There are few things which can compare to the beauty of a roaring open fire. Cosy evenings spent gazing into the flames and listening to the crackle and hiss of logs burning in the fireplace are one of life’s affordable pleasures. A glowing fire in the hearth instantly makes a house a home and gives us a sense of security, warmth and contentment. There is something about an open fire which prompts happy childhood memories and promotes a general sense of wellbeing. An open fire also acts as an attractive and practical focal point in the home and can encourage families to gather in the same room, enjoying warmth, each other’s company and the simpler things in life.
Many people now choose wood burning stoves as an efficient alternative to the traditional open fire but there is really no substitute for sitting in front of a roaring open fire. Additionally, a well maintained open fire can be an efficient and environmentally friendly option, particularly if you choose to burn wood from sustainable woodlands which are ethically managed with the future of the forest and the planet in mind. Open fires create a dry heat which helps to keep your home damp free and reduces the need for central heating. This not only saves you money whilst maintaining a healthy and warm domestic environment but, should you decide that you want move house and wish to sell your existing home, the presence of an open fire act as great selling points.
Fireplace grates are traditional component of an open fire but they are often mis-used. The grate sits on top of the ash pan of your fire and provides a platform upon which the fuel is burnt. The lateral bars of these grates allow a draft to flow beneath the burning fuel which increases burn . The fire grate also keeps the fuel together which helps to keep the heart of the fire together so it stays alight and prevents hot logs or coal from falling out whilst allowing the ash from the fire to fall directly into the ash pan below. This is where the mistakes start. Fire grates were apparently invented in the 1600’s when people weren’t concerned with efficiency – they just wanted to keep warm, the fire to perhaps look good as a piece of furniture in the room and keep the fire place tidy and safe as it was in use so much. In addition grates were developed and popularized in the 1700’s when we started to burn coal on our fires to heat the home. Coal burns in a totally different way to wood. When pushed together in the grate coal leaves hardly any air gaps to help the fire to burn. As such the grate provides the coal with more air from underneath so it can burn more easily. Wooden logs however create their own air supply when laid together between the logs. They don’t need the extra air from underneath the fire. In fact this extra air mean the wood burns faster, is less efficient and will use more wood.
Fireplace grates come in many different designs and sizes in order to cater to the needs of the individual. If you rely solely on your fire for night time heating, for example, you may wish to choose a grate which is specially designed fore wood meaning it will probably have a solid base or a shallow box to build the fire on and no ash tray. There are many different sizes and shapes of traditional fire grates available. There are also modern versions of open fires designed specifically for wood which offer greater efficiency and heat output.
So, regardless of whether you are lucky enough to have a large, period fireplace or whether you have a more modest, modern fireplace at home, there are many fireplace grate options open to you to ensure you are using your fire in the most efficient way possible.
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