Understand your Fireplace, Learn about Fireplace Parts

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Having a fireplace is certainly a blessing in disguise for most people who live in areas prone to cold winter temperatures. Fireplaces are known to keep entire households warm during winter, and work with various accessories to ensure warm air is constantly circulated. It is important that your fireplace remains functional, so it would suit homeowners to become familiar with fireplace parts in the event something goes bad and affects the normal functioning of the fireplace.

For people whose homes come equipped with a Martin fireplace, getting replacement fireplace parts can be quite difficult, especially since Martin Industries has now closed down its fireplace manufacturing plants. However, you may be able to find a small operator that still stocks parts for that brand, as well as others like Majestic and Napoleon.

Take a look at some of the common fireplace parts available for various brands.

Fireplace Screen – fireplace screens serve a dual purpose for the fireplace. They protect foreign objects and particles from getting in and damaging the fireplace, and they also provide an attractive barrier to block unsightly wood and coal residue when the fireplace is not in use.

Formed Steel Dampers – dampers are key parts of a fireplace, as they control or regulate the flow of air in and out of the fireplace. They also prevent cold air and foreign objects from entering the fireplace from outside.

Fireplace Blower – this is another item on the list of key fireplace parts. It channels cool air into the fireplace then blows out warm air produced by the fire.

Thermostatic Sensor Control – these sensors are important in helping to control the temperature in a fireplace.

Flue Connector – this part is also known as a flue vent connector, and it is used to connect heating appliances to a chimney. This is done so combustion gases can be delivered to the chimney for venting outside the home.

Fireplace Fans – fireplace fans are used for either direct vent gas fireplaces or ventless fireplaces. They fit under the firebox of the fireplace and from there gently increase the heat flow into your home by pushing warm air into the room. Fireplace fans should never be used with wood burning fireplaces.

Fireplace Trim Kits – there are several types of fireplace trim kit available on the market. These kits help the homeowner to add stylish décor to just about any fireplace.

Gas Log Valves – these valves are also considered useful and important fireplace parts. They are used to turn the gas flow to the fireplace on and off as needed.

Thermopiles – a thermopile is an electronic device that converts heat energy into electrical energy. It is commonly used with gas burning fireplaces.

Thermocouples – a thermocouple is a type of temperature sensor that measures and also controls temperature in the fireplace. It is usually able to convert heat into electric power when used for other purposes apart from a fireplace.

Knowing about fireplace parts may help you diagnose just what is wrong with your fireplace right in time for the winter season, and ensure it gets fixed before the cold temperatures set in.