There is nothing better than enjoying the natural environment in the company of a crackling fire. The good news is that there are numerous outdoor fireplaces to select if you are hoping to add a touch of comfort and class to your home. What are some common fireplace options, what advantages does each have to offer, and why are many homeowners now choosing bio ethanol designs? These are all interesting questions to consider if you hope to make an informed decision when choosing the best outdoor fireplace.

Some Common Outdoor Fireplace Design Ideas

You will first need to take into account where the fireplace will be located. For example, those who wish to create a more centralised atmosphere may benefit from a free-standing container-style design. You could also select an outdoor stove that is embedded within an existing wall (common if a deck or patio is found adjacent to your home).

What Nearby Elements Should be Included?

Comfort is king in terms of your fireplace options. Of course, be sure to take into account the design of the fireplace itself so that it blends with the nearby environment. A number of quality fireplace products can also be included so that nothing is left to chance. Here are some examples:

• Child-proof safety screens
• A hearth tidy
• Various pokers
• A fireplace bellow

These elements can all be included within the existing design in order to create a stunning ambience.

What Types of Fuel Sources Should be Considered?

There is no doubt that outdoor wood burning fireplaces are known for their traditional appeal. Some of the latest models have been designed to greatly reduce the amount of grey smoke emitted from the fire bowl when compared with traditional fire pits. Come and see them in our showroom,

An excellent alternative involves the use of bio ethanol. Not only is this fuel source extremely efficient, but it is a carbon-neutral means to keep warm while enjoying the outdoors. A bio ethanol fireplace will provide you with a host of design options, so the installation process is straightforward.

Other Benefits of Outdoor Bio Ethanol Hearths

These fireplaces are designed to offer you a safer burn and a greater control over the fire itself. A fire powered by bio ethanol is nearly identical to a traditional gas fire. Free-standing and L-shaped designs are both available, so flexibility is never an issue.

RFC Services is pleased to offer numerous outdoor ‘new wave’ fire pits and bio ethanol fireplaces manufactured by Planika; one of the most respected names in the business. If you would like to learn more about your outdoor fireplace design options or to appreciate the line of products that we supply, please take a moment to contact a customer service specialist at your convenience.

Fireplaces have always represented the hearth of a traditional English home. There are now numerous fireplace options at your disposal and some of these will depend upon personal heating preferences. However, it is also important to point out that fireplaces and related fireplace products will soon to be subject to a new set of legislative guidelines. Let’s look at what these regulations mean in terms of traditional home heating methods as well as whether it is better to choose a stove or a fireplace.

What Do the Guidelines Have to Say?

A new type of legislation is set to come into effect in 2022, known as “Ecodesign 2022”. Stoves will need to adhere to strict regulations in order to be approved for sale. The Ecodesign legislation is the stove industry’s response to the DEFRA clean air strategy. The ultimate intention involves reducing greenhouse gas emissions. This brings us to the next question. Would a traditional wood burning stove or a fireplace be the wisest option if you are looking to lower the carbon footprint of your home? Are gas-powered units more efficient?

Stove or Fireplace? Which Makes the Most Sense?

In order to determine whether a stove or fireplace is the best solution, we will look at three important factors:

• Efficiency
• Safety
• Environmental friendliness

When it comes to efficiency, a wood burning unit is the most effective. This arises from the simple fact that 90% of the heat associated with a fireplace can be lost through its chimney.

When referring to safety, both heating solutions should be considered. While most fireplaces come equipped with mesh grates, sparks may still accidentally leave the hearth. Furthermore, dangerous gases may accumulate if the chimney flue becomes blocked. While these are not as concerning with wood-burning stoves, it is always possible to be scalded by their hot surfaces (particularly if children are present).

Environmental friendliness is a final variable. Due to the fact that wood-burning stoves tend to be more efficient, they are generally considered to be the best choice if you are concerned about the environment. However, certain types of wood placed within a fireplace are also capable of hugely lowering the carbon footprint of your home.

Why Gas Could be the Best Solution When Compared to a Stove or Fireplace

There are advantages and drawbacks associated with each of the options mentioned above. This is why many homeowners are now choosing quality gas stoves. Here are some of the benefits which you can expect to enjoy:

• These stoves are extremely low-maintenance solutions.
• They are able to evenly heat a room.
• You will no longer need to be concerned about stockpiling wood.
• You can choose from a wide array designs.

Please get in contact with our team at RFC Services if you have any questions or need helpful advice on the best option for your home.

With the lockdown coming at one of our busiest times of the year it is of no surprise to find that we have quite a backlog of installations to undertake. But don’t let that stop you from coming to see us or getting us out to help you decide on your new fireplace. Be assured we are working hard to catch up so that by the time Autumn comes we should be back to normal. Make your decisions now so you are ready for the chilly evenings.

We have re-started with our installations, initially with some nice easy ones, but progressing to all day jobs next week.
On Tuesday 16th June we re-open our showroom. The usual hours will apply, namely 10am to 3pm Tuesday to Friday and 10am to 2pm on Saturdays.
We will be restricting access to one person or family at a time as there is not sufficient room for 2m social distancing. Any payments must be by card, no cash.
We look forward to seeing you and helping you choose a wonderful fireplace for your home.

Whilst the current situation prevails our showroom remains closed. If you require advice concerning an existing installation, or guidance on a new one, please email us.
We have a stocks of kiln dried wood, kindling and Flamers firelighters and are happy to supply these during a prearranged visit to the showroom. If you require spares for an appliance we may be able to source them for you.

Once again the onset of Autumn has spurred our potential customers into action by requesting surveys for the installation of woodburners and other heating appliances. Sadly, for new enquiries, there will be a bit of a wait, as we are now taking bookings for January, and struggling to fulfil pre Christmas fittings! Hopefully the cold weather will stay away a bit longer.

With Summer gone and Winter not far away, many homeowners will be thinking about making vital improvements to their homes in the forthcoming months. Here at RFC Services, we are always one step ahead to ensure that your home feels cosy throughout the colder months with heating solutions, such as gas fires. Gas Fires offer many advantages to the modern home.

Homely Feel

Gas fires are often viewed as a focal point in rooms. There’s something about a real flame that makes the place feel that extra bit more like home. A gas fire offers the benefits of a natural flame, without the hassle of having source a suitable log supply.

Efficiency

There are a wide range of different gas fires and stoves. RFC Services can advise you on the most energy efficient and cheap to run solutions. Gas fires generally offer lower running costs than central heating and require minimum maintenance. It also means that you can heat only the room that you use the most, such as the living room, rather than paying to heat the whole house. Most Stoves have the option of being converted to run on LPG, meaning that if you’re not on the mains gas supply then a gas fire can still be an option.

Choice

There are many different styles of gas fires available. RFC Services offer a wide range of styles, whether you require something modern and contemporary or something a little more traditional. To find out more about our gas fire solutions, as well as many other options, give us a call on 01473 727583