Before you choose your fireplaces, you need to think about what type of fire to use.
Whilst you can always have a beautiful fireplace in your home, the type of fire it houses will depend on the construction of your room and whether you have access to a chimney or flue. If you live in an older property, you will probably have at least one chimney, and maybe more, so you can have a number of working fireplaces in your home.
Options for your Fireplaces
The first thing to do is to think about what sort of fire you would like. Many people love the intimacy and comfort of an open fire that burns solid fuel like coal or wood. You can really only have this type of fire if you have a chimney, as the smoke and fumes need to be safely extracted. If you don't want an open fire or you don't have the facilities, you can choose a gas or electric fire, both of which give instant heat and come in both modern and period styles:
Open fire - there are several things you need to check if you want an open fireplace. Firstly, make sure that your chimney is in good working order. You may need to call out a chimney sweep, who will make sure that the inside of the chimney is clean, and who can also check that the chimney pot is free for smoke to come through and fit any modern caps or flues that are needed. You may also need to check with your local council about burning fuel. Some areas are smokeless zones, which means you will need to burn a smokeless fuel.
Gas fire - gas fires must be fitted to strict safety standards so you must use a registered gas fitter to ensure that everything is in working order. If you have an existing gas fire and gas supply, that can usually be used to connect your new fire. If you're adding a completely new gas fire to your home, your fitter will install pipe work that gives you a safe gas supply. Once your fire is fitted and your fireplaces have been installed, make sure you get a system check every year to make sure your fire is still safe.
Electric fire - one of the easiest fires to install and available in a range of contemporary styles as well as a more traditional look. Again, all major electrical installations need to be carried out by a professional and you may need to get a certificate that states the installation has been carried out to the required standard. Check this with the retailer you buy your fire from.
Mike Johnson, managing director of Aztec Fireplaces Limited - trading as English Fireplaces - is an experienced businessman and entrepreneur. He bought English Fireplaces in December 2006 determined to establish a high quality service focussed competitor to the brand leaders in the fireplace industry.
English Fireplaces, Unit 6, The Brows Industrial Estate, Liss, Hampshire, GU33 6JG
Telephone: 01730 890218 www.englishfireplaces.co.uk info@englishfireplaces.co.uk
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