Fireplace having multi-zone heating control

Abstract

A fireplace adapted to heat multiple heating zones of a building, controlled by a control circuit which adjusts the heat input to the fireplace, airflow through the fireplace and ducting of the airflow to the various zones individually in response to a call for heat by thermostats in the zones. The fireplace may also be adapted to provide cooled or circulated air to the zones and may also serve to provide heating to the zones in the event of an electrical power outage. The fireplace is provided with a cabinet having ducts through which air is conveyed by use of a fan to a tube-type heat exchanger, the heat exchanger also in communication with the hot flue gases exiting the combustion chamber of the fireplace. The air heated by the heat exchanger is conveyed to a multitude of fireplace outlets, each of which is provided with a damper which regulates the airflow through the outlet to one of the zones to be heated, depending on whether that zone calls for heat through its thermostat. The fireplace is also provided with an evaporator core in an evaporator case, the core being part of an air conditioning system. Air flowing through the fireplace may bypass the cabinet ducts and tube-type heat exchanger, instead being directed to flow through the evaporator core, where it may be cooled, and then to the fireplace outlets for distribution to the zones.