Fireplace Trends 2011

What’s new in the world of fire and gas?

Fireplaces have become increasingly popular over the past few years – not just as a way to keep out the cold, but also to create an inviting and relaxing atmosphere in modern homes. High electricity costs and constant reminders that we should live a more eco-friendly lifestyle have also encouraged homeowners to install fireplaces, instead of buying electric heating devices. The term fireplace is also not limited to wood-burning units, as there are also gas options available that create nearly the same ambience as its wood-burning counterpart would.

Having said this, it has been noted by the experts that wood-burning fireplaces are making a vast comeback as an alternative source of heating in many homes due to the fact that wood is more economical and readily available. It is also possible to replace trees instantly, therefore making this option more eco-friendly as well.

Andrew Balding, managing director of Premier Fires, says that: “Although equipping your home with a wood-burning fireplace does require a small investment, you can generally recoup these costs over a few heating seasons.” According to Balding electrical ‘under floor’ heating is quickly proving to be less of a pre-requisite in new builds and renovations, due to the huge running costs and the availability factor of electricity to run them during winter months. “Solar powered under floor heating is slowly emerging as an alternative and eco-friendly option. Many South Africans are therefore turning to wood and gas to heat and cook within their homes – highly efficient closed system cast iron wood-burning fireplaces, such as a Morsø offer controllable heating at a fraction of the cost, and are not reliant on electricity in any way making them the preferred choice for cold winters evenings.”

We decided to ask him to tell us more about fireplaces and to give us a few tips when it comes to installing these helpful winter warmers.

Q: Please tell us more about the different types of fireplaces that are available on the market today?

A: “Open Fireplaces typically loose up to 60% of the heat energy produced straight up the chimney and burn ‘rain forests’ of fuel per night that has to be cleaned and emptied on a daily basis.
Closed System Fireplaces (closed combustion) have replaced the old fashioned ‘slow combustion’ fireplaces of 15 years ago. Highly efficient and effective, the closed system recovers up to 80% of the heat generated back in to the room. Using a third of the fuel, the safe and clean-burning closed system fireplaces have long extended burn times, and heat larger areas from 45m² to +/- 210m². Generally manufactured from cast iron as the preferred material of choice due to its durability and heat retention properties, closed system fireplaces come in various styles ranging from tradition to modern in style to suit all style of interior design.
Gas Fireplaces (open fronted) – this type of fireplace with a gas grate is in-efficient and has high running costs. Typically used a secondary form of heating for there aesthetic appeal, open fronted gas fireplaces can use as much as 1.2kg’s of LPG per hour. They can loose as much as 60% of the heat generated directly up the chimney.

Gas Fireplaces (vent free or flue less) – with the impending changes to regulations in South Africa with regards to the use of vent free or flue less gas fireplaces, homeowners are advised to ensure that these type of gas fireplaces are not installed in to bedrooms or bathrooms. It is recommended that proper permanent ventilation (of the correct dimension) is incorporated in to the room where the fire place burns.

Gas Fireplaces (Balanced Flue) - gas fireplaces with a balanced flue are safe for you and safe for the environment. Direct Vent Technology (balanced flue) maintains indoor air quality by preventing carbon monoxide, nitrogen dioxide and excess moisture from entering the home. With this type of gas fireplace, cold air drafts are eliminated and heat output is maximised. Highly efficient with low running costs (usually +/- 350 grams per hour), gas balanced flue fireplaces can heat larger areas economically.”

Q: What are the advantages of your gas products?

A: “Heat & Glo Fireplaces are:
- attractive and have high-end designs and the authentic glow and flames of a highly realistic gas log fire.
- completely sealed systems, making it suitable for use in bedrooms.
- approved by SABS for use in South Africa and are ‘approved’ as safe appliances by the LP Gas Association.
- products with many features incorporated as standard, including a fan to convect warm air quickly and efficiently and a remote control system that incorporates a digital thermostat and timer function.
- modern and convenient. The ergonomic remote control allows the consumer to control the room temperature when the unit reaches the set temperature.
- technologically advanced. Direct Vent Technology maintains indoor air quality by preventing carbon monoxide, nitrogen, dioxide and excess moisture from entering the home. TR technology, another Heat & Glo invention, allows for venting off the top or rear of the gas fireplace, providing even greater placement flexibility.”

Q: What should homeowners keep in mind when purchasing a fireplace for their home?

A: “Position: A fireplace must be able to comfortably heat the room or rooms where it is intended to be positioned. Too large an output will cause the owner to ‘dampen’ down the fireplace, which will cause problems over a period of time in the chimney or flue. A build up of soot, creosote and tar will soon lead to poor performance and the possibility of chimney fires. Time spent in consideration of your needs and design at the beginning will pay off and help is readily available from manufacturers willing to visit your home and offer experienced advice.

Safety: Paramount to that of your family and your safety is the quality of the combustion chamber and the manner in which the fireplace is installed in your home. Manufacturers recommended distances to combustible materials and the use of suitable flue pipes must be strictly adhered to. Installation must be carried out to strict standards and it is recommended that sound advice be sought from reputable manufacturers or independent fireplace outlets that often offer the full installation service backed by a warranty.

Type of fuel: Fireplaces that are predominately designed to burn wood can if they have a specially designed grate and riddling system burn Anthracite well. What is important is that they have additional air inlets under the grate to ensure that the fuel is burnt effectively and does not smoulder causing smoke to pour in to the room. Wood must be ‘seasoned’ for at least a year with moisture content of less than 20%. The sap within the unseasoned wood will lead to poor performance, lighting problems and eventually blocked chimneys. Gas units are readily available offering convenience and ease of use and in this day and age these units are more efficient offering a more cost effective form of instant heating.

Efficiency: To heat a large area, especially in houses with double volume areas and large amounts of glass, many varied factors should be taken in to consideration before the choice and style of fireplace is made. Typically, an open fireplace will offer limited heat due to its design. Alternative convection box fireplaces recover further heat by a simple system of drawing cold air from the room through a double skin within the construction allowing warmed air back in to the room to make them slightly more effective.”

Q: What safety precautions should home owners take when installing and using fireplaces?

A: “- All fireplaces must be installed to the local regulations in force and to the manufacturers detailed installation instructions.”
- A reputable dealer must be consulted before purchase for sound advice; and homeowners are urged to take advantage of dealers’ installation services that use suitability qualified installers. The use of sub-contractors should be avoided at all costs.
- The single most important consideration must be the position and placement of the fireplace and flue system – the recommended distance to combustible materials MUST be strictly adhered to, to avoid any possibility of fire or potential fire hazards. This included the roof space and beams and trusses etc.
- Regular servicing and chimney sweeps are recommended annually to avoid any build up of soot, tar and creosote that could result in a chimney fire.”

About Premier Fires

Premier Fires (Morso Fireplaces) is the leading importer and distributer of quality heating products such as Morsø Fireplaces (wood-burning) and Heat & Glo (gas) Fireplaces. They have a full range of both modern and traditional fireplaces with various heating capacities to suit areas from 45m² to 210m².