What You Need To Know: Gas and Wood-Burning Fireplaces

WORDS Lisa Johnston

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.