Are Ethanol Fireplaces Safe? Understanding The Risks

If you’re exploring safe indoor heating options for your home, hotel or restaurant – rest assured, you’re doing the right thing by investigating the risks. 

The popularity of ethanol fireplaces has been heating up in recent years (with these being some of the most popular). But rather than simply riding trends, it always pays to do your research, particularly when it comes to safety.

So, are indoor ethanol fireplaces safe?

As almost every Australian knows, fire can be lethal. And because ethanol fireplaces feature a very real flame (one of its many benefits), you must always practice caution around them, as you would any indoor fireplace.

But let’s look a little closer at the risks that may come with opting for a sustainable, low maintenance heating option like an ethanol fire.

How Safe Are Ethanol Fireplaces?

As a business that operates bioethanol fireplaces multiple times a day, every day, we’ll say this straight off the bat – they’re incredibly safe when operated correctly.

If you practice fire hazard prevention with ethanol fireplaces, which means following the safety instructions in the manufacturer’s handbook, you are minimising all associated risks.

Straying from safety instructions is when hazards start to arise. The Quebec Building Authority articulates the risks perfectly:

When equipment is not approved, or when it is used without due regard for safety, it can pollute the ambient air and cause serious burns, fires and, in some cases, carbon monoxide poisoning.

Here at Chama Design, we’re very fortunate to supply some of the safest and highest quality ethanol fire units available in Australia. Like us, EcoSmart Fire invests in quality as a way of prioritising safety. Their designs also adhere to rigorous mandatory standards around construction, weight and footprint.

We similarly follow a strict protocol when selling those units. This includes inspecting the materials surrounding an installation site, as well as assessing whether the size of a space meets the minimum room size required for a specific burner. All so customers like Jane can rest easy in the knowledge that the sustainable warmth she enjoys is also safe.

Looks good, adds ambiance to our outdoor area and provides safe heat (don’t have to worry about sparks from a wood fire)!

• Jane E

What is the Main Risk When Using Ethanol?

A word of advice – always follow the bio ethanol fireplace fuel safety tips and handling instructions outlined in the fuel and fireplace manufacturer’s handbooks. This will help you minimise fire hazards and injury, two of the main risks associated with ethanol fires.

For example, adhering to the step-by-step instructions for decanting fuel outlined in the EcoSmart Fire Installation, Operation & Maintenance Manual will ensure you avoid spillage or overfilling the fuel reservoir.

Similarly, if your particular ethanol fireplace features an open flame, always practice caution and follow instructions when lighting the burner, regulating the flame and extinguishing it. This will reduce the risk of accidental contact and burns.

Do Ethanol Fireplaces Give Off Carbon Monoxide or Carbon Dioxide?

By and large, bioethanol fires are celebrated for their clean-burning fireplace safety and minimal carbon footprint. They produce significantly lower emissions than wood-burning and gas fires, which makes them a much more sustainable option when using high-quality ethanol fireplace fuel.

When a high quality fuel like e-NRG Bioethanol is burnt correctly, all that’s emitted is heat, steam and very little carbon dioxide (CO2).

That being said, carbon monoxide and ethanol fireplaces do fraternise on very rare occasions. This is in the case of incomplete combustion, where ethanol doesn’t burn completely. As described by a 2020 ScienceDirect paper:

Incomplete combustion occurs when there isn’t enough oxygen to allow the fuel to react completely with the oxygen to produce carbon dioxide and water.

In addition to oxygen levels in the room, the prevalence and level of carbon monoxide produced is largely determined by the following three factors:

• The purity and quality of the ethanol fuel

• The design and ventilation of the fireplace

• Whether the burner is functioning correctly

What Precautions Should Be Taken When Using Ethanol to Meet the Mandatory Safety Standard?

While the maintenance for ethanol fireplaces is minimal – just like the hassle-free setup – there are a number of ongoing practices that will help minimise safety risks. Understanding the design and function of your ethanol burner is crucial for safe operation.

Ventilation

Just because bioethanol fires and ethanol fireplaces have a vent-free design doesn’t mean they don’t require ventilation. To minimise ventless fireplace risks – such as not having enough oxygen for complete combustion – adhere to these tips:

• Always use ethanol in well-ventilated areas

• Open windows or ensure proper air circulation

• Never use ethanol fireplaces in completely enclosed spaces

• Avoid using in small, poorly ventilated rooms

Fire Safety

There are a number of ethanol fireplace safety features and accessories – such as lighting rods and jerry cans – that can you minimise flame exposure and spillage. These devices, called ethanol burners, are designed to minimize flame exposure and spillage. Here are some other ways to minimise risk even further:

• Keep a fire extinguisher nearby

• Never refuel a fireplace while it’s lit or still hot

• Wait for the fireplace to cool completely before adding more fuel

• Use a long-handled lighter or fireplace lighter to maintain distance

• Keep combustible materials away from the fireplace

• Never leave an ethanol fire unattended

Handling and Storage

Child-safe fireplaces have become a priority for Australian homeowners as they become increasingly aware of the toxic emissions associated with wood-burning and gas fireplaces. Adhering to the mandatory safety standard is essential for ensuring the safe handling and storage of ethanol. Here are five ways to maximise yours and your family’s safety when it comes to handling and storage:

• Store ethanol in a cool, dry place away from heat sources

• Use original, clearly labeled containers

• Keep ethanol out of reach of children and pets

• Store in a well-ventilated area, away from living spaces

• Use containers explicitly designed for storing flammable liquids

As with all heating options for residential and commercial spaces, ethanol fireplaces come with safety risks. Bioethanol is a highly combustible fuel which must be handled, stored and decanted with absolute care, just as an open flame – in any type of fire – must be treated with caution

These dangers, however, are immediately minimised when you invest in a quality unit, install it in a well ventilated space, and follow the associated safety instructions. Then, you can sit back and enjoy your beautiful new design centrepiece and elevated home aesthetics.