A warm, cosy fireplace has long been a staple in Irish homes, but today homeowners are looking for stylish, more energy-efficient alternatives that can fit seamlessly into a contemporary living space.
There are several reasons for this, not least the move towards energy-efficient homes. Irish building regulations now have strict requirements around energy efficiency and levels of airtightness, which means that open fires are rarely a feature of new-build homes.
Circumstances beyond our shores are also having a significant impact. In early March, the price of 1,000 litres of home‑heating oil jumped by 60 per cent in the space of a week, due to volatility in international energy markets. With such uncertainty around the cost and availability of fuel now part of day-to-day life, Irish homeowners are having to think carefully about their home-heating options.
The days may be getting warmer, but now is the time to spark new ideas to be ready for the colder months later in the year.
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Heating requirements
If a new heat source is on your to-do list, there are some things to keep in mind before making a purchase. The first thing to consider is, what do you want the device to do? Will it just be for ambience and to create a focal point in the home or will it be your main source of heat? If it’s the latter, a wood-burning stove or gas insert could be the best option, as they can provide significant warmth.
One of the huge benefits of these fireplace alternatives is the variety of styles available. Select a design that will fit well into your home, whether it’s minimalist or more traditional. Keep in mind too that some products are fully portable, while others will need a permanent location.
Consider what will work for your space and what the installation requirements will be. Wood burners and gas fireplaces, for example, will need a chimney or a flue, while bioethanol devices require good air circulation. Always use a registered installer and make sure to check building regulations before making any changes, to ensure you’re compliant.
Do your research before you buy so you know what it will cost you over time from a fuel perspective, and any maintenance requirements. A wood burner will need regular upkeep, including chimney cleaning and ash removal, while a gas fire will simply need an annual service.
There is no shortage of options out there, from energy-efficient wood-burning stoves to high-tech electric fires. Each one will deliver the ambience and impact of a classic fire but will fit seamlessly – and stylishly – into any modern home.
Traditional choice
If you’re devoted to a real fire, a wood-burning stove can give you the best of both worlds. You will still get the real flames, toasty heat, and cosy atmosphere, but newer models are more eco-friendly and must meet higher emission standards under EU ecodesign rules. Another plus is that they don’t rely on electricity so will work when the power goes out, but regular maintenance is required. Ultimately a wood-burning stove is a fantastic way to experience that traditional, real-fire warmth and feel, with the benefits of clever design.
Stylish flexibility
Bioethanol fireplaces are an elegant alternative that can elevate a room. They use a renewable plant-based fuel and produce a real flame and ambient warmth. Because they don’t generate smoke or soot, they don’t require a chimney or flue, making them extremely flexible, and there are wall-mounted and tabletop styles available. These fires tend to have contemporary designs, which suit modern homes and can add a point of interest to an open-plan space or bring that all-important focal point to apartment living.
Easy living
Perhaps the most simple and flexible option, electric fires have come a long way in recent years. Today, advanced technology ensures a realistic flame effect, and the fires can often be run without heat, giving the attractiveness of a real fire year-round. Clean and maintenance-free, they don’t produce emissions in the home, meaning they can be installed in any room, while the plug-and-go flexibility makes them suitable for media walls or built-in units. An ideal choice for apartments, rentals or homes with a modern aesthetic.
Another great option for real flame lovers, but one that offers more control and very little maintenance, is a gas-fire inset. Designed to fit into an existing fireplace opening, it will provide significant heat, and many styles can be operated remotely for true convenience. Their sleek, modern aesthetic can elevate any contemporary home, and when it comes to maintenance there is none of the clean-up a traditional fire needs, though regular servicing is an essential.
Whether you’re drawn to the traditional charm of a wood-burning stove or the convenience of an electric option, it’s good to know that a cosy fire can still very much be at the heart of your home. And if you choose wisely now, you’ll have it ready to glow by the time the winter chill comes around again.
Visit Barry’s Fireplaces and Stoves at stand K25 at the PTSB Ideal Home Show.
For more information on the show and to register for free tickets, visit idealhome.ie.
