A word about open fires

Open fires are certainly very romantic. Curling up on the sofa in front of the fire with a hot cup is the perfect relaxation during the cold months. But are they good for heating your house?

In traditional open fire as much as 90 per cent of the heat goes up the chimney. Although Jetmaster claims fuel efficiency of up to 50% in their open fire inserts. Even when the fire is not lit, warm air from the room is drawn out the house through the chimney. This is probably the reason why so many open fireplaces has been blocked in the UK when cheap gas became available. Nowdays gas is not so cheap any more and more and many people consider restoring their fireplaces. But if you are using an open fire as your main source of heat and not just suppliment to a different heating system during the coldest days, the best option is to consider installing a much more energy efficient woodburning stove.