True costs
Happy new year. I am writing this as my Christmas holiday is coming to an end. I have really enjoyed the break.
This time of year, for me, is always a time of reflection. So, I thought I would share this with you.
Moving house and finding the joys of a log fire
When we moved into this home nearly three years ago, we found ourselves the owners of a log burning stove. Before the purchase I had asked the previous owners of the house how they had found it: ” we only lit it once to check it worked. You don’t need it – the house is warm enough.”
OK! Thing is, carbon footprint wise, the fire is not a bad thing. So we sourced some logs and got the hang of lighting it.
We have at least one fire a week during the weekend. During a holiday (like this one), the fire is working alternative days (to be honest, there have only been a couple of days it was truly needed).
I did notice while I was first looking at the house the first few things, two air vents drilled into the fire surround to provide air to the fire (remember the fire triangle 😉 a fire needs, air, heat and fuel).
The previous owners were using some vases to fill in the holes while the fire wasn’t in use!
So?
I have been looking for some “hit and miss” vents to fit in the drilled holes. These vents allow the manual closure of the vents when air is not required. In the fireplace this would be ideal, preventing a draft when the fire was not being used but allowing easy opening when we want the warmth of the fire.
Typically, they are rectangular in shape and reasonably easy to get hold of for a tenner a piece. Our holes were definitely round. The sailing fraternity were one source I found on-line but really wanted to see before I bought.
I found some, this year, in Fox’s Chandlers in Ipswich.
They are called Butterfly Vents, when they are circular. They either protrude out or are countersunk.
Protruding ones are the mainstay in this area – for the fireplace, countersunk ones were the ideal and they are large holes.
The difference in price is amazing. From under a tenner for a protruding one to times times that for a countersunk.
Still, at least I now have a pair :).
Posted: January 3rd, 2016 under 42.