Fireplaces don’t always warm your home — sometimes they do the opposite
Warming up by the fireplace? Science says that's not always happening.
A real wood-burning fireplace sets a wonderful glow across your home. The crackling of the fire is mesmerizing and the warmth is perfect on a cold winter’s day.
As I was trying to delay turning on the furnace for the season, I started doing some research on how much a real wood-burning fireplace would actually heat a home. To my surprise, I discovered the sometimes it's the opposite happens.
An active fire with a chimney can at times send heat out of your home instead of pushing heat into your cozy space. And on a windy day, even more heat is sucked out!
Watch the video above for an explainer with Orbax from the University of Guelph. He uses the Bernoulli's principle to explain the science behind how fireplaces suck heat out of your home.
One important note: The theory mentioned in the video above only applies to those who have a wood-burning fireplace with an open flue.
Visit our Complete Guide to Winter 2023 for an in depth look at the Winter Forecast, Canada's ski season, and tips to plan for everything ahead!
Thumbnail Courtesy: Pixabay/LAWJR
