As a history buff, who loves touring old mansions, estates and historical buildings I have often wondered if they still use the wood burning fireplaces that are sure to adorn every room. At one time these fireplaces were the only heat source for the room out of necessity, and many of them are absolute marvels of design and magnificence.
In my opinion an old fireplace is just as important as any other historical element of a building and therefore should be preserved and maintained for future generations to enoy. If preserving the fireplace and structure is your goal then it is surely contradictory to continue to use it to enjoy the ambiance of a fire in this day and age. Especially considering the potential damage you could be doing to the relic of a fireplace or the historical structure it is housed in.
Recently I stumbled upon this article from The Washington Post – U-Va. bans fireplaces in some historic rooms because of safety concerns.
Image Courtesy of The Washington Post
My suspicions were affirmed. Just as I had feared, this story proclaims that the University of Virginia has recently banned the use of the fireplaces in each of the 106 historical dormitory rooms on campus. Apparently a recent roof restoration unveiled damage done to the mortar and linings of chimneys after many years of use. To fix it the cost will be astronomical ranging from $1 million to over $3 million after you factor in the addition of a sprinkler system.
This is heartbreaking considering the number of influential people who have graced the halls of U Va. Edgar Allan Poe and Woodrow Wilson at one time stayed in these very same dormitory rooms. Enjoying the ambiance, romance and sheer beauty of a fire has been a hallmark of this historical site and is cherished by those who are lucky enough to spend time at U Va.
Luckily, a completely safe, secure and efficient solution has been overlooked. By retrofitting these historical hearths with an electric firebox, the University of Virginia can bring these wonderful fireplaces back to life while preserving the historical importance of the space. An electric firebox can be installed in old wood fireplace masonry openings easily. Simply choose an electric fireplace that will fit, seal the fireplace opening, have an electrician install an electrical outlet and away you go. It’s that simple, and this retrofit will mean that the integrity of the mantel and original wood details are maintained while students and faculty have the ability to enjoy the flames year round with or without heat.
Barb Adams on November 3rd, 2011 at 3:32pm
Cindy: I live in an 1880′s farmhouse that has been renovated and I notice that, on your website, there are only two Dimplex electric fireplace inserts available. I am really interested in the Optimyst fireplace, but that doesn’t seem to be available as an insert. The Renwick seems to be my only option if I want the Optimyst. Is that correct? I have a lovely old mantel, but would love to be able to purchase the Optimyst insert. The house is all-electric and I am looking for “green” ways to save money on electricity. Are there any plans for an LED version for the electric fireplace insert? Thanks!
Cindy on November 4th, 2011 at 12:48pm
Hello Barb
Depending on the size of the fireplace opening you have this built-in insert could work. It is 100% LED. http://www.dimplexconstruction.com/product_catalog/builtin_fireplaces/bfsl33/33_slim_line_builtin_electric_firebox
If that is too big we do have an Optimyst Insert that is available for purchase. http://www.dimplexconstruction.com/product_catalog/plugin_fireplaces/dfop25/25_optimyst_electric_fireplace