All fired up
Warm up your home the eco-friendly way and it’ll be stylish too, writes Hilary Fennell
CHIC: Superior Flueless Fires add a warm touch of class to any room
For example, you could hang a warm fire on your wall instead of a picture. Superior Flueless Fires are designed to hang on any wall, delivering instant warmth while taking up minimal space, seamlessly integrating into modern-day kitchens, dining and living rooms.
Handcrafted in black glass and aluminium by the same technicians who have produced the Rolls Royce, prices start at €1,279.
MAGIC
The magic thing about them is that, as they incorporate the latest in gas fire technology, they do not need a chimney or flue to operate. Instead, the combustible gases pass through a catalytic converter system, which converts carbon monoxide into carbon dioxide and water vapour – levels of which are so low they are typically found in fresh air.
Eco-friendly flueless technology ensures that 100pc of the gas is converted to heat, unlike open coal-effect fires, which convert just 10pc.
With eco-chic being one of the biggest trends at the moment, it is hardly surprising that sales of Rayburn's solid fuel models have risen over the last year.
So you could opt for the Solid Fuel Rayburn range, which has just been relaunched due to demand. Rayburn solid fuel models can run on a number of natural and manufactured solid mineral fuels, as well as a variety of wood-derived products. As wood is a sustainable, renewable and carbon-neutral fuel, it is ideal for solid fuel cookers and has the added advantage of a zero carbon rating and minimal emissions.
There are four solid fuel models in the Rayburn range – one cooker-only model, one which cooks and heats water and two which provide central heating and hot water. They can also run on smokeless coal, bituminous coal and peat, and two of the models come complete with a new wood grate facility.
Rayburn have also launched the very first gas condensing boiler in a range cooker in Ireland. It is the first cast-iron range cooker to include a boiler with a grade “A” and performs at over 90pc efficiency. The condensing technology used in the Rayburn 480CD is one of the most effective ways of achieving central heating. The boiler uses heat from the exhaust gases that follow combustion to heat the water in the boiler system.
Capable of heating up to 16 average-sized radiators, it is fuelled by natural gas and has an eco setting to ensure the water temperature is maintained at an optimum level.
The Rayburn 480CD also uses a thermostatic control, which allows it to produce just the right amount of heat – so whether you own a two -bedroom apartment or a five-bedroom house, it can heat it effectively and efficiently.
PRIORITY
Pat Moore, Atlantic Homecare DIY expert says: “It is estimated that up to 25pc of the heat lost from a house is through the roof, so preventing this loss should be a priority.
If your house has no insulation, or the insulation is old and damaged, it should be renewed.”
PAT MOORE’S INSULATION TIPS
PREPARATION
The insulation layer should be 6-8 inches (150-200mm) deep. Before you begin, check the timbers for signs of woodworm or rot and treat them if necessary. Attics are usually dusty and especially when working with glass fibre, protective face masks, goggles and gloves should be used.
LAYING GLASS FIBRE
Begin by sealing any gaps around pipes, or wiring entering the loft, with a flexible mastic. Place one end of a roll into the eaves between the joists at one end of the attic, ensuring you don't cover the ventilation gap. Press down the insulation to give a snug fit. Cut rolls and, if it is necessary to join rolls, press the two cut ends close together. Do not insulate the area underneath the cold water tank as the rising heat will help to keep it from freezing during winter.
LAYING LOOSE FILL INSULATION
Lofts may also be insulated with loose-fill insulation, which is poured between the joists and distributed with a brush. Smooth the insulation to a constant level of at least 4 inches (100mm) which can be marked on the joists. To prevent losing any material and blocking ventilation gaps, wedge some plywood or thick timber between the joists. To insulate the hatch cover, screw battens around the cover, fill with granules and pin hardboard over the battens to contain them.
INSULATING A SLOPING ROOF
If the attic is in use you will need to insulate the sloping part of the roof in order to heat the living space. Begin by repairing any lose tiles or slates. Condensation is also a problem as the underside of the tiles becomes very cold, so you must provide at least a 2 inch (50mm) gap between the tiles and the insulation to allow for adequate air flow. A vapour barrier should also be included on the warm side of the insulation, either by fitting a foil-backed blanket or by stapling polythene to the lower edges of the rafters to cover un-backed insulation. The insulation is kept in place by means of string and tacks.
Expanded polystyrene can also be used and is easier to fit. It is cut to size and held in place by means of nails or tacks that are hammered into the rafters below the polystyrene, thereby retaining it in the right position. Whatever insulation you decide on, you can cover the rafters with plasterboard as a final decorative finish.
- Hilary Fennell
