HELPFUL HINTS & TIPS
Gas or Wood?
Nothing says comfort more than a fireplace, with its mesmerising flames and bone-warming heat. But which is better; wood or gas?
When considering a fireplace, what are the pros and cons of each? With gas fireplaces, fire is achieved at the flick of a switch. It's also easier to maintain. With wood fireplaces, cost of fuel might be cheaper, depending on where you live and how accessible firewood is. And some could say that wood also has an authentic experience that you simply wont get with a gas fireplace. It comes down to preference, lifestyle and patience. If you can't decide, let us talk you through it.
Where should the fireplace be installed?
Each fireplace installation is different and has its own set of considerations. Where would you prefer the fireplace to be? Will it be against an internal wall or external wall? How close to flammable material will the fireplace be? What is the floor made of? How firesafe is the wall?
Each of these questions has an impact on how the fireplace will be installed and how much work is required to ensure your safety. Having an understanding of these questions before you talk to us will help make the process smoother.
Heating Needs
When choosing a Woodfire it is very important that the Woodfire is sized right for your living area and heating needs. If the Woodfire is too big, you will constantly be using it on a low setting and end up with soot on the glass and a build up in your chimney. If the Woodfire is to small, it will need to be overfired to achieve a result and the lifetime of the Woodfire will be reduced.
When helping to choose a Woodfire we will also need information about size of the living areas, age of the house, type of insulation to help evaluate your heating needs.
Installation
All Woodfire installations need to have a Building Consent from your local authority before they can be installed, even if you are replacing an existing unit this still requires a Building Consent. Most local authorities recommend that the Woodfire is installed by a professional installer. North City Heating are registered Installers and can also help with the Building Consent.
Ventilation
In order for the Woodfire to function correctly. The Woodfire needs air (Oxygen). The flue system is designed to pull air through the Woodfire, but if your house is too airtight, the Woodfire is fighting the natural draught in the Flue and you will experience problems with the function of the Woodfire. The recommended solution is to open a window to overcome the negative pressure of the house.
Remember all Woodfires need oxygen ( Air) to operate and if all the windows are closed the oxygen level can be reduced. The Woodfire needs oxygen to operate and so do you. It’s a good excuse to doze off in from of the television but you could be staving yourself of oxygen. Have a window open.
