Do You Need a Chimney for a Log Burner? Exploring Alternatives for a Cosy Home
Introduction: Without even thinking about it, we create incredibly fond memories around the fire, even when it's not in use. Whether it's a movie night with the family, catching up with friends over your favourite beverage, or enjoying the chaos the kids bring on Christmas morning, the fireplace plays a pivotal role. A well-suited fireplace sets the ambiance for these occasions. So, let's dive in.
Do I need a chimney for a log burner?
In a nutshell, yes! But why? Burning solid fuels typically release gases that you don't want in your home. For this reason, a correctly fitted chimney or flue is an absolute must.
Is there an alternative to a log burner?
Certainly. However, let's first understand why your living space needs a log burner.
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Ambience: This is the most common reason. Humans have evolved to see fire as of great importance for survival. During the Stone Age, our ancestors used fire for cooking, fostering social cohesion, and creating a feeling of safety.
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Heat: Perhaps just a little extra warmth in the main room during those long winter evenings.
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Feature of the room: Any fire typically becomes the focal point of the room, a talking point. An integrated fire into a media wall or a floating fire can look incredible even when not in use.
Alternative fuels to log burner:
Natural Gas: Gas fires come in various varieties, with flue-less gas fires being of particular interest. While many homes have mains gas, you still need professional installation by a GasSafe registered engineer, possibly requiring a new gas feed to meet regulations. Also worth noting, a flueless gas fire will require a 100cm2 airbrick to ensure proper ventilation—fine when the fire is on, but it can make the room cold or draughty when not in use.
Electric Fire: By nature, electric fires don't provide a real flame, but some are better than others. Some electric fires provide a 'flame' that feels like an imposter in your home, while others brands, like Flametek By OER, have a very realistic flame effect. Electric fires have a heater element and selectable heat output levels. Brands like Flametek By OER offer 7-day thermostatic programmable remote controls for convenient control of flame effect and heat.
Alto - S By OER FlameTek
BioEthanol: Bioethanol is a renewable fuel produced through the fermentation of sugars derived from plant materials. Burning bioethanol produces a real flame and real heat, without the need for a flue. It's sustainable and doesn't release harmful gases like wood, coal, or gas. Bioethanol burning produces only CO2 as a by-product, in such low quantities that it's comparable to burning a candle. However, choosing a reliable bioethanol fireplace is crucial. Flame Crafters exclusively provides EcoSmart bioethanol products, meeting stringent building regulation standards in the UK and approved by home insurance due to compliant designs.
We found many manufacturers do not meet these standards - Even the larger brands, and because we want to provide the safety and most elegant products on the market - EcoSmart in our eyes is the only choice for Bio-Ethanol
In a nutshell: Log-burning stoves are incredible appliances for your home, but installation costs can vary depending on the flue requirements. At Flame Crafters, we offer self-install options for similar results. We recommend an electric fire for ambiance with the ability to have a flame effect even without heat or a bioethanol fire for a sustainable, flue-less alternative.
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