Fireplace

{

"text": "A fireplace is a structure designed to contain a fire safely.

These structures are built from brick, stone, or metal. They serve two main purposes in a home. They provide warmth to a room through heat. They also create a relaxing ambiance for people to enjoy. Historically, fireplaces were essential for more than just comfort. They were used for cooking meals and heating water for laundry. Today, they are often used for visual interest and coziness.\n\nTo work correctly, a fireplace relies on a specific mechanical process. A fire is contained within a firebox or a fire pit.

To remove dangerous smoke, the structure uses a chimney or a flue. This allows exhaust gases to escape the building. Many fireplaces include a damper to control this airflow. A smoke chamber and a throat help guide gases upward. In some designs, a chimney filter or afterburner is used. On the outside, a corbelled brick crown may act as a drip course. This prevents rainwater from running down the exterior walls.\n\nFireplaces come in several distinct types and fuel varieties. Manufactured fireplaces often use sheet metal or glass fireboxes. Electric fireplaces are a modern alternative for many homes. They can be built-in, wall-mounted, or freestanding. Some even look like traditional stoves or mantel fireplaces. Many types use wood fuel or other biomass. Others use charcoal, coal, or coke.

Some people use flammable gases like propane, butane, or methane. Ethanol, a liquid alcohol, is also a common fuel. Ventless fireplaces use gel or liquid propane without a duct. These must be properly sized for the room to ensure safety.\n\n

The history of the fireplace shows a long evolution. Early humans used fire pits in caves or the center of huts. These indoor pits often produced irritating smoke. During the Middle Ages, people used smoke canopies to vent smoke. Louvers were also invented to cover roof vents from rain. Chimneys appeared in northern Europe during the 11th or 12th century. This invention allowed fireplaces to be placed in multiple rooms. In 1678, Prince Rupert improved airflow by raising the fireplace grate. Later, Benjamin Franklin created a convection chamber to increase efficiency. Count Rumford also designed a shallow firebox to improve heat transfer.\n\nModern fireplace efficiency varies significantly based on design. Many older fireplaces have a relatively low efficiency rating. However, standard modern wood-burning masonry fireplaces must meet certain levels. For example, in Salzburg, Austria, the legal minimum is 80%.

Some modified fireplaces use heavy fireboxes to burn cleaner. These can reach efficiencies as high as 80% for heating air. They often feature a large glass fire window. This allows for a two-phase heating process. First, the glass provides immediate heat while the fire burns. Second, the refractory bricks absorb and radiate heat for hours.\n\nVarious accessories are used to manage the fire and its mess. [IMAGE:File:S. Davis fireplace shovel - DPLA - 88aea911b60216316756dae5a6716756dae5a6716756dae5a6716756dae5a6716756dae5a6716756dae5a6716756dae5a6716756dae5a6716756dae5a6716756dae5a6716756dae5a6716756dae5a6716756dae5a6716756dae5a6716756dae5a6716756dae5a6716756dae5a6716756dae5a6716756dae5a6716756dae5a6716756dae5a6716756dae5a6716756dae5a6716756dae5a6716756dae5a6716756dae5a6716756dae5a6716756dae5a6716756dae5a6716756dae5a6716756dae5a6716756dae5a6716756dae5a6716756dae5a6716756dae5a6716756dae5a6716756dae5a6716756dae5a6716756dae5a6716756dae5a6716756dae5a6716756dae5a6716756dae5a6716756dae5a6716756dae5a6716756dae5a6716756dae5a6716756dae5a6716756dae5a6716756dae5a6716756dae5a6716756dae5a6716756dae5a6716756dae5a6716756dae5a6716756dae5a6716756dae5a6716756dae5a6716756dae5a6716756dae5a6716756dae5a6716756dae5a6716756dae5a6716756dae5a6716756dae5a6716756dae5a6716756dae5a6716756dae5a6716756dae5a6716756dae5a6716756dae5a6716756dae5a6716756dae5a6716756dae5a6716756dae5a6716756dae5a6716756dae5a6716756dae5a6716756dae5a6716756dae5a6716756dae5a6716756dae5a6716756dae5a6716756dae5a6716756dae5a6716756dae5a6716756dae5a6716756dae5a6716756dae5a6716756dae5a6716756dae5a6716756dae5a6716756dae5a6716756dae5a6716756dae5a6716756dae5a6716756dae5a6716756dae5a6716756dae5a6716756dae5a6716756dae5a6716756dae5a6716756dae5a6716756dae5a6716756dae5a6716756dae5a6716756dae5a6716756dae5a6716756dae5a6716756dae5a6716756dae5a6716756dae5a6716756dae5a6716756dae5a6716756dae5a6716756dae5a6716756dae5a6716756dae5a6716756dae5a6716756dae5