CHOOSING A FIREPLACE
What should I consider?
One of the first things you’ll need to think about when choosing a new fireplace is whether you want it to be an efficient source of heating in your room, or perhaps it will simply play a more decorative role and be used in conjunction with other heat sources such as radiators.
‘An open gas fire is only around 20 per cent efficient, and wood or coal open fires are even less so,’ explains Paul Chesney, managing director of Chesney’s. ‘For that reason, if you’re looking for a highly efficient heat source, an enclosed woodburning or multi-fuel stove might be a more suitable option for your home.’
Can I choose from different fuels?
If you’re going to be burning wood on an open fire (see page 105 for regulations on smoke-control areas), you’ll need to make sure it’s properly seasoned with a moisture content of less than
20 per cent so that it will burn safely and efficiently. If you have a ready supply of wood and want to season it yourself, you’ll require a dry, covered area and the logs will need to be left to dry, on average, for one to two years.
If you don’t have the appropriate space for storing large amounts of fuel in your home, a gas fire might be a more suitable option. With instant heat up times, incredibly realistic log effects and no maintenance, they are also a more practical option than an open wood-burning fire. Do bear in mind that any gas appliance will need to be fitted by a
Gas Safe engineer. For properties that don’t have ➤
a suitable flue or chimney, an electric fireplace that can simply be plugged in, or a more modern design that uses bio-ethanol as the main fuel source are worthwhile alternatives to consider.
What style fireplace is best?
Your fireplace should be in proportion to the size of the room and the chimney breast, as although a fireplace should be a focal point you don’t want it to completely dominate the space. For an authentic look, it’s important to choose a surround and insert that is in keeping with the era of your property.
A typical fireplace is made up of several key components: the hearth, the surround, the innards (such as a basket or register grate) and then the fire itself. Georgian properties tended to have open fires with a fire basket or hob grate and a brick or stone surround. In grander homes, marble, slate or wood surrounds were also used. Hob grates were popular in Victorian homes before cast-iron register grates became common in Edwardian homes.
Will my chimney be suitable?
If you’re planning on installing a new fireplace or reinstating an existing design, it’s essential that you seek advice early in the process to ensure your chimney is sound. If the original lining has disintegrated then it’s possible that the integrity of the chimney has been breached, allowing harmful gases such as carbon monoxide to leak into your home. ‘A reputable supplier will be able to offer advice on the best course of action, which typically involves relining the chimney with a flexible flue liner,’ explains Paul Chesney.
Depending on the fuel and appliance type, HETAS recommends that you have your chimney swept at least once a year – search its online database at hetas.co.uk to find a chimney sweep in your area.