Masonry Magazine May 1980 Page. 14
THE BRICK-O-LATOR
Brick Association of North Carolina
As a result of the oil embargo of 1974 and the dramatic changes in energy costs and availability that followed, the role of the typical American fireplace changed practically overnight. The brick fireplace had long been popular as a family gathering place because of its warmth and eye-appeal. Then suddenly it became the source of an alternative heat supply using readily available and relatively inexpensive fuels.
The increased use of the fireplace soon began to reveal some glaring deficiencies in basic design criteria that had long been considered the norm. First of all, many owners found that they were not realizing any significant saving in fuel costs for their primary heating system. And second, they were not getting the additional heat which had been anticipated from the increased use of their fireplace.
A normal fireplace depends on room air to provide combustion (fuel air fire). Under these conditions, it can actually waste more heat than it generates because the combustion air has already been heated by the primary system. This waste actually can cause the system to work harder and be less efficient. As a result, this heated air plus much of the heat generated by the fireplace itself is lost up the chimney due to the normal combustion/exhaust process.
The all-brick Brick-O-Lator fireplace, developed by the Brick Association of North Carolina, has been scientifically designed and engineered to eliminate inefficiency and waste. Actual experience has shown its use to produce significant savings in the operation of the primary heating system and actually provide heat for as much as 400-500 square feet of additional living area at minimal cost.
The Brick-O-Lator looks like any conventional fireplace and incorporates the same basic design elements such as a firebox, hearth, damper, smoke chamber, etc. There are, however, three basic changes that make it a dramatic new energy saver for the American home.
First, combustion air is brought in from outside to eliminate using heated air from the primary system. The outside air is drawn in through a 3" x 4" galvanized metal duct placed under the floor of the firebox. The air flow is directed into the firebox and is controlled by a small cast iron vent (or damper) located in the firebox floor.
Air heated by the fire is distributed throughout the room.
Controls on this vent enable the flow of air and the intensity of the fire to be regulated for maximum efficiency from the fuel consumed. In addition, drafts and a smoking fireplace are virtually eliminated.
Secondly, fans located in the fireplace profile near the ceiling pull air through a vertical air passage down into
(Top) Fresh air ducts supply outside air through the adjustable vent to support combustion and eliminate drafts. (Right) Thermostatically controlled intake fans change room air into heated air.
14 MASONRY/MAY, 1980