Benefits of CAIR for Controlling Your Fireplace

Spartherm stove systems not only offer outstanding heating performance, but can also be enhanced with innovative assistance functions that make controlling your stove even more convenient, safe and efficient. In this interview with Daniel Przybyl, Head of Research & Development, you can find out how the functions make your everyday life easier, help to reduce heating costs and emissions and at the same time help to protect the environment.

Mr. Przybyl, what makes the CAIR fireplace assistance functions so special?

Daniel Przybyl: The CAIR assistance functions for Spartherm fireplaces are intelligent technologies that optimize the control of your fireplace. They significantly increase ease of use. With CAIR from Spartherm, you can regulate the air supply, open the door at the touch of a button and reliably prevent dangerous underpressure and thus flue gas escaping into the installation room. CAIR also includes systems for an optimally regulated chimney draught, the reduction of carbon monoxide and fine dust as well as intelligent storage systems that use the energy even after the fire has burned down. These technologies ensure that the fireplace always works efficiently. As a user, you don't have to worry about the technical details.

And how does the operating experience differ thanks to the assistance functions?

Daniel Przybyl: Compared to a traditional fireplace, which is usually operated manually and relies on experience, the assistance functions perform many tasks automatically. For example, the fireplace automatically recognizes when it needs more or less air supply in order to optimize combustion. A certain amount of skill and practice is also required when adding firewood. However, with the automatic door opening, both hands remain free so that you can work more comfortably and safely.

CAIR therefore eliminates the need for constant manual readjustment and makes operation much easier and more convenient.

What safety benefits do the CAIR functions offer in everyday life?

Daniel Przybyl: CAIR is designed to minimize risks while maximizing the efficiency of fireplace operation.

One example of this is functions that ensure safe parallel operation with extractor hoods. If a fireplace and an extractor hood are operated at the same time and there is not enough air flowing in, a dangerous negative pressure can be created that draws harmful fumes into the living space. This is where S-USI 3.0 comes into play - the negative pressure monitor detects this situation at an early stage and switches off the negative pressure generator. This function is particularly important in modern, open-plan living concepts.

Another example: pressure fluctuations, strong draughts in chimneys or sudden changes in the weather are often so minor that they are not immediately noticed by the fireplace operator. However, these small changes can have a negative effect on combustion. Our S-ELA flue gas damper automatically compensates for these conditions and thus also ensures a safer fire.

In addition, other functions prevent incorrect operation, which could not only impair combustion efficiency but also jeopardize safety.

Let's take a closer look at the topic of efficiency and cost savings: How does CAIR help to heat efficiently and save heating costs?

Daniel Przybyl: The automated and electronically controlled functions ensure that combustion is always optimal and that the maximum is extracted from every piece of firewood. The CAIR assistance systems actively help to optimize fuel consumption and reduce heating costs. The fireplace therefore uses advanced technology to achieve the best possible energy yield from every fire.

The intelligent control system, efficient combustion and optimized wood consumption ensure that less fuel is required while heat efficiency remains optimal. Over the years, this leads to a noticeable reduction in heating costs. In addition, the EBORIS-AKKU storage stones and the HELIX 400 and 460 storage rings help to retain the stored heat for longer and release it gently into the room - for lasting comfort, even long after the last log has burned down.

If you also combine the CAIR functions with a water-bearing fireplace from Spartherm, you can use the energy even more efficiently.

How does CAIR help to actively protect the environment?

Daniel Przybyl: Clean combustion means that the fireplace is set to keep emissions as low as possible. The intelligent assistance functions continuously optimize combustion so that fewer pollutants are released into the air. The S-THERMATIK NEO/S-THERMATIK NEO BASIC automated combustion control system and the S-KAT catalytic converter from the CAIR range in particular noticeably and measurably reduce emissions such as carbon monoxide and particulate matter. This not only ensures better air quality in your home, but also a more environmentally friendly heating method.

A Spartherm fireplace that relies on intelligent control with CAIR actively contributes to the reduction of emissions and a more sustainable use of fuels.

For whom are the assistance systems particularly suitable - for technology fans or for everyone?

Daniel Przybyl: Basically, CAIR is suitable for anyone who wants to get more out of every single fire - more environmentally friendly, more conscious and more efficient. As the functions do not require manual readjustment, they are easy to use and will appeal to both tech-savvy users and people who want to spend as little time as possible on manual operation and simply enjoy the fire instead.

Technology enthusiasts will be particularly interested in the app control with S-THERMATIK NEO. The app allows users to conveniently view important parameters such as the air supply or temperature from their smartphone or NEO display. A readable burn-off statistic also shows further optimization potential. Remote control of the door opening with S-ESAM 3.0 is also possible via the app*. This makes fireplace operation extremely convenient and practical - even for people who are less tech-savvy. The app is intuitive and easy to use, so even beginners will quickly find their way around. The CAIR assistance function S-ESAM 3.0 is also compatible with smart home systems and can be integrated into existing systems. This allows you to integrate the fireplace into your networked home and control it via voice control or automation, for example.

*App control only possible in combination with S-THERMATIK NEO or BUS system.

Do the assistance systems require a lot of maintenance?

Daniel Przybyl: The systems are designed in such a way that they can usually be easily cleaned via the combustion chamber as part of fireplace maintenance or require no maintenance at all. Even if regular maintenance of the fireplace itself is still necessary, the assistance functions make handling easier and help to identify potential problems at an early stage. Many customers particularly appreciate the user-friendliness of the controls - both via the app and directly on the fireplace. The positive feedback shows that even people with no prior technical knowledge can use the functions without any problems. The added value in terms of safety, convenience and sustainability is clearly noticeable.

Further information on the CAIR assistance functions

The CAIR assistance functions offer you numerous options for making the operation of your Spartherm fireplace systems more convenient, safer, more efficient and more environmentally friendly. They help you to optimize emission values or regulate the air supply - for a perfect interplay of performance, safety and sustainability.

You can find a complete overview of all the functions and their benefits in our blog post on the CAIR assistance functions or on our website.