Avoid These 5 Mistakes When Choosing Where to Place Your Wood Burning Fireplace

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Cuddling with the one you love in front of the fireplace or sharing stories with your children on a cold winter’s night make a wood burning fireplace a worthy investment. A fireplace has become a cheaper alternative for many Australians who are trying to avoid the rising cost of gas and electricity and also do their part for the environment.

A wood fireplace is a perfect addition to any living room, but here are a few things to consider before breaking ground and making potentially costly mistakes.

  • Ensure it’s the right size for the room

Before purchasing a wood fireplace, the first thing you will have to consider besides aesthetics is the size of the room it will be placed in. If the fireplace is too big for the space you will need to under fuel it to ensure the room doesn’t become overly hot, this affects the efficiency of the fireplace. It is the same for a fireplace that is too small for a room; you will need to over fuel it.

  • Have room for wood storage

Investing in an indoor wood storage compartment sounds like a suitable idea to avoid exposing the wood to moisture and other elements. Wood that has moisture or is left in a damp space can be difficult to set alight. If the wood is seasoned before being brought into the home and you’ve ensured that there are no insects underneath the bark, an indoor storage compartment will be perfect for a convenient supply of wood without having to leave the house.

  • Not using a qualified installer

Because the improper installation, service and maintenance of your wood fireplace can lead to injury or even damage to the property, it is recommended that you get a qualified installer to fit your fireplace for you. A qualified installer will be able to advise you of the best position for your fireplace and will install it according to the manufacturers’ specifications. It will also mean your home will still be covered by your insurance policy if anything were to happen.

  • Too close to the furniture

It is recommended that there be a distance of at least 100cm between a fireplace and any combustible materials such as curtains, electrical appliances, furniture and cords. This is especially true if you have purchased a free-standing fireplace. The distance will help prevent a combustible material from causing a fire that can swiftly spread throughout the house. And to protect the carpets from flaming sparks if you have an open wood fireplace, placing a masonry or tiled hearth in front of the fireplace will help avoid any dangerous accidents.

  • Regulations

Another reason that a qualified installer is recommended when installing a fireplace is because of local regulations that you might not be aware of. You do not want to infringe upon the rights of your neighbours by installing a fireplace incorrectly which may result in smoke from the flue entering their space. Wood heaters must be mounted and installed in line with the Building Code of Australia and must comply exactly with the manufacturer’s instructions as well as the Australian Standard AS/NZS 2918.

Quadra-Fire has a range of wood burning fire inserts and freestanding fireplaces for your home. For help with selecting the right space for your wood burning fireplace, contact your local store today!