Toasty FIREPLACES

Fireplaces are a necessity more than a luxury this winter, says Kelebogile Nondzaba

- Kelebogile Nondzaba

TIPS BY SWISS FIREPLACE:

Wood-burning fireplaces:

One of the most important things if using a wood-burning fireplace is to have dry wood, which is dried out for around two years after cutting. Then the wood should not have more than 15% moisture content. The wood should also be chopped into pieces no thicker than one’s arm.

The units for the wood-burning fireplaces come with push-up glass doors, meaning one can enjoy an open fire as well as a closed fire. Once the glass is closed, it creates more heat output and is absolutely safe and one can let the fire burn by itself.

Gas fireplaces:

Glass-enclosed gas fireplaces use five to eight times less gas consumption compared to an open drop-in gas unit. With around 90° heat output, it is much more efficient. Those fireplaces are easy to start via remote control, an app or you can even add them to your home automation system using timers.

With winter here and load shedding not going anywhere anytime soon, it is time to consider investing in other reliable heating methods for your home – like a good solid fireplace. In this issue we unpack all there is to know about owning a fireplace.

THE EVOLUTION