Which model is right for you? Perfect Match

The decision has been made: You want to treat yourself to a fireplace or stove. You already have an idea or two about what the desired product should look like and where it should be placed. Now the only question that remains is: how big can or must the piece of fire furniture actually be so that it fulfills its purpose? We'll tell you.

No matter what design your fireplace has: The size should match the heating purpose.

If you want to know what output is suitable for your fireplace or wood-burning stove, the first important point of reference is the main purpose of use: for example, is the living room to be heated occasionally or permanently? Do you want to heat several rooms on the same floor? Or do you want to be able to keep the whole house warm on a regular basis? Depending on the size, a heating output of 3 to 10 kW is sufficient for individual rooms. Several rooms require a combustion chamber with an output of between 8 and 20 kW. If you want to integrate the stove into the heating system of an entire house, a water-bearing variant is suitable. What you should avoid at all costs, however, is an oversized or undersized stove. A combustion chamber that is too large leads to energy being wasted because you have to ventilate more often. If you use a stove that is too large with only a small amount of wood, it will run inefficiently. And a stove that is too small may not heat the room sufficiently. So there are several factors to consider when choosing the right heat output.

How to calculate the right heat output

It is best to start with the room size in square meters that you want to heat. The rule of thumb is around 0.1 kW per square meter to be heated. So if you want to heat an area of 80 square meters, a fireplace or wood-burning stove with 8 kW is sufficient. But be careful: This value is suitable for a normally insulated house with a room height of 2.5 to 3 meters. Calculate a little more kW for older houses without insulation and less kW for well-insulated or even low-energy houses.

LARGE BURNING ROOMS can keep the whole house warm.

BRINGING EQUAL HEAT: Small storage heaters are also available in compact sizes

As you can see, the first step is really only about two parameters: Room size and insulation. This allows you to narrow down the output of your fireplace very well. However, the heat output is also influenced by other things. For example, a large amount of furniture can mean that you need a lower heating output.

Fireplace in a low-energy house: is it possible?

The short answer is: Yes! If you adjust the heat output to the parameters mentioned above, a fireplace in a low-energy house is not a problem at all. On the contrary. Small storage heaters that are lit once or twice a day and then release their heat evenly throughout the day are particularly suitable here. In a standard low-energy house, for example, a small storage stove with an output of 6 kW can be absolutely sufficient, as it only emits around 2 to 3 kW per hour and thus contributes to a cozy warmth in the house. Small storage heaters are available in many modern designs and in a compact construction. And this traditional type of stove from the Alps also provides healthy radiant heat, the positive effect of which on people has already been proven in many studies. Of course, the values given are only a rough guide. It is best to seek advice from a specialist. A little tip: If you use the Spartherm product advisor on our website, a competent specialist company in your area will be suggested to you on request.

Heat output and room size: This area can be heated with the corresponding output.

*With a room height of 2.5 m.

Fiery tips

Here you will find interesting facts and news about the fireplace.

How do I light the fireplace correctly?

There are several ways to light a fireplace or wood-burning stove. We recommend this one, as it produces the least fine dust:

1. Place two large logs next to each other (or more, depending on the size).
2. Place two more logs on top at a 90° angle.
3. Now place the kindling on top and light with any kind of lighter.

How do I avoid sooting?

If a stove is well designed, it avoids sooting through the so-called pane flushing. To optimize this effect, there are a few tricks you should keep in mind:

1. Use enough wood. Place the wood over the grate or as far back as possible in the combustion chamber and close the primary air after lighting.
2. The front side of the logs should have a particularly large distance to the glass. This is where most of the wood gas escapes and the flame is easily pressed against the glass. This should be avoided.
3. The wood should be dry and untreated. If you follow these tips, you will significantly reduce the build-up of soot.

What is the best firewood?

There is actually no "one" best type of wood for burning. Soft woods have a higher calorific value, but also burn faster. Harder woods burn more evenly and therefore more slowly. The only thing that needs to be considered in order to make the best use of the best firewood is the residual moisture. This should be between 15 and 20 % in order to burn as efficiently as possible. So: use the wood you prefer for your application, but please pay attention to the residual moisture.