

Corner

If there is little space in the apartment, it is recommended to install corner models of eco-fireplaces. Their design provides for placement at the joints of the walls, so they will take up a minimum of free space. Corner devices can be floor or wall-mounted.

Built-in structures

To install such bio-fireplaces, you need to prepare a niche of the appropriate size in advance. Some models are mounted flush with the wall, and then only their front part is visible. There are protruding options, they have a multifaceted surface, and they are more reminiscent of a traditional fireplace.

It is no longer possible to move this device, so it is necessary to choose the right place for its installation.

Types of interaction with equipment

In addition to the installation location, modern eco-fireplaces are classified by the control method.

What to look for when choosing

If you decide to purchase a ready-made bio-fireplace model, then when choosing you need to consider not only the appearance of the device, but also the technical characteristics:

1. Power. It is characterized by such indicators as heat output, saturation and flame height. In some models it can reach 7 kW.
2. Fuel consumption. On average, 500-700 ml of fuel is needed per hour of operation, but everything depends on the mode and power of the equipment.
3. Tank capacity. The larger it is, the longer the eco-fireplace will work on 1 fill. It is recommended to fill with fuel after the previous portion has completely burned out.
4. Burner material and thickness. Metal with a thickness of 3 mm or ceramics is used to manufacture the element. Modern 2-circuit models allow you to collect excess fuel and return it back to the tank.

Fireplace for the bedroom

A burning flame helps to relax, relieve stress and calm down before sleep, so many people install a bio-fireplace in the bedroom. Such structures have a heat-insulated body, small size and power, often they have automatic control, there is a possibility of remote switching off. It is necessary to remember that this is a source of open fire, so it is not worth leaving it unattended.

For the kitchen

In many apartments the kitchen has a small area, but here too you can install a compact model of such a heater. A small tabletop design will help make any dinner romantic.

In studio apartments, the kitchen is combined with other rooms, and here a bio-fireplace can be not only a decorative element, but also provide additional heating and be used for zoning the space.

For the living room

This place in the apartment is intended for relaxation and receiving guests, so it is most suitable for installing an eco-fireplace. Any model can be placed here, everything depends on the size of the living room and the wishes of the owners. The design of the device should be in harmony with the interior.

The presence of a live fire makes the room warmer and brighter, making it cozier and more comfortable. Often, an eco-fireplace is made the central element of the living room and installed in a place where it is not blocked by other pieces of furniture.

Other rooms

A large selection of models, differing in size, power and installation method, allows you to choose a fireplace for almost any room: bathroom, hallway, balcony, etc. The only condition is that there must be a possibility to ventilate these rooms.

If you work a lot at home, you can install a small eco-fireplace on the table in the office. Live flame will help you calm down and focus on the tasks at hand, find the right solution.

It is convenient when such a fireplace is made in the bathroom: its presence will contribute to even greater relaxation after a hard day at work.

Style solutions

If the interior of all bio-fireplaces is almost the same, then the external design can be different. Everything depends on the imagination of the designers or owners who make such a device themselves.

Eco-fireplaces designed in the following styles are currently in demand among buyers:

• high-tech – neutral contrasting colors, minimalist design, rigor and progressiveness;

• Baroque – sophistication, elite materials, suitable for models that are the central element of the interior;

• classic – imitation of a traditional fireplace, use of natural stone dummies, logs;

• country – primitiveness and brutality, use of natural materials;

• Shabby chic – artificial aging of finishing elements.

How to make a bio-fireplace for an apartment with your own hands

If you make the base of an eco-fireplace from a metal profile, and then cover it with plasterboard and artificial stone, then externally such a structure will not differ in any way from one laid out of brick. With your own hands in the apartment you can make both a stationary and a portable model of the device.

Regardless of the option chosen, the order of execution of works will be practically the same:

1. Creating a base (it must be metal).
2. Manufacturing of the body.
3. Design of a fuel block (for stationary options, it is better to buy a ready-made model of the appropriate size).
4. Decoration: laying pebbles, dummy logs, finishing the body, etc.

Preparatory activities

At this stage, the dimensions of the future structure are determined in order to select a place for its installation. If the apartment is small, then a massive model will not look nice in it; it is better to choose portable small options.

Sketches and drawings

Without a schematic image of the future fireplace, you should not start working. By creating a drawing, you not only develop the appearance of the device, but also calculate its dimensions, which will further simplify the process of purchasing the necessary materials and directly creating the model.

Selection of materials

Depending on the design option chosen, different materials will be needed for its production.

For a small tabletop model you will need:

To create a large floor model you will need:

List of necessary tools

The choice of tools also depends on whether the bio-fireplace is stationary or portable.

In the first case you will need:

To make a large model, you will additionally need to prepare:

Manufacturing steps: assembly instructions

The cost of ready-made models is quite high, so apartment owners often decide to make an eco-fireplace themselves. Depending on your skills and desire, you can create a large stationary or portable model.

Compact device

If it is decided to make a compact device, then the order of work will be as follows:

Big model

Creating a large bio-fireplace will take a lot of time and effort, but externally it will be more similar to the traditional brick version of such a device.

Work order:

• Facing works. For this, ceramic heat-resistant tiles, artificial or natural stone are used.

To ensure safety, a decorative forged grille or transparent glass screen is placed in front of the flame.

DIY Fireplace Burner

The burner, which is the main working element of the bio-fireplace, is made in the following sequence:

1. Make a fuel tank. It is better to choose a ready-made metal sealed container of a suitable size. You can make it yourself, but you will need a sheet of stainless steel at least 3 mm thick, a tool for cutting and welding it. It is difficult to work with such material, and not everyone can do it. If the side of the tank is visible, it can be covered with fireproof paint (only on the outside, this cannot be done inside).
2. A grid is laid to cover the fuel container (necessary for uniform distribution of the flame). Decorative stones are placed on it, so the grid must be strong, and its dimensions must slightly exceed the corresponding dimensions of the tank.
3. A wick is installed. This can be a piece of string, one end of which is placed in the fuel, and the other is brought out between the decorative stones.

Installation of the structure

At the last stage, all the prepared elements are assembled into a single structure. The body is installed on the base, in the center of which the burner is placed. Its lower part is decorated with ceramic firewood, a metal mesh is placed on top and the wick is lowered.

Decorative stones are laid out. If the frame does not provide protection from fire, then a glass screen is installed, the edges of which are necessarily ground so that they are not sharp.

Requirements for the premises

A bio-fireplace has an open flame, so the following requirements apply to the room where it is installed:

1. Correspondence between the room size and the appliance power. If the power is high, the fireplace cannot be installed in a room with an area of ​​less than 25 m².
2. No drafts.
3. Possibility of room ventilation. Models with high heat output are allowed to be installed only in rooms with good supply and exhaust ventilation.
4. The distance from the fireplace to electrical and flammable appliances must be at least 1 m.

Operating rules

When using devices, you must always remember that they contain an open flame, and follow these rules:

• do not leave a working bio-fireplace unattended, especially when there are small children and animals in the apartment;
• store fuel at a safe distance from the tank, and refuel the latter only after it has completely cooled down;
• do not sleep in a room with a working eco-fireplace;
• Do not replace bioethanol with gasoline or other flammable liquids;
• ignite the device using long lighters or matches;
• calculate the required volume of fuel so that it is enough for 1 use; you should not leave fuel in the tank.

Nuances of care

It is easy to take care of such a device: it is enough to wipe it from dust occasionally. Glass surfaces are cleaned with special means.

All work is carried out only on a completely cooled device. Periodically wash the heating block with hot water.

Common user mistakes

In our country, bio-fireplaces are just conquering the market, so many people know little about them and, when making a purchase, make the following mistakes:

• 

  they pay attention only to the cost, without taking into account the quality of materials, assembly and level of safety;

• do not check the complete set and availability of additional functions;
• they first make a niche for the selected structure in accordance with the dimensions specified by the manufacturer, forgetting to leave the necessary gaps during installation, so after the purchase the work has to be redone;
• do not take into account what a turned-off fireplace looks like.

Negative sides of bio-fireplaces

Beautiful examples in the interior

Having a source of live flame in your apartment makes it cozier and more comfortable. You can always develop your own bio-fireplace design or choose the one you like from a wide variety of ready-made projects.

A bio-fireplace is a simple and affordable solution that allows you to enjoy an open fire in any apartment.