No doubt you’ve heard the news. Yes it’s true, winter is here. Now before you go and pull out the old gas heater, take a second to contemplate this selection of stylish (and environmentally friendly) bio-ethanol fuel fireplaces.

We know they’re on the expensive side, but these fireplaces can be easily installed pretty much anywhere good taste allows, without having to make any cumbersome changes to building structures.

They come in a variety of designs and can be free-standing or mounted on walls, ceilings and coffee tables, making it easy to choose an option that best fits your home and how you live in it. Because there is no smoke, a chimney is unnecessary, resulting in more heat being maintained inside the home, which therefore uses less energy.

Here is a selection of bio-ethanol fireplaces you can find online right now.

The Frame by Signi Fires

This wall-mounted bioethanol fireplace is available in three sizes and comes in a variety of finishes.

From R23 808 | on-fire.co.za

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Cocoon Aeris Bioethanol Fireplace

Designed by innovative and celebrated designer Federico Otero, the Cocoon Aeris is both beautiful and functional.

From R48 895 | beautyfires.com

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Silo Suspended Fireplace by Signi Fires

With its black steel finish and minimalist design, this fireplace adds a touch of elegance to any living space.

R76 990 | beautyfires.com

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SAFire BioFuel Burner

SAFire offers a variety of layouts, features, and finishes which gives you creative freedom when it comes to customising your living space.

From R8 495 | on-fire.co.za

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Dot Flatback Wall Mounted Fireplace

The Dot Flatback wall-mounted fireplace is ideal for lounges and bedrooms.

R44 995 | beautyfires.com

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Delta Flat by Kratki

The Delta Flat is the perfect choice for a small apartment.

R5 700 | kratki.co.za

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The post 6 Bio-ethanol Fireplaces for Winter appeared first on Visi.

A gas or wood-burning stove is an excellent investment, considering the soaring electricity prices and constant load shedding. We asked two experts for advice on choosing one.

The most obvious difference between gas and wood is that a gas fire is lit with the click of a switch whereas a wood fire requires matches and firelighters. There is, however, new technology that may influence your choice. We quizzed Tony Jones of Fireplace Warehouse and Malcolm Sims of Infiniti Fires about stoves.

Which is the most efficient choice in terms of running costs and environmental impact?

Tony: Wood stoves account for 80% of our sales, because although gas is convenient it’s also expensive. It costs about R20 an hour to run a gas stove, whereas you can keep a wood-burning stove running for about R2 000 for the whole winter. Achieving upwards of 70% fuel efficiency, wood stoves are acceptable environmentally and meet European standards for acceptable air pollution.

What are the latest technological advances in fireplaces?

Malcolm: The two big growth areas in South Africa over the past few years are flueless gas and closed-combustion wood stoves. They both get you off the Eskom grid and provide economical heat.

Which do you choose if you live in a 60 m² flat, a 200 m² house or a 600 m² mansion?

Malcolm: For a 60 m² flat you want a flueless gas unit, as it’s a small space to heat. Plus you don’t want to lug wood upstairs and you probably won’t be allowed to install a chimney.

For a 200 m² home a closed-combustion wood stove is suitable. The best of these peak in excess of 80% efficiency and a good unit can provide enough heat for a house of that size.

For a 600 m² mansion I’d recommend a closed-combustion wood stove in the living area and a balanced-flue gas fire in the main bedroom.

Is gas a safe choice for the bedroom?

Tony: The law does not allow vent-free fireplaces in the bathroom or bedroom.

Malcolm: Only gas fires with balanced-flue units or flued gas fires are safe to use. My choice is the balanced-flue unit because of its lower running costs.

For more information, visit infinitifires.co.za or fireplacewarehouse.co.za.

The post What You Need To Know: Gas and Wood-Burning Fireplaces appeared first on Visi.