Fireplaces: From Ancient to Modern

In our homes today, we often have several options for heat. In Florida, we also have the outside air, which is often all the heat we need and sometimes more than we’d prefer. But in ancient times, heat during the brutal winters was essential.

Doodlebuggers Fireplace, Grill & Outdoor Store of Pensacola, FL, and Destin, FL, would like to present a few highlights of the history of fireplaces and how we got to where we are now with this indoor heating option.

Fire pits

Ancient civilizations developed the first fire pits. They were built in the ground inside dwellings and brought some heat, but they also brought smoke and toxic combustion gases because nobody knew how to vent them.

After many years, in the Middle Ages, it became common to see louvers (similar to our dampers), roof vents, and canopies, all of which were somewhat efficient in channeling smoke out of a dwelling.

Chimneys

History indicates that the first chimneys were built during the 11th or 12th century, for the most part solving the problem of huge amounts of smoke in the house. But as is often the case with new “technology,” chimneys (and fireplaces) were expensive, and only the ruling class and the wealthy could afford them.

Better burns

In the late 1600s, a nephew of King Charles I got the idea to add a grate to the firebox, thus raising the log stack and allowing more air to circulate through the fire. This made fires burn hotter and more efficiently.

Later, Benjamin Franklin developed a convection chamber for fireplaces and introduced various innovations to improve the flow of air in an active fireplace.

Over the next two hundred years, stone fireplaces without superficial ornamentation were the norm, and everybody wanted one. Still, they were too expensive for most people to build.

Two-part fireplaces

As the 1800s progressed, fireplaces became more affordable. It was common to see fireplaces built in two parts: a mantle and side supports for the surround; and a cast-iron “insert,” which today we call the “firebox.”

Masonry fireplaces

While our modern open masonry fireplace is the result of centuries of development and advancement, it has never advanced all that far in its ability to deliver heat. These units are still drafty and don’t retain very much of the warmth they produce.

We finally got it right

Fortunately, huge advances have been made in recent times with the precast (manufactured) fireplace that works on a true closed-combustion system. These appliances come ready to install and are available in wood and gas models.

Other significant advances in efficiency include the genuine fireplace insert, which fits into an open masonry fireplace. Powerful heating stoves round out the trio of the most common supplemental heating appliances we use today.

Major improvements

Key improvements we’ve seen in heating technology over the years include:

• Efficient venting systems that keep smoke and dangerous combustion gases out of homes
• Sturdy construction that makes modern fireplaces and stoves safe when placed near items in the home and home-building materials
• Heating efficiency that allows the majority of an appliance’s heat to be used in the room
• Aesthetically pleasing designs that bring elegance and beauty to any home

Looking for the perfect modern fireplace?

Doodlebuggers specializes in the installation of top-quality precast fireplaces and heating stoves.

 

If you’re looking to bring beauty and warmth to your home, reach a fireplace expert today at (850) 477-1151 in Pensacola, FL, or at (850) 243-0154 in the Destin, FL, area.

You can also get in touch with our handy contact form.