Fireplaces and wood stoves are becoming a permanent fixture in our homes. If you use a fireplace, you never miss cleaning it. You might scoop the ashes from the fireplace or ashtray with a bucket and complain about the amount of dust and smell. But if that\’s not what you want, ash removal is an inexpensive, aesthetic, and effective solution.
There are many manufacturers of ash extractors and thus several different solutions. However, the filter used has a significant impact on the price of the product as well as the comfort of use.
Here are the basic types:
- Filters fixed to the vacuum cleaner body. This is usually a Hepa filter that can filter even the smallest particles and protects the respiratory tract from fine ash. Such a vacuum cleaner is of great use. However, the filter gradually becomes clogged, and after a few uses, the vacuum cleaner\’s suction power is no longer sufficient. The vacuum cleaner is forced to open and remove the stuck ashes. The vacuum cleaner can then be used as before.
- The vacuum cleaner has a button that, when pressed, purges the filter when the suction power decreases, delaying the treatment or replacement of the filter.
- Vacuum cleaners with filter shaving. This vacuum cleaner automatically cleans at regular intervals or depending on how dirty the filter is. 19]
The power output of the vacuum cleaner is not limited and can range from 600 to 2000 watts. Some have one filter, some have two, and some are even wet for more efficient filtration. There are also differences in the materials used (durable plastic or metal can be used) and the contents of the container. Usually 20 liters, which is plenty and the containers are not too heavy and easy to handle. Just right.
The temperature of the ash being inhaled is an important characteristic. It is usually between 40 and 60o C, the higher the better. If you heat the fireplace through the night and examine the fireplace in the morning, you may find that there are still hot debris in the ashes, and from a fire point of view, these are definitely not suitable for vacuum cleaners.
Separators are left for another chapter. A separator is merely an additional device to a regular vacuum cleaner. It does not have its own motor. When connected to a vacuum cleaner, it collects the ashes in a container and protects the vacuum cleaner\’s filtration. It is suitable for occasional use.