WHAT TO KNOW WHEN BUYING A FIREPLACE
The mornings are a little darker, days are getting chillier and South Africans around the country are bracing for it - winter is coming!
As global warming sends the planet into a tailspin, it's very evident that South African winters are getting colder. It's no secret that our homes are not built for these newly freezing temperatures, so more people are turning to purchasing fireplaces to see them through the chilly seasons.
Here are a few things you should know before buying a fireplace.
1. Your Preferred Type Of Heat Distribution
It's always good to know the differences when looking for the perfect fireplace that meets your needs.
Closed-combustion cast iron and closed-combustion steel fireplaces are among the most energy-efficient fireplaces. Although both work well, they distribute heat differently.
A closed combustion cast iron fireplace produces radiant heat, which means that the entire fireplace heats up and then distributes heat in all directions (mainly through the front due to the glass and vents). This radiant heat increases the temperature of everything in the room, including wood, fabrics, and other materials. If you have a standard one-story house with standard ceilings, a closed combustion cast iron fireplace could be the right choice for you.
On the other hand, a closed-combustion steel fireplace, like the Bosca range, distributes heat from the front. Where you see the flames, you'll feel the heat. Steel fireplaces give out a more direct type of heat. Therefore, if you have a smaller living space, these steel fireplace units may be suitable for you as they can be installed closer to wooden furniture, leather couches, indoor plants etc.
2. Fireplace Size
Ever stared into a cozy fireplace and still felt cold? It's important to ensure that the kilowatt output of your fireplace is suitable for the size of the room it needs to heat.
To illustrate, suppose you have a room that measures 100 square meters and has double-volume ceilings. If you install a small fireplace with a low kilowatt output, it won't provide sufficient heat for the room. Calculate your room’s size and invest in a fireplace with the right output. Save on energy and keep warm all winter long.
Cast Iron Fireplaces
|
Fireplace |
Heat Output |
Area Coverage |
|
6kW |
48 - 60m² |
|
|
8kW |
64 - 80m² |
|
|
12kW |
96 - 120m² |
|
|
14kW |
112 - 140 m² |
|
|
16kW |
114 - 160m² |
Closed Combustion
|
Fireplace |
Heat Output |
Area Coverage |
|
7kW |
56 - 70 m² |
|
|
7kW |
56 - 70 m² |
|
|
9kW |
90 – 150 m² |
|
|
11kW |
150 - 180 m² |
|
|
11kW |
150 - 180 m² |
|
|
12kW |
180 - 220 m² |
3. Flue Pipes
A toasty warm fire is great and can heat up a room unlike anything else. However, where does all that smoke go? It's important to remember that when you purchase your fireplace, you need to purchase the right sized flue pipe that goes with it.
Depending on the height and trajectory of your chimney, we have several pre-cut angles and straight flue pipes available to suit your ceiling and Megamaster fireplace.
4. Installation
As much as you'd love to fire up your new fireplace right away, we suggest you have a professional installer come to your home to install it. This will ensure that you're done neatly and level so that your fireplace complements your living space and doesn’t end up being an eyesore in your home. Most installers offer a warranty with their installation which provides even more peace of mind.
We have a comprehensive list of independent installers per region, who are familiar with all our Megamaster Products. You can also checkout our Expert's guide to installing a fireplace for more detailed information.
5. Maintenance
As you enjoy the pleasures of radiating heat from your fireplace, it's important to remember that it reaches scorching temperatures, which ultimately has an effect on the structure and most notably paint of the unit.
So, as the warmer seasons come back and you use your fireplace less, the effects of use will start to show. Be sure not to turn a blind eye to these factors of maintenance:
Unit Exterior - If you find your cast iron unit is rusting, it just needs a simple service. However, as each unit differs, they'll have different requirements to restore them, like sanding and covering with special cast-iron 'paint', which can be sourced at any hardware store.
Interior - Whether you have a charcoal or wood-burning fireplace, it's very important to clean it out every time you make a fire. The build-up of ash and other debris can have long-term effects on your unit and cause problems with your next burn.
Surrounds - Every unit has a surrounding area that needs to be monitored for heat damage. Be it tiles, wood, cement, or marble, keep an eye out for cracks, smoke marks, or developing weak points, to ensure that you don't run into a bigger problem further down the line.
Chimney - It's easy for leaves, dust, old ash, and other particles to settle in and around your chute and chimney - not to mention bird's nests. So, after the summer call in a professional to clean out your chimney and chute so you don't smoke yourself out on that first burn.
