0RGHUQðUHSODFHVDUHFOHDQVW\OLVK

DQGFDQEHUXQE\DVPDUWSKRQH

Install a cosy fireplace or

update your existing one

to beat the winter blues

&HOME

Hearth

N

othing beats the cold quite

like sitting around a blazing

ire. You can feel a great sense

of comfort, security and even romance

while relaxing in front of all those

warm lickering lames.

Depending on the type of fuel they

use, ireplaces come in four main

categories: wood, gas, electricity and

ethanol. he traditional wood-burner

is still a favourite for many homeowners,

but it can be a lot of work to maintain

and clean.

he trend in new home heating

systems is to have a lame that can be

turned on with the lick of a switch,

including gas- and ethanol-fuelled ires.

hey create a stylish and smokeless

heated space. Some can even be

controlled with your smartphone.

Wood and gas ires will need some

form of venting to the outside through

ducting or a chimney to remove smoke

and emissions.

Electricity and ethanol will not need

vents because they don’t emit toxic

fumes, which makes them especially

suitable for apartments.

Installing a new ireplace can be

expensive as it can involve building

work, but standalone options or inserts

that can replace existing ireplace

settings are easier on the hip pocket. ▶

WORDS MARC MCEVOY

PICTURE

GETTY IMAGES

92 JULY 2018 Australian Handyman

BUILD