6 TOP TIPS FOR BUYING AN INDOOR WOOD FIRE IN NZ
Indoor wood fires are a great addition to any home, adding dry warmth and cosiness like no other source of heating. Winter weather and temperatures vary greatly across New Zealand and there are a wide range of log burners and fires for every requirement. When assessing options there are several important factors to consider and we’ve outlined six of them here.
1. TYPES OF WOOD FIRES
OPEN FIRES VS WOOD BURNERS
There are several types of indoor wood fires to choose from, including open fireplaces, wood burners, and wood inserts. Each type has its own advantages and disadvantages, so it is important to choose the right one for your needs
| Open fires | Wood burners |
| More traditional and aesthetically pleasing option that many older Kiwis grew up with. They offer a classic look and feel, but in some cases can be less efficient at heating your home. They can also require more maintenance and cleaning than other options. | More efficient at heating your home, and they require less maintenance than open fireplaces. They come in a variety of styles and sizes, but some people feel they only suit a certain style of home. In some cases log burners also provide heated surfaces for cooking which is an added bonus. |
Wood inserts are designed to be installed into an existing fireplace, so they offer the best of both worlds. They provide the look and feel of an open fireplace, but they are much more efficient at heating your home. They also require less maintenance than traditional fireplaces.
2. SIZE AND HEATING CAPACITY
SMART SETUP STARTS WITH PROPER VENTILATION AND PROFESSIONAL FITTING
When choosing an indoor wood fire, it’s important to consider the size and heating capacity of the unit. This of course will depend on the size of your home and the area you want to heat.
Wood fires and burners come in a range of sizes and heating capacities, so you can choose the one that best fits your needs, and it’s better to have more heat than not quite enough. It is easy to work out the capacity you need based on the square metre area of the rooms you want heated.
It is also important to consider the efficiency of the unit. Look for a model with a high efficiency
rating as this will help reduce your heating costs. A heating efficiency of 60% or over is a good start.
3. VENTILATION AND INSTALLATION
PRIORITISE VENTILATION AND INSTALLATION FOR LONG TERM USE
Indoor wood fires require proper ventilation and installation to operate safely and efficiently. This includes a chimney or flue system to vent smoke and gases out of your home.
Before purchasing an indoor wood fire make sure your home has a suitable chimney or flue system, or that you are able to install one. If you are unsure about the ventilation requirements, consult with a professional installer or your local building authority.
It is also important to consider the installation requirements of the unit. Some models require professional installation, while others can be installed by homeowners. Make sure you are comfortable with the installation process before you buy so you can avoid unwanted extra costs or problems.
Many places in New Zealand have clean air zones so its important you check on your local council regulations to be sure you can install a fire in your home.
4. SAFETY FEATURES
WHAT TO LOOK FOR IN A SAFE INDOOR WOOD FIRE
It goes without saying that wood fires can be a potential fire hazard, so it is important to choose a unit with proper safety features. Look for a model with a sturdy construction, a quality thick steel firebox, a protective screen or glass door (if a log burner or insert), and an automatic shut-off feature.
As wood burners protrude more into the room than a traditional fire place or insert, it’s important to have a proper fire guard to keep children away from hot surfaces and reduce the risk of pyjamas or clothes catching fire.
It is also important to follow proper safety precautions when using an indoor wood fire. Keep flammable materials away from the unit, and make sure the fire is fully extinguished before leaving your home or going to bed. If you purchase an overnight burn air-slide accessory be sure it is matched to your fire and installed by a professional installer.
5. ADDITIONAL HEATING BENEFITS
STAYING WARM AND DRY ALL WINTER
There’s nothing like the warm dry heat coming from a fireplace or wood burner, and you should make the most of this heat source. Consider including a heat transfer kit to maximise the benefit of your live fire and share the heat to bedrooms or other spaces.
Wet backs can also be a good addition to reduce water heating costs, especially in homes with teenagers! This usually involves having water pipes fitted to the back of the firebox on the fire, and then water from your home water cylinder is pushed through the pipes and heated, which reduces your water costs.
6. COST AND MAINTENANCE
MAXIMISE EFFICIENCY AND SAVE ON LONG TERM COSTS
Indoor wood fires can be a significant investment but can work effectively for many years, so it is important to consider the cost and maintenance requirements of the unit. This includes the initial purchase price, installation costs, and ongoing maintenance costs.
Wood burners and inserts can sometimes be more expensive than open fireplaces, but they are also more efficient and require less maintenance. When assessing options be sure to check the number of years on the warranty of the firebox.
A final point to consider on costs is your ease of access and availability of firewood. If you have a
mate with some land and cheap firewood then that is a real bonus, whereas if you’re in the middle of a large urban area it may cost more to have firewood deliveries.
As Kiwis we love our wood fires and there’s nothing like curling up on the couch to watch the rugby on a cold winter’s night with the fire blazing away. Our tips above are a good starting point, but talk to the experts instore to learn more. At Kent we’ve been trusted to heat New Zealand homes for over 40 years, so if you are shopping around be sure to view our range.