Wakefords Fireplaces and Stoves

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Traditional Vs Modern Fireplaces

If you’re in the market for a new fireplace or you want to replace your existing fireplace, you will be met with the decision between purchasing a traditional fireplace or a more modern option. Now, there are going to be benefits to both options, but you’ll need to make an informed decision about which is best for you and your home. Some of the traditional fireplaces may not be suited for how your home is built, and some modern fireplaces may have features or operate in a way that doesn’t match your style. Here is some advice on what you can look for between traditional and modern fireplaces.

Modern and Traditional Fireplace Controls

Typically modern appliances and devices come with a new level of convenience and usability; fireplaces are no exception. Having a simple control systems or even operated by a remote or mobile app, a modern fireplace brings a level of convenience that a more traditional fireplace simply won’t be able to have. You’ll be able to control the intensity of the fire, brightness and even set it to a timer. With the advancement of technology and the integration of smart apps and home automation, a modern fireplace is more future-proof and a better option for anyone interested in gadgets.

Unlike their modern counter-parts, a traditional fireplace will have to be controlled manually, the user simply placing the wood into the fireplace to burn. It’s not as flashing as the modern fireplace but if you want straight-forward and easy to use, then the traditional fireplace is the choice for you. There is something to be said for the satisfaction of having your own logs stacked and lighting the fireplace, as good as the modern fireplaces are, a traditional fireplace is simple yet effective.

gas fire

Space and Safety of Fireplaces

Other than how they practically operate, the space taken up by the fireplaces and how safe they are will be the defining qualities for anyone looking to make a purchase. Traditional fireplaces aren’t very efficient when it comes to space and some types of properties won’t be able to have them at all. They need a lot of space and additional space needs to accommodate logs and pieces of wood. Additionally, because of the nature of a traditional fireplace, they aren’t considered as safe as modern fireplaces. However, the output you get from a traditional fireplace and the aesthetics of them is alluring to many and given the right situation, a great addition to a home.

Modern fireplaces are generally considered more efficient, customisable and compact compared to traditional options. They can be very compact and built into most rooms you’d want a fireplace in. Because of this they are an option growing in popularity. They’re typically considered safer too; no need for large fire guards or running the risk of catching fire to anything around the room – being powered by gas or electricity.

Get In Touch

Ultimately the choice falls down more into a personal preference of the person making the purchase; given that your home is suited for a traditional fireplace, many people like to go for this option as it creates a fantastic atmosphere and the genuine heat produced by an actual fire is hard to replace. The Modern fireplaces come with more options for those looking to implement some style into their choice. They’re able to fit into smaller rooms and run at a cheaper cost, don’t require additional space for logs and burning material and have considerably lower risks of danger and damage. If you want to know more about both traditional and modern fireplaces, get in touch with our team today.

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The Best Wood Burning Stoves By The Telegraph

The Telegraph has written an article on the best wood burning stoves and covers some of the latest developments in the world of wood burning stoves. Having a wood burning stove is one of the biggest trends for any middle-class homes, with new installations booming in recent years. However, Michael Gove, the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, introduced a new ban on some of the most polluting wood burners. So, what does this mean for those looking to invest in a new wood burning stove and those who already have one that may not comply with the new ban? Firstly, don’t panic, the new ban doesn’t immediately take effect! It comes into action in 2022, giving you ample time to assess your stove and upgrade if necessary.

Some existing log burners already comply with the new legislation, being marked as “Ecodesign ready”. Any modern model (built within the last 5 years) are more likely going to be compliant, check with HETAS for a list of Ecodesign ready wood burners. Because of modern developments, wood burning stoves have higher efficiency ratings; reach over 80pc (compared to open fire at 30pc). Look for this rating when purchasing your own unit to ensure you are Ecodesign ready. There are over 400 models of stoves that are Ecodesign ready already with more expected to be available before 2022.

It’s important to get the right stove for you and your property; consider the size and location of the installation. It’s more than just a new appliance but an extension of your property. Talk to our experts if you have any questions about choosing the right log burner and we’ll be happy to help. Get in touch with our team today for our advice and take a look at the Telegraph’s best wood burning stoves article here.

 

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We Are Open and Safe

Well, it has certainly been a trying few months, and we are all clearly still very worried about the future. However, we are very pleased to be open again as are many Surrey businesses. Our showroom is now open with social distancing measures being strictly adhered too along with lots of handwashing and all the other precautions you would expect. But perhaps, more importantly, we are able to do home visits when required so people who had planned to get that amazing new stove, electric or gas fire fitted in their Surrey home now can.

Gas Fire Servicing

One very important part of our work we are now able to do again is gas fire servicing across Surrey.  Thankfully it has been nice and warm throughout this pandemic so fires have not been needed but the Autumn is not far away and as people begin o want to use their gas fires again we urge everyone to make sure they are serviced properly. There is always a rush in the Autumn as people want to use their gas fires so it is often much easier to book your service in the Summer. We can assure you our team will be sticking to all the guidelines. Where vulnerable people are concerned it may be helpful to ask a relative or friend to be there to answer the door to our engineer and the homeowner can isolate in another room during the service.

Fireplace Installations and More

We are very much able to discuss and book in your fireplace installations from now on. As with our servicing, we can work around your requirements in terms of distancing and isolating. We are very happy to discuss this on the phone prior to booking an appointment. There is no reason why Covid-19 should stop you from having the fireplace you really want to be installed and set up ready for some chilly Autumn evenings in a few month’s time!

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Domestic Wood Burning Stoves are NOT Being Banned

Wood burning stove

Contrary to some recent national media coverage, the announcement last month by DEFRA to phase out the sale of coal and wet wood for domestic burning does NOT mean that wood burning stoves are being banned or discouraged by the government.  It is not the end of the roaring hearth or cosy fireplace as many headlines stated – it simply means people will need to use cleaner fuel alternatives such as dry wood for their stoves at home.

Defra Announcement on Polluting Fuels

Defra announced on 21st February 2020 that sales of bagged and pre-packaged traditional house coal and wet wood in units under 2M3 will be phased out by 2021. The sale of loose coal direct to customers via approved coal merchants will also be banned by February 2023, meaning members of the public will need to switch to cleaner fuels by these dates.

There will also be limitations on the sale of manufactured solid fuels for domestic fires by February 2021 – fuels with a low sulphur content which emit a small amount of smoke will still be allowed.

Defra said in a statement ‘this phased implementation will ensure that public and suppliers have time to move to cleaner alternatives such as dry wood and manufactured solid fuels, while continuing to be able to use their stoves and open fires at home.’

Environment Secretary George Eustice also commented ‘Cosy open fires and wood-burning stoves are at the heart of many homes up and down the country, but the use of certain fuels means that they are also the biggest source of the most harmful pollutant that is affecting people in the UK. By moving towards the use of cleaner fuels such as dry wood we can all play a part in improving the health of millions of people.’

You Can Still Use Dry Wood

Most domestic stoves and fires can use dry wood as their fuel and will therefore not be affected.  Coal and wet wood are being banned as they are the two most polluting fuels, contributing to around 40% of harmful levels of the pollutant PM2.5 in the UK. These announcement form part of the government’s Clean Air Strategy which aims to tackle a range of pollutants including PM2.5, ammonia and sulphur dioxide in the UK.

The advantage of dry wood – both kiln and air dried – is that it is cheaper and more efficient to burn than wet wood and coal and therefore people who rely on stoves for heat will not see their fuel costs rise.

The Stove Industry Welcomes the Regulations

The Stove Industry Alliance (SIA) has welcomed the government’s announcement and emphasised in a press release that modern Ecodesign compliant stoves burning the correct fuels continue to be a sound, environmental heating solution. Ecodesign ready stoves produce 90% less emissions than an open fire and use a completely renewable and sustainable fuel.

The SIA encourages the public to burn approved dry wood and smokeless fuel in a modern Ecodesign ready appliance. These fuels are widely available and if you’re unsure whether your appliance is Ecodesign ready, speak to us for advice.

Wood Burning Stoves are NOT Being Banned

DEFRA’s announcement does not in any way suggest that wood burning stoves are being banned.  The Stove Industry Alliance has called for more accurate reporting on this story as the industry employs over 25,000 people and their livelihoods are being put at risk by misreporting.

Morley Sage, chair of the SIA, commented: “We welcome today’s announcement that will see the most polluting fuels phased out and encourage homeowners to use approved dry wood. As an industry that employs over 25,000 people across manufacturing, retailing, installation and servicing, headlines that suggest that wood burning stoves are being banned are not only categorically untrue, they are also very damaging to people’s jobs and livelihoods.

Contact Us for Advice

If you want any advice on this announcement or want to know more about Ecodesign ready stoves, please don’t hesitate to contact us, and we’ll be happy to chat to you.

More from our blog

The ultimate guide to wood burning stoves – everything you need to know

The advantages of gas fireplaces

 

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Gas Fireplace – Advantages

gas fire

Fireplaces are an incredibly popular feature in people’s homes. They give a great sense of focus to a room, and a cosy heat in the colder weather. Whilst fireplaces might first make you think of ‘real’ fires, gas fires offer a host of benefits to those who can’t, or choose not to have a wood or coal burning option.

Efficient

We are increasingly aware of our energy use. Using gas can actually be an incredibly efficient and therefore cost-effective way to heat, and may even reduce heating bills. Modern models require very few kilowatts of energy to rapidly warm a room, and glass fronted options can be up to 90% fuel efficient. Of course, there is also the fact that you can just heat the room you are in and not the whole house. In addition to all this, gas fires are usually pretty easy and inexpensive to install.

Style

Whether you are seeking a traditional look fire or a modern wall mounted unit, gas fires cover a full range of stylistic options for all tastes. It’s not the 80s any more. Today’s gas fires are many and varied, and tasteful!

Available and flexible

Gas fires do require some kind of vent, but not a chimney and for this reason, most homes can accommodate one. There are a vast range of options on the market, and the right gas fire for you will depend on the set up you have at home – the type of flue or chimney you do or don’t have – but a reputable supplier will be able to advise you on all this.

 Easy to manage

For many, gas fires offer an easy to manage heating and comfort fire source without the hassle of buying, storing and cleaning up after wood or coal. For those who want to just turn it on and off, this can be a great option.

Real flames

Unlike their electric counterparts, gas fires do provide the comfort of a real flame. If a real fire is not for you, or not available to you, but you still want to bathe in the comfort of a steady yellow, orange flame then the gas fire is a good alternative.

Over the last few decades, the technology behind gas fires has seen some significant developments. They now offer an incredibly safe, easy to use, stylish option for your home. They also offer great efficiency. Just ensure you take some expert advice from our team to ensure you have the right kind and size of fire for your rooms and requirements. Our trained engineers are happy to answer any questions you may have about gas fire installation in Surrey.