Evaluating the Pros and Cons of a Traditional Open Fireplace

Before humankind figured out how to utilise electrical appliances in our homes, people would use a traditional open fireplace to generate heat. In South Africa, we have become accustomed to loadshedding and unexpected power outages and failures. This leaves us in the dark and cold. Luckily, by installing an open fireplace in your home, you can enjoy an alternative source of heat and light to overcome these woes.

Today, we discuss the various pros and cons of buying and installing a traditional open fireplace in your home.

What are The Pros to an Open Fireplace in My Home?

A Source of Heat and Light During Power Outages: When the power grid fails and you need a source of heat and light, you can simply get a fire going in your open fireplace. It is as simple and easy as that.

An Unmatched Ambience: There is nothing quite like an open fire in your home. It is warm, inviting, and creates a hearth-like atmosphere in the room. Not only does this relax the mind and body, but it also provides the necessary heat during a cold day, without having to worry about your electrical bill shooting upwards.
A Classic Aesthetic Appeal: If your home has several traditional interior design elements, an open fireplace will emphasise those elements and contribute to that classic look and feel. Having such a fireplace in your home will also increase the overall value of your property and make it more appealing for modern-day sustainable living.

And the Cons?

Inefficient Energy Output: An open fireplace would usually disperse the majority of the heat that is generated by the fire into the chimney as opposed to radiating it into the room. In some cases, up to 90% of the generated heat can be lost to the chimney or vertical flue pipe. This can create an updraft that pulls the warmth from your home and funnels it through the vertical chimney or flue pipe, instead of radiating heat into your home. However, such a problem can be addressed and fixed accordingly.
Safety Requirements: When installing an open fireplace in your home, there is a handful of safety requirements that must always be kept in mind. Not only do you need a properly ventilated room in which such a fireplace can operate, but you also must remove any flammable materials from its vicinity before lighting a fire.

Home Fires is your first choice when you want to buy an open fireplace for your home in South Africa. Please browse our website for details and prices on our available fireplaces and place your order with us today.