Heat Throughout the House
Heat for the Room and the Heating System
Water-bearing fireplace inserts transfer part of the heat they generate to the room where they are installed and another part to the heating system. Through a buffer tank, the heat can be distributed throughout the building and—depending on the system design—can also be used to assist in heating domestic hot water.
Since part of the heat is transferred to the water circuit, direct heat transfer to the living space can be limited. This can be particularly advantageous in buildings with low heating demands. This requires proper coordination between the fireplace insert, the buffer tank, and the heating system.
How It Works
The buffer tank as a central component
In a water-bearing fireplace or tiled stove, some of the heat generated during combustion is transferred to the heating water. A pump system transports the heated water to the buffer tank. There, the heat is temporarily stored and made available to the heating system as needed.
If the temperature in the buffer tank drops below a specified value, another heat generator can take over—depending on the system’s controls. Depending on the design of the heating system, the stored heat can be used both to supplement space heating and to heat domestic hot water. This requires professional planning and coordination of all components.
Take energy needs into account
Modern new buildings and energy-efficiently renovated homes are often very well insulated and have correspondingly low heating requirements. For this reason, it is particularly important to match the output of a fireplace to the building and the room in which it is installed.
A water-bearing fireplace or tiled stove transfers part of the heat it generates to the heating water. Heat that is not immediately needed can be temporarily stored in a buffer tank and then distributed throughout the building via the heating system. This limits the amount of heat released directly into the living space and reduces the risk of overheating.
In this way, a water-bearing fireplace can also be integrated into a heating system for well-insulated buildings. Proper sizing and professional coordination of the fireplace, buffer storage tank, and heating system are crucial.
Fireplaces and tiled stoves as a complete heating system?
Manually fed fireplaces and tiled stoves only give off heat while a fire is burning. Unlike automatically fed pellet or wood chip heating systems, they cannot start operating on their own. Therefore, the fireplace alone cannot ensure a continuous supply of heat or the necessary frost protection.
Fireplace and heating inserts with a water-carrying function are therefore integrated into a heating system with an additional heat generator. This heat generator takes over the heat supply when the fireplace is not in use. During combustion, the fireplace or tiled stove transfers part of the heat generated to the heating water. This heat can be temporarily stored in a buffer tank and subsequently made available to the heating system.
Good to Know
Wood as a Fuel
Wood is a renewable fuel. In addition to modern combustion technology, efficient operation depends particularly on using suitable, sufficiently dry firewood and operating the system correctly. This helps maximize the energy contained in the wood and avoid unnecessary emissions.
Federal Emissions Control Regulation
The First Federal Emission Control Ordinance (1. BImSchV) establishes, among other things, emission limits for dust and carbon monoxide, as well as efficiency requirements for fireplaces. Since January 1, 2015, Stage 2 requirements have applied to new single-room heating systems.
With a modern replacement unit, the existing cladding of a fireplace or tiled stove can often be retained while the combustion technology is updated. A specialized contractor and the responsible chimney sweep will determine which unit is suitable and which requirements apply in each specific case.
Optimal Fuels
Use only fuels that are approved for your fireplace according to the owner’s manual. These typically include sufficiently dry, untreated firewood or suitable wood briquettes. The size and quantity of the fuel should comply with the manufacturer’s specifications. Proper lighting and an adequate air supply also contribute to even burning.
Prohibited Fuels
Waste, waste paper, magazines, cardboard, and treated, painted, or coated wood must not be burned. This includes, for example, furniture wood, treated pallet wood, and scraps from renovation, demolition, or construction work. Burning these materials can release harmful substances that pose a risk to health and the environment and can damage the fireplace and chimney. Wood chips may only be used in heating systems that are specifically approved for this purpose.
Enjoy Numerous Benefits
Ready for the Future
- Wood as a Renewable Fuel
- Legal Requirements for Forestry in Germany
- Use of natural, sufficiently dry firewood
- The possibility of traceable and regionally sourced firewood
- Supplementing existing heating systems with an additional heat source
- A cozy atmosphere created by a real fire
- Storage and delayed release of heat—depending on the system design
- Value creation and jobs in the timber industry, manufacturing, and skilled trades
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Camina & Schmid
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