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EcoSmart Fire bioethanol fireplaces offer an elegant heating solution for outdoor living spaces throughout Montgomery County MD and Fairfax County VA. This guide answers essential questions about fuel types, operation, and maintenance for these popular units. Whether you're considering an EcoSmart fireplace for your deck, screened porch, or outdoor kitchen in the greater DMV, understanding proper usage practices ensures safe, efficient performance and longevity.
EcoSmart Fireplaces: Best Practices for Maryland & Virginia Homes
The first differentiating factor about EcoSmart Fire is the fuel usage. All units run on a biofuel called e-NRG. This is the one and only acceptable type and brand of biofuel to be used with an EcoSmart model.
Bioethanol is a denatured alcohol. It’s made by fermenting sugars and starches from plant byproducts. This is all to say that bioethanol is renewable. It’s also made from exclusively biological components, so the only emissions are:
- Heat
- Steam
- Carbon dioxide.
As such, it is a carbon-neutral fuel source.
Here’s what won’t be produced during the burning process with EcoSmart freestanding fireplaces or firepits:
- Smoke
- Ashes
- Embers
- Mess
- Fuss
Cleaning and Maintenance
Many of the components of these units are stainless steel. That offers several benefits. One, of course, is durability. Stainless steel is going to be an extremely tough, long-lasting material. Two, it’s easy to clean. All you’ll need to do is periodically wipe it down with a cloth and some liquid stainless steel cleaner.
What about when the bioethanol runs out of the tank? First (and most importantly), allow the burner to cool completely before attempting to clean. Once that burner is cool to the touch, simply run tap water (warm or hot) through in order to remove any residual bioethanol. Burners can even be run through the dishwasher for a more thorough cleaning. (Just make sure to check your user manual for important specifications regarding cleaning.
This cleaning process can help remove:
- Dust
- Accumulated grime from everyday usage.
- Denaturing agent (found within the biofuel).
One thing to note about the stainless steel—discoloration can occur over time. When stainless steel is exposed to high levels of heat, this can occur. This will in no way affect its structural integrity or functioning ability. It will merely be a cosmetic change.
Usage Considerations
EcoSmart Fire units do offer flexibility and variability. That is, they can run at high or low output, and they can be turned on or off at will. Individual fuel canisters are good for multiple uses, and fuel reserves need not be burnt through with each use.
The shutoff mechanism is more in place for safety. If you have to leave the house and don’t want to have the flame running while you’re away, the flame can be extinguished at any time.
How long can you expect the biofuel to last? While the exact numbers will vary, generally five liters of biofuel (one and a quarter gallons) last:
- Seven (7) hours on maximum power.
- Twenty (20) hours on minimum power.
For more information about EcoSmart Fire’s various models or the basics of their use, maintenance, or installation, please feel free to contact a representative of Design Builders, Inc.
Photos published in this article supplied by EcoSmart Fire with permissions.