Babnik Posted November 15, 2004 Share Posted November 15, 2004 We have 2 very large, ornate and I think beautiful open fireplaces in our Charentaise. My wife thinks we should leave them as they are and use them as is. I think that they're going to be very inefficient, and you're going to lose a lot of heat upwards. You can actually get in the fireplace and see the sky they're so big. Anyone got any ideas? Previous owner had a woodburning stove in one of them, but it looked out of place to me! (btw this will NOT be the only source of heat, more ornamental really!!)Steve Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dick Smith Posted November 16, 2004 Share Posted November 16, 2004 UNBELIEVABLY inefficient! We got fed up with heating Lower Normandy and put in a woodburner. It made a fantastic difference and looks OK. There are a number of designs (especially Godin) which are specifically made for that purpose. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GRT17 Posted November 16, 2004 Share Posted November 16, 2004 I would agree wholeheartedly with Dick. There are some beautiful ornate stoves around. Check out Godin, Oliger and Jotul to name a few.Where are you living in the Charente / Charente Maritime?Good luck Gill Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Babnik Posted November 17, 2004 Author Share Posted November 17, 2004 At the moment we're renting near Rochefort, but the house we've bought is south of Jonzac!Back to the fireplace...it seems a shame to me to put in a wood burner...but we may end up doing that!Steve Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GRT17 Posted November 17, 2004 Share Posted November 17, 2004 If you have other heating (pos. C.H.?) then maybe you only need to light the fire occasionally. Perhaps there is some way of temporarily blocking the chimney when not in use to exclude the draught.If you are passing near Pons (17) then do call at "Mercier" on the outskirts. They have some lovely stoves and fireplaces and I am sure they would advise.Gill Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Frenchy Posted November 17, 2004 Share Posted November 17, 2004 I agree with GRT17. If you have other means to heat the house, what a shame to put a wood burner in a beautiful authentic fireplace. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Babnik Posted November 17, 2004 Author Share Posted November 17, 2004 There definitely will be CH, so it's not going to be the only source of heat....my only worry is that it's basically a great big hole for heat to get out (Chimney). I'm not sure what would happen when it rains either!!Steve Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GRT17 Posted November 17, 2004 Share Posted November 17, 2004 [quote]There definitely will be CH, so it's not going to be the only source of heat....my only worry is that it's basically a great big hole for heat to get out (Chimney). I'm not sure what would happen when...[/quote]SteveI have found a website address which might be worth a look www.chimneyballoon.comThe chimney could (should?) have a little sort of cap fitted above it and this would prevent rain coming in.If you want tolook at some lovely stoves, go to www.thorstoves.comGillp.s. I have sent you a message Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dick Smith Posted November 17, 2004 Share Posted November 17, 2004 [quote]There definitely will be CH, so it's not going to be the only source of heat....my only worry is that it's basically a great big hole for heat to get out (Chimney). I'm not sure what would happen when...[/quote]When you heat the room Miss Warmair will leave through the chimney, only to be replaced by Mr Draught and the Chilly Breezes. When it rains the rain will come down the chimney, along with soot, tar, bird droppings and dropping birds. It may look wonderful, but sophisticated it ain't.When we had a straight-up chimney we had to sweep up in front of it every morning, not to mention the fallout from the fire... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Normandie_Bou Posted November 18, 2004 Share Posted November 18, 2004 I have a large open fire and after much umming and arghhing I decided against a woodburning stove mainly for asthetic reasons. I had "une plaque de chiminee interieur" and "un chapeau de chiminee" fitted. The first is a flat piece of metal fitted inside the chimney which can be opened and closed by use of springs and a chain. The second is a concrete slab supported on 4 legs that sits on top of the chimney stopping the rain coming in. Both work well and when the fire isn't in use stop the draughts brilliantly.Jac Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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