Alternative heating: stoves and fireplaces

Today we are trying to move away as much as possible from heating systems that use fossil fuels in favor of "natural" fuels which are attracting very high interest.

For this reason, a wood or pellet stove or fireplace is a solution that has many advantages:

- high comfort: a heating system of this type allows the room to be heated quickly and also gives a very warm appearance to the home

- use of sustainable energy sources: wood and pellets are not fossil fuels, they are materials of natural origin that constitute a sustainable energy source

- saving on energy costs: wood and pellets have a much lower purchase cost than traditional gas.

Environmental sustainability is guaranteed as a forest cut for wood production in 15-25 years is available for a new cut.

More and more often, Italian families have taken steps to add a wood or pellet system to the traditional heating system and, in some cases, to completely replace the old boiler with a fireplace or stove capable of feeding the radiator system.

Of course, this type of heating also has some disadvantages:

- not everyone can access it: for example, those who live in a condominium will find it more difficult to install such a system than those who live in an independent villa

- difficulty finding firewood near your home

- need for a suitable place to store the wood or pellets before use

- any regional regulations that limit and regulate the use of these devices for heating

Types of fireplaces and stoves
We can basically divide fireplaces and stoves on the basis of the technology used and the fuel they use.

1) Wood or pellet stoves - these are sources of heat in their own right or channeled so as to cover the heat requirements of several rooms. They can be used in addition to the traditional heating system or as an alternative and complete replacement

2) Wood or pellet heating stoves - these are basically stoves equipped with a heat exchanger that allows you to heat a certain amount of water that can go to feed the existing water heating system (for example radiators)

3) Wood-burning fireplaces - these are fixed elements that are integrated into the wall structure of the house which, in addition to being an excellent source of heat, also represent a design element especially for the living area

4) Wood or pellet fireplaces - these are closed hearth structures, equipped with a thermal glass door to minimize heat dispersion. The heat is in any case transferred to the surrounding environment by radiation and by pipes or heat exchangers which can be connected to the traditional heating system.

Regional regulations for fireplaces and stoves
The quality of fireplaces and stoves in terms of emissions is evaluated through an official classification from 1 to 5 stars: the higher the number of stars, the more ecological and better a device is from the point of view of performance.

This classification also affects the incentives that can be requested for these products (thermal account) and the regional regulations that establish which products can be installed in a given location.

Let's see some examples.

LOMBARDY: the use of stoves and fireplaces with at least 4 stars is in force. Pellet stoves must be fed with class A1 pellets and no less than 35 kW of power

VENETO: appliances with classification lower than 3 stars cannot be used and new appliances with classification lower than 4 stars cannot be installed

PIEDMONT: appliances with a classification lower than 3 stars cannot be used

EMILIA ROMAGNA: it is not possible to use fireplaces or stoves for domestic heating with class 1 or 2 stars in residential buildings where there is another source of heating and where the altitude is below 300 m.

TUSCANY: the obligation of a minimum 4-star efficiency is in force for pellet or wood-burning appliances installed from scratch.

On Acquaclick you can find the entire range of fireplaces and stoves by Edilkamin and Italiana Camini at the best price.

Ask our heating technicians for a quote by writing to ordini@acquaclick.com!