A Comprehensive Guide to Choosing the Right Fireplace for Your Home
Selecting the perfect fireplace for your home is an important decision that involves various considerations. Whether you’re aiming for cozy winter warmth or efficient heating throughout the year, making the right choice can significantly impact your comfort, energy costs, and environmental footprint. This article will guide you through the key factors to consider when purchasing and installing a fire, helping you find the ideal model for your home.
Why Size Matters: The Importance of Correct Model Selection
One of the most crucial aspects of choosing a fireplace is ensuring you select the correct size and model for your space. Contrary to what some may think, bigger is not always better. A fireplace that is too large for your space will need to be turned down, reducing its efficiency, increasing emissions, and producing unburnt contaminants due to incomplete combustion.
When selecting a wood fire, focus on three key factors:
Installation Options: Where and how the fire will be installed.
Correct Model Selection: Matching the size and output of the fire to your heating needs.
Safe, Compliant Installation: Ensuring the fire is installed safely and meets all regulatory standards.
By choosing the right size fire for your home and using it with correct operation and good dry fuel, you’ll enjoy many years of warmth and reliable heating.
What Type of Model Can I Install in My Home?
The type of fireplace you can install depends on several factors, including your location and specific local regulations. For homes within a clean air zone, only clean air-approved wood burners can be installed under the National Environmental Standard (NES) regulations, which came into effect on September 1, 2005. The NES permits a maximum of 1.5 grams of particulates per kilogram of dry wood burnt with a minimum thermal efficiency of 65%.
In New Zealand, properties less than 2 hectares typically require a ‘clean air approved’ wood fire. Some regions with more stringent regulations may require an Ultra Low Emission Burner (ULEB). If your property is 2 hectares or larger, you can install any model, including specific rural or multi fuel models.
Types of Fires:
Clean Air Approved Model: Complies with NES and can be installed in any home in New Zealand unless more stringent regional rules apply.
Ultra Low Emission Model (ULEB): Approved by Environment Canterbury (ECan) and NES, suitable for installation in Canterbury, Nelson, Bay of Plenty, and other regions with stringent emission standards.
Rural Model (2Ha+): Designed for rural properties, offering extended burn times and the ability to fit larger capacity wetbacks. These can only be installed on properties of two hectares or larger.
Multi Fuel : Designed to burn wood, coal, lignite, or a combination of all three. Capable of extended burn times.
Installation Options: Choosing the Right Setup
Once you’ve determined the type of model suitable for your home, the next step is deciding on the installation method. The installation type affects not only the fireplace’s appearance but also its efficiency and heat distribution.
Installation Types:
Freestanding Installation: Suitable for placement against a wall or in a corner.
Insert Installation: Ideal for installation into a masonry chimney.
Built-In Installation: Designed for installation into a timber cavity, using a zero clearance cabinet and flue kit.
Determining the Right Size Fire for Your Home
The correct size fire for your home is crucial for optimal heating. A general rule of thumb is that 1kW of heat output covers 10m² of space. For example, a 15kW fire would be suitable for a 150m², three-bedroom home.
Can I Install a Wetback for Water Heating?
Yes, many models are capable of being fitted with a wetback for water heating. This feature helps reduce winter power bills by providing hot water, even during power cuts. Wetbacks can either boost or provide the majority of your household’s hot water needs during the colder months. However, note that Ultra Low Emission models cannot be fitted with wetbacks.
Can I Install a Heat Transfer System?
A heat transfer system can help distribute this excess heat to other parts of your home. This system uses insulated ducting to move warm air trapped at ceiling level to other rooms, creating a continuous cycle of warm air movement throughout your home. We are stockists of the Metro heat transfer systems.
Ensuring a Safe and Compliant Installation
Choosing the right location for your fireplace is essential for safe and efficient heating. This includes meeting specified clearances, floor protector requirements, and correct flue installation. We strongly recommend that your fires be installed by a NZHHA registered or suitably qualified installer to ensure a safe and compliant installation.
Final Thoughts
Purchasing a fireplace is a significant investment, and selecting the right model, size, and installation type is critical to ensuring efficient and safe heating for your home. By considering your specific heating requirements, local regulations, and the available installation options, you can choose a fire that will provide warmth, comfort, and reliability for years to come.
