October 11th, 2010
The new fireplace suites by Duropa are the Handover and the Stofia. These suites come as a package that include the fire, mantle surround, back panel and hearth. The suites have been designed to suite most homes as they both come with a large variety of components that selectable and these choices are not usually available when purchasing a complete suite.
Both the Handover suite and Stofia Suite have mantle surrounds that come in a natural oak finish that are available in a choice of sizes, either 54inch or48 inch. The size refers to the mantle shelf width, and whichever one is selected will have a hearth width that is the same size in width. The back panel and hearths that come with the suite are available in either a black granite or beige micro marble finish.
Duropa have, quite uniquely, provided the option with these suites to select what type of fire you would like from a large range of styles and effects, most noticeably the choice of either a gas or electric fire.
The Stofia and the Handover suites start to differ a little when the fires come into play, the Stofia has a large selection of cast iron, traditionally styled inset fires, while the Hanover has the more modern styled fire with brass or chrome effect finishes.
Both have the electric option that also come with a battery operated remote control as standard and coal and pebble fuel effects are included as well. The electric suites can be used as freestanding suites, as they do not require to have a chimney or flue.
The natural gas fires that Duropa have supplied with these suites are available in a full depth or slimline version. The full depth version gives a greater heat output and is designed for use in a conventional chimney (class 1), while the slimline gas fire option allows the suite to be used in a chimney but also prefabricated flues too.
The Duropa Stofia Suite differs again from the Handover as it has low voltage down lights, or spotlights, as part of the suite. This addition adds an additional touch of class, and the control switch is neatly concealed by the mantle overhang. A lovely effect but be aware that these lights will need an additional electricity supply which may be overlooked when buying a gas version of the suite.
The Stofia and Handover suites by Duropa are available at very reasonable prices from all good fireplace suppliers and are a great option if you require a complete fire/surround suite.
October 9th, 2010
A recently published report from the Office for National Statistics, 40% of people admit that they have not taken any action to reduce the use of energy in the home. The National EPC Company also claim that many are still turning the other cheek when it comes to doing their part in the effort to stop climate change. I myself can admit to being guilty of this, I leave lights on when i’ve left the room and leave my TV on standby almost constantly! 
The National EPC Company was established in 2007 and currently supplies more that 85,000 Energy Performance Certificates (shown right) each year. The National EPC Company claim that 40% of the UK’s carbon dioxide emissions result from choices people make as individuals, with the majority of carbon dioxide coming from the home. It adds that the Office For National Statistics (ONS) report revealed that 56% of domestic energy is used for space. The Energy Saving Trust has estimated that the average property owner could save up to and over £300 annually on fuel bills by carrying out some of the basic recommendations outlined in the Energy Performance Certificate which shows how efficient a property is, as a building, it is then provided with an A to G rating depending on perfomance. An example of which can be found here.
Even simple measures such as wall insulation, draught excluders and double glazing can create huge reductions in the amount of energy used, the CO2 emissions and, more often than not, the most important factor, Money.
As the colder seasons draw closer and more and more people turn on their central heating and crowd aruond the open gas fire for heat, there is another appliance that can be made more efficient and also provide more heat into the room.
Another approach to saving energy is by replacing an old, inefficient open gas fire with a high efficiency gas fire then you can prevent the loss of most of the heat up the chimney and also reduce some of the problems of drafts that an open fire can create.
Fires such as the Flavel Caress HE gas fire provide the perfect solution to replacing an aging and in-efficient gas fire, This fire is ideal for a more traditional setting with the cast trim and the traditionl polished and black fret, but don’t be fooled by the traditional appearance, this fire uses high-quality and modern technology to provide a 4kW maximum heat output and a very impressive 89% efficiency rating, effectively doubling the efficiency of a normal open fronted gas fire, while retaining the traditional look and feel.
Anyone looking for a highly efficient, compact multifuel stove should start their search by looking at the Aga Little Wenlock Classic Multifuel stove, this little stove packs a punch with a nominal heat output of 4.7kW and, when burning wood is a market leader with an efficiency rating of up to 81%. The semi-traditional styling of the stove is coupled with a large viewing window that offers unrivaled views of the fire inside, while the styling means that even when the stove isnt burning fuel -and filling the room with that lovely orange glow from the fire- it is not an ugly stove, it doesnt sit squat and fat in the corner like many of the other traditional stoves. The Little Wenlock stands tall and proud and would certainly become a focal point in any living space.The little wenlock has the flexibility of either top or rear flue exits and is made of solid cast iron to offer outstanding quality.
For a more modern approach then something like the Verine Meridian would certainly be the way to go, this modern and contemporary gas fire does away with the traditional trim and fret combination, affording a large viewing window and uniterrupt
ed views of the realistic log fuel effect and dancing flame effect.
This modern fire boasts up to 87% efficiency with will pump out 4kW of heat energy and with the bronze & champagne or all champagne finishes create a very distinctive and european feel to this fire and features the choice of either black, brick or cream firebacks to suit with almost any interior styling.
