Operation of fireplaces in tight dwellings. Betrieb von einzelfeuerstatten in dichten wohnungen.

Retrofitting of older buildings brings about a noticeable drop in air supply. Fireplaces in buildings need sufficient combustion air. Tight windows may cause insufficient air supply. Therefore an adequate combustion air flow for the fireplace may not be attained and poor combustion will take place. In this study data on length, tightness, etc of windows, doors and other openings in buildings of the last 30 years have been collected. Characteristics and functioning of fireplaces with common fuels have been studied in relation to these influences, and minimum air supply and delivery pressures for thedifferent fireplaces have been given. These range from 18.5 Pa for a coal stove, 6.5 and 3 Pa for a coal and wood-burning fire respectively, 13.5 Pa for an oil stove and 3 Pa for a gas stove.