FAQ Open fireplaces

• Can an open fireplace be converted into a fireplace stove or a heating fireplace?

  If you don’t just want to enjoy the view of an open, crackling fire but also want to heat your home with wood, a fireplace stove is the better choice. Heating fireplaces or fireplace inserts are also far more efficient. For comparison: an open fireplace has an efficiency of around 20 to 30 percent, while a closed fireplace stove reaches about 90 percent.

  If you’re bothered by the low heat output, usage restrictions, soot, dust, and odors of your open fireplace, you can simply upgrade it by installing a fireplace insert. Custom-made inserts can turn almost any open fireplace into a closed one — and they cost significantly less than building a new fireplace. The appearance of the existing fireplace remains mostly unchanged; only the fire is now enclosed in a sealed combustion chamber.

  Alternatively, installing a fireplace unit allows you to redesign the entire exterior of the fireplace, while still creating a cozy atmosphere that enhances any living space.

• How often can you use an open fireplace?

  An open fireplace should not be used as a permanent source of heating, as too much heat is lost. The German Federal Immission Control Ordinance also restricts its use, stating that open fireplaces — unlike closed fireplace stoves, tiled stoves, or fireplace inserts — may only be used occasionally, not on a daily basis.

  The main reason is to avoid excessive smoke and odor emissions, which can cause significant nuisance, especially in densely populated areas. For this reason, an exhaust air system is mandatory when operating an open fireplace.

• What should be considered regarding the chimney?

  An open fireplace creates a cozy atmosphere at home — but there are a few important things to keep in mind. It’s best to consult your local chimney sweep. They can tell you which type of open fireplace is permitted and whether a building permit is required for your planned installation, as some cities and municipalities have specific regulations.

  An open fireplace also needs its own dedicated chimney, which may only be used for that single fireplace — shared use is not allowed. Chimney sweeps and fireplace builders are familiar with all regulations, such as required distances to neighboring properties and the permitted chimney height, and they can also take care of the proper installation.

• What must be considered when installing an open fireplace?

  An open fireplace requires sufficient air supply to function properly and safely. For this, air ducts must be installed either on the exterior wall or separately to the chimney. This ensures that the Urfeuer® fireplace is supplied with enough fresh air and can be operated optimally. The ducts need a diameter of at least 300 mm, and depending on building conditions, it may also be necessary to install an electric exhaust system.

  When burning wood, only as much CO₂ is released as the tree absorbed during its growth. That is why wood heating is considered CO₂-neutral. In addition, no harmful pollutants such as sulfur dioxide are produced.

• Is an open fireplace dangerous?

  As with all fireplaces or tiled stoves, a well-planned and carefully designed system is required to meet all safety standards. Special air supply systems make it possible to provide an open fireplace with enough fresh air for optimal combustion, even in airtight buildings. Together with a sophisticated exhaust system, this prevents flue gases from escaping into the living space and ensures maximum safety. At BRUNNER, these systems have been developed over many years and even patented.

  Another feature is BRUNNER’s spark guard, which prevents embers or sparks from flying into the living space. And best of all: thanks to its unique design, it becomes visually invisible when a fire is burning behind it. Maximum fire experience with minimal risk.

• Atmosphere instead of heating output?

  One might think that an open fireplace gives off more heat to the living space than a closed one because it has no glass front. The opposite is true. The heat output of an open fireplace is only about 20 to 30 percent. In other words: it heats less effectively. That is why an open fire is primarily an atmosphere fire, appreciated mainly for its visual appeal.

• How much does an open fireplace cost?

  Wood-burning inserts from BRUNNER are of the highest quality and come at a price. They stand out for their durable materials, flawless workmanship and sophisticated technology. This makes them incomparable with many competitor products. All BRUNNER products are “made in Germany,” developed by highly trained engineers and experienced technicians. The higher purchase costs are offset by trouble-free, low-maintenance operation, optimal heat distribution and maximum use of the environmentally friendly and CO₂-neutral fuel wood.

• What is an Urfeuer®?

  An open fireplace has no glass front and opens directly into the living space. This way, not only heat but also the scent of the fire spreads throughout the room. Fans of open fireplaces say this is the most original and best way to enjoy a wood fire. That is why BRUNNER calls its open fireplaces simply Urfeuer® fireplaces – as they are considered the earliest and most original source of heat for humans. Legally, an open fireplace in Germany is not classified as a stand-alone heating appliance. It is therefore not subject to the same regulations and standards as a conventional fireplace or tiled stove.

• What does “open fireplace” mean?

  Open fireplaces are not classified as heating appliances in Germany. In the Federal Immission Control Ordinance, an open fireplace is described as a masonry appliance for solid fuels that is designed to be operated without a glass front. This means there is no pane of glass between the fire and the viewer. Excluded from this definition are open fireplaces used exclusively for cooking.

  An open fire stirs emotions. It is the perfect choice for anyone who wants not only to feel but also to experience wood fire. It provides quick warmth directly to the room and an unobstructed view of the flames. A fireplace is one of the most popular types of wood-burning appliances because it fits well with a modern lifestyle. Especially in busy times, when you come home, bring in some wood, light it, put your feet up and simply relax in front of the open fire.