How to Keep the Fire Burning

You’ve probably read or heard a lot about how to start a fire in a fireplace, but have you ever stopped to think about how to keep the perfect fire going?

How to Achieve the Ideal Fire in Your Fireplace with These Tips

Once you know how to successfully light a fire in your fireplace, the next step is learning how to maintain it.

The flame should remain steady—not too low, not too high—to maintain a comfortable temperature that brings warmth and coziness to the room. This may sound simple, but mastering fire control has its nuances. Should you add a lot more wood? How often? What do you do when the fire starts to die down? How do you revive it?

These are some of the most common questions when it comes to fire maintenance. Creating a good fire isn’t just about throwing in some wood and lighting it. To keep a strong, steady fire going, there are three key factors to consider:

1. The Firewood
Let’s start with the basics—the firewood you put in the fireplace. Ideally, use medium-density logs. Hardwoods or slow-growing trees burn more slowly and produce a less lively flame (e.g., olive, beech, holm oak). On the other hand, softwoods or fast-growing trees generate fewer kW and burn very quickly (e.g., ash, poplar, willow). If medium-density wood isn’t available, you can mix hardwoods and softwoods for a more balanced burn. And remember—dry wood is essential! The more moisture in the wood, the less heat it provides, and the more smoke and soot it generates.

2. Airflow Regulation in the Fireplace or Stove
Air intake is another important variable. When starting the fire, the air draft should be fully open to ignite the wood. Once the fire is established and producing heat, gradually reduce the primary air intake.

3. Chimney Flue Cleaning
Keep the chimney and flue clean—not only for safety but also for efficient combustion. Consult qualified professionals for cleaning and chimney sweeping services.

In any case, CARBEL manuals provide detailed instructions on how to use your stove or fireplace correctly.

With these three tips, along with proper fire starting, you’ll be able to keep your fire burning longer.

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Do you know the history of the stove from ancient times to today?

Stoves have been used for centuries to heat spaces around the world. In ancient Greece and Rome, braziers and ovens were used to heat rooms, while during the Middle Ages, cast iron stoves were mainly used in churches.

In the 18th century, designers began experimenting with different types of stoves, leading to the invention of the first modern stove, the Franklin Stove, which became popular in the United States thanks to Benjamin Franklin.

During the Industrial Revolution, cast iron stoves became a luxury item for the middle class and were designed with ornamental elements, turning them into decorative pieces as well. Kerosene stoves were also invented in Europe, allowing people to heat their homes without using wood or coal.

By the late 19th century, stoves had become smaller and more portable, allowing people to move them from room to room. Gas stoves were also invented, becoming very popular in households worldwide due to being cleaner, safer, and more efficient than the coal and wood stoves of the time. In the 1930s, the first electric stove was invented—easy to use, portable, and free from smoke and toxic gases.

Today, wood-burning stoves have evolved to become increasingly efficient and safe, thanks to advanced technologies such as double combustion systems and ventilation systems.

If you’re looking for a high-quality and efficient wood-burning stove, Carbel stoves—manufactured in Spain using high-quality materials and offering a wide variety of models and innovative features—are your best option for many reasons:

• High efficiency in wood combustion, resulting in lower fuel consumption and greater heat output.

• Innovative and attractive design that makes them a decorative element for any home.

• A wide range of wood stove models, allowing customers to choose the one that best suits their needs.

• Advanced technology, providing higher efficiency and lower environmental impact.

• Easy maintenance, allowing customers to enjoy their stove for many years.

Check out our Carbel stove section and discover all the features to help you choose the one that best fits your needs.

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What is thermic interior for stoves and fireplaces?

The combustion chambers in a stove or fireplace are fundamental for heat generation. There are different types of interior linings for these chambers, such as Thermic or vermiculite, which enhance efficiency and temperature during combustion.

Characteristics of the Thermic Combustion Chamber

The Thermic Interior is a key innovation that significantly improves the efficiency and performance of stoves and fireplaces. Its advantages include:

• Interior lined with white refractory panels.
• High durability.
• Excellent thermal inertia.
• Self-cleaning material (remains white with heat).
• Improved performance.
• Exceptional thermal response.
• Optimized fuel usage, reducing consumption and emissions.
• Maximized heat diffusion.

Carbel Models Featuring a Thermic-Lined Combustion Chamber

The Thermic Interior is a key innovation that significantly improves the efficiency and performance of stoves and fireplaces. Its advantages include:

Carbel, a recognized manufacturer and brand in the sector, offers a range of stoves and fireplaces with this interior.

You can find this type of chamber in the entire I100 fireplace insert line:

The ARES stove model.
The RA stoves with three glass panels, available in various sizes.
For more information, we recommend consulting our new catalog of stoves and fireplaces.

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Both fireplaces and modern stoves are sophisticated units that generate heat through the combustion of raw material. This chemical process creates a warm and homey atmosphere. However, what are the differences between these two heating units?

First of all, both modules have two parts: the hearth, where the combustion process takes place, and the vertical duct, dedicated to expelling all the smoke and residues resulting from combustion. However, the architecture of the two is quite different.

Wood burning stoves are usually made of cast iron or steel. This way, they deliver most of the heat to a single room. Thus, stoves do not have a covering and leave the evacuation tube exposed.

On the other hand, the hearth of fireplaces can be a simple metal box with ventilation, also called an insert or cassette fireplace, or it can be a cavity that includes refractory materials, that is, materials that withstand high temperatures without decomposing.

Furthermore, in fireplaces, the gas evacuation tube is always hidden through a hood or an embedded wall, thus discreetly distributing heat throughout our home.

Other differences: open and closed fire

It’s not just an aesthetic issue, but a major difference in heat production and energy efficiency. Thanks to a panel or a glass door, the temperature inside the combustion chamber is increased.

Speaking in figures, an open fire has just a 15% efficiency, while a modern wood burning fireplace or stove reaches an energy efficiency of over 78%, allowing us to heat our home using less wood.

Also, a closed fire produces cleaner and more efficient combustion since the smoke is extracted through a labyrinth of tubes. An open fireplace emits 15 times more CO2 than a closed one.

At Carbel, we specialize in wood burning stoves, cassettes, and thermal fireplaces, offering a functional, effective product that matches current designs. For any questions or inquiries, do not hesitate to contact us.

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When considering the safety features of fireplaces, it is essential to understand the materials and construction techniques used, as well as the specific safety measures implemented to prevent accidents and enhance functionality. At Carbel, we use the finest materials and construction standards to ensure maximum safety and efficiency.

Materials and Construction:

At Carbel, our wood-burning fireplaces are built using high-quality steel for the firebox. Depending on the model, it may be lined with refractory material, steel panels, or vermiculite boards, all known for their fire resistance and durability. These materials help contain heat and prevent fire from spreading outside the fireplace. In addition, modern fireplaces feature metal linings in the flue to enhance safety and efficiency, improving draft and reducing soot buildup.

Safety Features:

Insulation and Air Sealing: Carbel fireplaces incorporate high-quality insulation, which is essential for maintaining efficiency and minimizing heat loss. We use fire-resistant materials to reduce the risk of fire hazards.

Smoke and Soot Management: Our fireplaces are equipped with advanced systems for managing smoke and preventing soot buildup, including well-designed regulators and flue ducts that allow for proper ventilation and facilitate cleaning.

Spark Arresters and Chimney Caps: Fireplaces must include spark arresters and chimney caps at the top to prevent embers or sparks from escaping, ensuring safety both inside and outside the home.

Heat-Resistant Glass and Doors: Carbel fireplaces are designed with heat-resistant glass doors that contain sparks and enhance heating efficiency.

Additional Safety Measures to Consider:

• After extended periods of disuse, ensure the chimney flue is free of blockages.
• Perform regular cleaning of the chimney flue, chimney cap, stove, and stove connection.
• Keep the flue clean at all times.
• Warn children about the risk of burns.
• Remove ashes only when the stove is off and store them in a metal container, as embers may still be smoldering within the ashes.
• Do not make unauthorized modifications to the appliance.

These measures ensure that Carbel fireplaces not only add aesthetic value to homes but do so safely and efficiently. If you are considering installing or upgrading a fireplace, Carbel’s professionals can offer expert advice and customized solutions that meet the highest safety standards.

Regular maintenance and adherence to our safety recommendations are essential for enjoying the warmth and charm of your Carbel fireplace worry-free.

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