Depending on where you live in Australia, when the winter hits, you either feel thankful that you have a fireplace installation Melbourne in your home, or you wish you had one. During the cold season, nothing can give you comfort like snuggling up in front of a fire with a blanket with a hot drink or a nice book to read, or both. In some areas of Australia, winter means they only have to bring out light sweaters or jumpers to stay warm. But in certain Australian states where weather can be extreme, they’d need multiple layers of winter clothing to stay alive even when indoors. Modern heaters or air conditioning systems may have been what many people resort to in order to keep warm, but there’s nothing like a fireplace for setting the mood inside your home, while providing that much-needed heat.
This article will provide you some insights on what things to consider when buying a fireplace for your home, the cost, and other things you need to know to sufficiently equip yourself with know-how on fireplace installation Melbourne.
Things to Consider Before Buying a Fireplace
Buying a fireplace is not a small decision to make. Aside from the amount of work it would entail to fit into your home setting, a fireplace itself doesn’t come cheap. You can’t just buy it blindly and throw it away in your garage if you find it unpleasant later on. When buying a fireplace, consider that you will have it for a long time. So, there are a few things to consider before you finalise your decision of having one for your home, such as:
Type of Fireplace – First off, the fuel type you choose will have an impact on the installation procedure, initial cost, and maintenance expenses of a fireplace. This is in addition to the cost incurred by the specific style and design you may choose to match your home’s interiors. However, your options may be limited if you’re buying a fireplace for an old house. On the other hand, if you’re building a house from the ground up, it’s important to consult with an expert to determine the right fireplace suitable for your house and that the installation complies with safety regulations.
Purpose of Fireplace – At this point, you should know why you need a fireplace and why you’re willing to spend money for it. Are you buying it for the warmth, the looks it will give the interior of your house, or as a feature to boost marketability if you ever decide to sell your home? In terms of initial cost, there may be cheaper options if you’re just into heating your home, but having a fireplace installation Melbourne is just hard to beat for the aesthetic benefits it gives your home.
Cost of Fireplace – Of course, for most purchases, money is always a factor. The budget often dictates which brands or models of a certain product are in your shortlist, and you make your decision from there. Fireplaces generally are quite costly, but some fireplace types are less so than others. For example, freestanding units are less expensive than built-in ones, and ethanol heaters are less expensive to install than wood heaters. It’s also important to be aware of the installation costs, so you don’t get surprised by the final payment.
Cost of a Fireplace
With several factors influencing the final price, it’s often difficult to get a set pricing for a fireplace. The cost of the unit alone can vary from a few hundred dollars to some thousands, depending on the type, brand, and model – and that doesn’t even include the cost of installation and ventilation. To get a more accurate price on a good deal, you need to check the shops around and get your house measured.
Installing a Fireplace
When installing a fireplace in your home, there are some rules and regulations that must be adhered to, as mandated by authorised governing bodies. The reason overall is safety. This also applies to fireplaces that are already built-in to the house. One of the requirements is that a fireplace installation Melbourne and supervision must be by a qualified professional who specialise in this type of work. There may be other requirements you need to be aware of, so better check with a professional before purchasing a fireplace. This way, you are sure of getting the best fireplace unit for your house that is also certified as safe.
The Need for Chimney for a Fireplace
Depending on the type of fuel burned, a chimney or ventilation system isn’t always required for a fireplace. Traditionally, a ventilation system is only required for fireplaces that produce smoke and fumes, such as wood and gas fireplace. On the other hand, ethanol and electric fireplaces do not really require a chimney, unless installed for aesthetic purposes.
If your fireplace has a chimney or plan to install one, make sure to regularly clean and maintain it, especially if you haven’t used your fireplace in a long time. Otherwise, a poorly maintained chimney will pollute your house with smoke or fumes.
Where to Buy a Fireplace
You can buy a fireplace from any of the fireplace retail stores. Delivery and fireplace installation Melbourne to your home are often offered to be included in the sale – a deal which you should find convenient and should consider. Smaller freestanding fireplaces, such as wood heaters, can be found at some outdoor entertainment and heating stores.