<lang>Teplovodní krby jsou hitem. Objevují se v rodinných domech i rekreačních objektech.</lang> <lang>Water-heated fireplaces are a hit. They are appearing in family houses as well as recreational properties.</lang>

The return of Czech consumers to heating with solid fuels also brings an increasing demand for fireplace inserts, which ensure complete heating of water in the household. They are particularly sought after by owners of family houses with minimal heat losses, but also by users of recreational properties if they spend longer periods of time there.

While in previous years people often focused on heating with gas or electricity, in recent months they have been returning to solid fuels, most commonly wood. “The increase in demand for wood heating systems is enormous. The trend is clear; users this year prefer accumulation hot water systems more than in previous years, especially fireplaces that provide heating for the entire building, including water. We are currently seeing a year-on-year increase in demand for this solution of thirty percent,” outlined Michal Geisler, the head of sales at Hoxter, which specializes in the production of hot water fireplace inserts.

Hot water accumulation fireplaces are primarily chosen by residents of family houses. “This type of building accounts for eighty percent of cases where this method of heating is used. The rest is mainly attributed to cottages and other recreational properties, typically luxurious buildings of higher value, where users spend longer periods of time,” said Michal Geisler. The length of stay in the given building is crucial for the efficient use of the hot water system. Maximizing the heating of accumulation tanks and their full utilization usually takes more time, according to the head of sales at Hoxter. This is one of the reasons why hot water systems appear especially in family homes, where people spend the most time.

Use in buildings with low heat losses

Hot water fireplace inserts are typically placed in what is called a surround, which also includes accumulation material that subsequently radiates the accumulated heat into the room. A crucial component of the system is the hot water heat exchanger, which allows for the heating of water in connected accumulation tanks. This water, once heated, is directed to radiators or underfloor heating, but users also appreciate it for showering or washing dishes. Thus, the fireplace insert takes care of the complete heating of water and heating in the interior.

Currently, the majority of cases of using a hot water fireplace involve houses with minimal heat losses. This system is primarily designed for this type of building, whether by greater use of accumulation elements or better insulation of the heating chamber glazing, which does not release as much thermal energy into the room, thus preventing overheating of the interior. “This factor is particularly important because hot water fireplace inserts are often placed by users of family houses and recreational properties in the living room. More precisely, at the boundary of the living room and the technical room,” stated Petr Banasinski, managing director of Hoxter.

In this space, accumulation tanks are placed along with wood for refueling. “In these cases, people use a rear fuel loading system, meaning from the technical room. The rear doors are practically invisible from the front view through the glazing,” outlined another trend the managing director of Hoxter highlighted, adding that such a solution allows people to keep living spaces clean without the need to store fuel in them.

Further increase in interest in autumn?

According to manufacturers of fireplace and stove systems, another unprecedented trend can be observed this year. “Many more people than in the past are already interested in the installation or adjustment of heating systems during the summer months. Previously, these matters were usually addressed only at the beginning of the heating season, and it's not limited to just hot water fireplaces. People are also increasingly realizing that by following the basic rules of proper combustion, heating with fireplace or stove systems can be very eco-friendly,” shared Michal Geisler.

The main reason for the growing interest in these solutions this season is the rising energy prices, which remain a topic even outside the heating season. “It will be very interesting to watch how not only the stove industry copes with the anticipated increase in demand around September and October, which occurs every year. We are trying to be prepared, but it's a question of whether the entire market can handle the increased demand,” concluded the head of sales at Hoxter.

Press release, editorially edited
Photo: company archive

Contact:
HOXTER, a.s.
Jinačovice 512
664 34 Jinačovice

+420 518 777 701
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www.hoxter.cz