Opening up a chimeny for open fire/wood burner

longwalks1

The house we are moving into (1930's semi) has a working chimney thats currently plastered over and has a gas fire in the opening. We would like to open it up again and have either an open fire, or a wood burner.

which of the 2 is easier to do, and briefly whats involved?

MX5huggy

A open fire easier but a stove is much better. An open fire is 35% efficient where as a stove wil be 70% plus so will use half the fuel to get the same amount of heat in the room.

longwalks1

Thanks MX5

How does the heat come from the stove? Just from the unit itself? or is there vents that let the heat out?
Cant really explain what i'm asking I'm afraid, hope it makes sense

Gloomendoom

The heat radiates off the surface of the stove.

trailingspouse

You'll need to have the flue checked - it may/is likely to need lining. You'll also need a hearth - check the regs for how far out from the front of the fire it needs to be.

MX5huggy

The whole stove heats up radiating heat to the room. The vents on a stove are to let air in. With an open fire you don't get full combustion of the fuel a lot of unburnt fuel goes up the chimney. With an open fire the chimney is sucking air and heat from the room all the time even when (or especially when) the fire is not on. With a stove the fuel air mix controlled and correct for efficiency.

Ectophile

britishboy wrote: »

Thanks MX5

How does the heat come from the stove? Just from the unit itself? or is there vents that let the heat out?
Cant really explain what i'm asking I'm afraid, hope it makes sense

As others have mentioned, there are vents to let air in. Any other vents would let carbon monoxide out, which would be a bad thing.

The outside surfaces of a stove get really hot once it's been burning for an hour or two. Not hand hot like a radiator - the outside surfaces of the stove will be hotter than the inside of your oven - so keep children away.

SilverSaloon

i'm currently opening up a previously blocked fireplace in our cottage.

with regards to opening it up,It didnt have an airbrick in it, but if it does then just smash that out and then remove the bricks one by one, ensuring that the lintel is still safely in place. Then get it checked out by a professional before installing the stove.











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