Customer Guide to Purchasing a First Choice Fireplace
A fireplace is one of the most important and key features in anyone’s home. Not only does it have to be pleasing to the eye, as it is the second most looked at feature in the home next to the TV, but it has to do it’s job, heat your home. Choosing the right fire for you is no easy feat and it is a purchase that shouldn’t be taken lightly as the repercussions of the mistake can be costly and a headache. Here at First Choice Fireplaces we care about delivering the best service possible to our customers so we have put together a simple guide to help you choose the right fire place for your home, starting simply by asking the question “what do you need from your fire?”
What To Consider
The one thing that is key when choosing any key feature for your home is to measure your wants and expectations. We would all love a large open fire that is safe to have around children whilst being so grand that you can roast a pig on it, but if you live in a flat this may be completely out of the question. Make sure you understand the area in which you want the fire and ask yourselves these questions;
- How big is the area?
- Is this purely for decoration or to heat a large area?
- Do I have the right surroundings for the fire I want i.e. space and a chimney?
- If I can’t have what I most desire what are the alternatives?
- What is my budget and does this include the installation and after care?
These are all major questions that you get answered before you embark on an online frenzy of picking out fires just for their appearance.
Types Of Fuel And Flue Systems
Okay, now that you have an idea of your layout and basic requirements the next thing to consider is the type of fuel that you want to use. Strictly speaking there are 4 basic types of fuel; gas, wood, electric and bio-ethanol and what type you use generally comes down to the type of flue system you have. Follow this link to discover our comprehensive guide to the different types of flue systems and to distinguish which one you have.
- For those that don’t have a chimney at all then the best fuel option is electric (although a flueless gas fire can be considered with a ventilator). Electric is easy to install and requires very little maintenance.
- Gas is the cheapest form to have as, unlike wood, there is very little maintenance cost the first installation. Gas does have to have ventilation to allow the fumes to escape. If you don’t have a chimney or a pre-fabricated flume then a ventilator can be attached and causes little disruption.
- If you can source enough for free then wood is pretty much cost free but if your home isn’t properly equipped with a chimney and liner then the cost can add up, along with maintenance such as a chimney sweeping.
- The newest and the most eco-friendly type of fuel has to be bio-ethanol. This fuel is made out of plant based products and gives off a very clean emission.
Types Of Fireplaces
We offer a range of different fires that all use different fuels, here are the basic different types of fires and their specifications.
Electric
As stated before, electric fires are the best ones to choose for an easy installation and if you don’t have a chimney. They also come in a range of modern inset or wall mounted designs whilst holding the function to be displayed without heat to create ambience.
Gas
These fires are supremely efficient and offer more choice of design than electric fires. The flames in the fire look incredibly realistic but nearly all gas fires require some sort of ventilation. If you have a chimney then this ideally needs to be cleaned before the installation, if you don’t have a chimney then an air vent can be fitted to allow a source of fresh air into the room. Always get your gas fire fitted and checked by a qualified gas safe engineer to get it signed off for safety.
Stoves
Traditionally wood burning, stoves are now available for a variety of different fuels. It is however vital that you have a chimney liner installed if you are planning to burn wood. The chimney needs to be swept every 12 months to ensure the safety of your fire. These fires look perfectly rustic and are suitable for almost any look. Must be installed by a professional.
