Fancy a wood burning stove but not sure if it’s suitable for your room?

This is a question that we get asked frequently. So, we thought we’d give you some hints and tips, should you be thinking of installing a wood burner.

The first step would be to examine the room size. A rough guide for heat requirement is height x width x depth in metres, divided by 14.  This will give you a kilowatt guide but does not take into account radiators already present.

Most people don’t need more than a 5kw multifuel stove in an average room. If you should choose to have more than 5kw, you will need to have a permanently open air vent (which can be very draughty in winter). You would also be required to have a CO detector in the room.

An alternative would be to have a gas stove installed.  This will, on average, give a 4kw heat output, with the option to turn the stove down if the room gets too hot.  Gas still remains the lowest cost fuel option, it’s cleaner than wood or coal, and has flexibility in heat control. It’s also worth bearing in mind that many houses are very well insulated with uPVC windows, have efficient central heating and no draughts from floor boards.

Another option would be an electric stove.  The heat is already present in the room, so many people only the lighting effect without the need for heat, albeit most electric stoves have a 2kw fan blower on demand, should you need it.

Watch the birdie – even in Hertfordshire!

The upper reaches of chimneys make very attractive homes for some species of birds and much as we love them, a nest in a chimney can be dangerous – either by catching fire once it’s vacated, or with young birds falling out of the nest and down the chimney.

Fortunately, chimney pots in many homes now have protective bird cowls fitted. If yours hasn’t got this, here at Hertfordshire Fireplace Gallery we normally recommend a Colt Top “ High Guard / UFO / AntiDowndraught Cowl from suppliers such as the ones shown below.

Get your fireplace ready for those cosy autumn nights in

Even here in sunny Hertfordshire, those nights will soon be drawing in. So now’s the time to make sure your fireplace is safe and sound, ready for you to enjoy as soon as you feel that crisp autumn nip in the air.

After the warm summer we’ve had, our fireplaces are unlikely to have been used for some months. They will almost certainly need to be cleaned and tidied, and it’s possible that you’ll need to check a number of elements not only from the safety point of view, but also to ensure your fireplace operates as efficiently as possible – whatever type of fuel it uses.

Start with your chimney

Especially if you use solid fuel, your chimney’s safety and efficiency are particularly important. Here at Hertfordshire Fireplace Gallery we recommend you have your chimney swept as follows:

This is to clean the flue and check it is clear, and also to check integrity of the fire. (Don’t wait until you have a chimney fire before getting it swept!)

Where to find a chimney sweep 

Needless to say you need expert help to carry this out. Unlike with many other trades, anyone can set up in business as a chimney sweep; and the last thing you need is one who doesn’t do the job professionally and makes a mess.

If you live in Hertfordshire and/or within easy reach of London, one firm of qualified chimney sweeps we can recommend are Jordan Brothers on 0208 360 1515. Alternatively, choose your nearest qualified sweeps from the membership of The Guild of Master Chimney Sweeps.

When the day for the sweeping arrives, make sure you remove all ornaments from the immediate area and leave a good working space. And don’t forget to put old sheets over the furniture to protect from accidental soot fall.

Your chimney sweep will be able to check for birds’ nests in your chimney, and give you more information about fitting a cowl if you need to.

Solid fuel: stock up in plenty of time

It’s a very good idea to get your solid fuel stove or other fireplace checked by a qualified technician after not being used during the warmer months. Your chimney sweep may well be able to help here. Otherwise you can find your nearest local installer who does servicing and maintenance via HETAS, the official body that approves solid fuel domestic heating appliances – including the registration of competent installers and servicing businesses.

Don’t wait until the last minute to order in your supply of solid fuel. Google to find your nearest supplier who delivers. There may be an additional amount to pay for this but it certainly is more convenient for most families than transporting it yourselves.

As with most things these days, you can buy solid fuel online. Two such resources are Buy Firewood Direct and Firewood and Logs. Both deliver to most UK postcodes within a few days.

Before you place your order, it’s a good idea to check the storage area you’ll use to make sure it’s clear of clutter and is good and dry. If you’re setting up a new storage area, try to put it as close as possible to an entrance to your home – bringing logs in when it’s cold and wet outside is not a pleasant experience!

Gas fires

You should carefully dust and clean your gas fire before firing it up. If you use a remote control unit, check that the batteries are still functioning.

If you have a CO detector, test it according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

Your gas fire should be serviced every year, and the pilot assembly plus any batteries should be replaced.  To find the best professionals to do this well and safely, go to the Gas Safe Register and find the engineers nearest your home. 

Oil fires

As with gas fires, you should dust and clean your appliance carefully, and it should be serviced at least once a year. You’ll find a list of registered technicians on the OFTEC website.

Other safety precautions

Ensure that you have smoke alarms installed in your home, and test them at least every 6 months. If you have CO detectors, you can make a diary date to test all on the same day. If you’re not sure on what alarms and detectors to buy and/or where to install them, most Fire Brigades in England offer a free consultation service where they survey your home and advise you on the best way to protect it.

Especially if you have children, elderly people and/or pets in your home, it’s essential that you have a robust fireguard in place, and that your hearth or fender is raised to provide a physical barrier. Before using your fireplace make sure that all the bolts are secure; and if applicable, that the wall fittings are secure, too.

Above all, enjoy your Hertfordshire Fireplace this autumn!

Introducing the…

New Ethos Hole in the Wall Gas Fire

….. by Legend Fires

Here at the Hertfordshire Fireplace Gallery, we are proud to be stockists of the Legend Fires range and can now offer their latest creation – the Legend Ethos Gas Fire.

Picture shown – Landscape frameless trim

This highly efficient gas fire is completely British made, as with all the Legend Fires range, and incorporates state of the art technology, with a choice of trims and fascia options.

It has passed CE approval at a very impressive 85% efficiency combined with a powerful heat output of 4.6kw!

This glass fronted fire has a realistic log effect fuel bed or if you prefer, a combination of pebbles and driftwood.

Landscape with marble slips	Portrait with mantel	Portrait with black slate

Legend Fires was established in 1996 and have become one of the leading names in the development and manufacture of living flame gas appliances.  Awarded ‘manufacturer of the year’ in 2004 and 2005, Legend has an unrivalled manufacturing and service reputation in the gas appliance industry.  Quality, style and choice is their ‘ethos’ so it was only a matter of time before they created a gas fire with the same name.

Call into the Hertfordshire Fireplace Gallery now to view this stunning gas fire on ‘live’ display.

Can you guess the Gadget?

Apparently Holly and Phil on ITV’s This Morning 5^th February, were unable to name this particular gadget.

Scroll down.........

It is in fact a Chimney Balloon!

The Chimney balloon is a simple and effective way of blocking chimneys when not in use, and a must-have for every energy conscious home.  It stops warm air going up your chimney and draughts coming back down.   Your room will instantly feel warmer, and for very little outlay, plus saves on heating bills too!

You can leave the chimney balloon in place for years, or until you next wish to use your fire, then just deflate it and store it until next time it is needed.

Chimney Balloons are becoming increasingly popular, and are now available to buy at the Hertfordshire Fireplace Gallery.

Available in the following sizes:

Small:       Lined Chimney One 
9x9 inches
(23x23 cm)

        Small Chimney
 15x9 inches
(38x23 cm)

        Price: £22.99

 Medium:  Lined Chimney Two 
12x12 inches
(31x31 cm)

Medium Chimney 
24x12 inches
(60x30 cm)

Price:  £24.99

 Large:      Large Chimney
 36x15 inches
(90x38 cm)

Price:  £27.99

 Other sizes available to order:         up to 8ftx3ft

A mouth inflation tube is recommended.

Ventilation - The balloon’s unique shape should leave small air gaps in the corners, allowing ventilation in the chimney, and avoiding build up of damp.

Safety - The balloon is completely safe should a fire be lit while the balloon is still in place, as it will quickly shrink, allowing fumes to escape up the chimney.  The bag is unlikely to burn if it remains in the chimney, and the handgrip is made from safe, non-combustible plastic.

Measuring your chimney for a Chimney Balloon

This is quite an easy exercise.  Measure your chimney about a foot or so up the chimney flue.  You will need the side-to-side and the front-to-back measurements of the inside of the flue.  Approximate measurements are all that is needed and choose the Chimney Balloon of the appropriate size or slightly larger than your chimney.

Illustration how to fit the Chimney Balloon

The chimney balloon would normally be placed 1' to 2' above the fireplace opening, depending on your type of chimney and size of chimney balloon.  The smallest parallel section is the best position.  A full instruction sheet is provided with every balloon.

For full details on measuring your chimney and installing a chimney balloon go to www.chimneyballoon.com

Contemporary Fireplaces

When we are asked to envision a fireplace, we are almost always guaranteed to think about an old fashioned one. The big stone fireplace with a decorative hearth and fire guard as well as a marble mantelpiece, maybe even with some brickwork around the side… the vision is very specific and very fitting to an 18th Century mansion. These types of fireplace were extremely popular in the past and sill are today purely and simply because they can provide an excellent focal point for a living room that does not revolve around a widescreen TV. However, it does not have to be so. You do have other options if you are considering having a fireplace in your home, with the contemporary fireplace being one of the most popular choices.

Contemporary fireplaces come in a whole variety of guises. The majority of them are designed to be minimalist as a result of the recent fashion trend that swept the developed world. Minimalist contemporary fireplaces are designed to reflect the individual tastes of those that do not want big ostentatious fireplaces in their home. Many people do not want to have to clean them or tend to them, as is required of the more traditional fireplaces. This is why they do not have a hearth. Instead, they are often mounted on the wall and are set flat against it.

Whilst contemporary fireplaces do not have the open fire appeal that traditional fireplaces do, they have the ability to light up the room and radiate heat nevertheless. As such, they still have universal appeal. They can also be made especially for you to fit your own dimensions. The availability of bespoke contemporary fireplaces also means that you can have almost any shade and colouring that you like so it will fit into your existing decoration or your planned decoration if you are giving your room an overhaul. If course, you can buy a set design and have it installed for you if you already like one. It is entirely up to you!

Contemporary fireplaces are widely available and all of the above features and reasons for their popularity mean that they will continue to be popular into the future. As such, if you are thinking about having a fireplace installed or getting rid of your existing one to make way for a new one then they may be right up your street!