Here in the South East we have seen more snow fall and experienced the lowest temperatures for almost 30 years… and isn’t it great to sit yourself in front of the fire! It seems gone are the days when central heating was enough to keep the house warm, so when you get the chance to do it, go out and buy a Capital Fireplace, gas fire, electric fire or multi fuel burning stove because it really makes the house the best place to be when you get snowed in!
January 5, 2010
December 17, 2009
Internet selling
It is tempting for all of us (during this drawn out credit crunch) to push for discount and to look for the cheapest buying option. However, buying a Fireplace Mantel, Stone Fireplace, Marble Fireplace, Fireplace Suite, Cast Iron Fireplace or Stove is not generally a simple purchase, a it might be easy to find internet shops that will sell these kinds of products, but you must be aware that advice about the product before you purchase is vital. You need to know that the Fireplace/ Fire/Stove is suitable for your property (believe me it is a lot more complicated than you probably realise) and advice, fitting and good aftercare service is essential throughout your purchase. If you want to ensure peace of mind and good aftercare you should purchase your products through an Independent Fireplace Retailer. In addition you will be showing support for your local business during a difficult time for them!
The National Fireplace Assosiation recently released this article:
Many internet retailers fail to point out to their purchasers that the installation of their new wood-burning stove is governed by the Building Regulations. To paraphrase Approved Document J of the Building Regulations 2002, purchasers of solid fuel stoves (those burning wood fuels or coal based fuels) must either apply to their local authority building inspectorate for a Building Notice or use a registered member of a ‘Competent Persons’ scheme for solid fuels. The only competent persons scheme for solid fuel is run by HETAS, a not-for-profit company which approves solid fuel appliances and fuels as well as operating this ‘Competent Person’s’ scheme in England and Wales. The HETA web site at www.hetas.co.uk.
With little or no information received by purchasers from internet stove sellers, many try to install these stoves themselves unaware of the Building Regulation requirements or the possible danger of fire or carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning if these products are not installed properly. The National Fireplace Association, which is the trade body for the fireplace industry (fires, fireplaces and stoves powered by all types of fuel), would like to see each stove accompanied by a sheet spelling out the purchaser’s duty to have the stove installed safely in line with both the Building Regulations and the manufacturer’s instructions.
December 15, 2009
Gas Fire Servicing
Winter is upon us and the central heating is on, and if there was ever a time that the boiler was going to break down it would be now (as the outside temperatures are forecast to drop below minus 5 degrees)!
Most of us would know who to call in this situation and the majority of us have a service contract for our gas boiler, but don’t forget that your gas fire requires a service once a year too. To ensure your warranty is valid for the up and coming years and that your fire is going to be working on those cosy Christmas mornings you could contact homeserve or British Gas.
Also to find out about gas safety and why you should always use a Gas Safe engineer for fitting and servicing gas appliances it is worth taking a look at the Gas Safe website.
December 9, 2009
Be kinder to the environment & your purse
If you are like me and feel the pressures of global warming and have thought about changing from a gas to wood fuel fire…but, also like me, do not relish the idea of trailing out in to the back garden on a cold morning to fetch wood, GOOD NEWS! Capital Fireplaces offer a range of the highest efficiency gas convector fires on the market (upto 89% efficient). The glass fronted gas convector fire options are the most efficient and when switched off also prevent heat from your room escaping up the chimney. They are clean and use little gas when running, so now you can be kinder to your purse and kinder to the environment at the same time. 
