Recent content by Craig-H

OK so this is where I am... I've opened up the jambs by 100mm each side and I've lifted the lintel by one course of bricks. I don't intend to do anything with the back wall as I believe this is completely structural, but I believe I can make it work with a Charnwood Aire 4 and the rear 45 degree...

I'm not against the idea of heat pumps, just it's a bigger hurdle than I have time or money for leading into winter. Once everything's settled, I'll look into it properly. My impression (rightly or wrongly) was it works for new builds, but not for older properties. I think they all have wood...

It might be something I look into in the future once I finish renovating what I have. They still burn coal to make the electricity for your heat pump.

It would mean digging up the floor... I really don't want to chase any pipework through the house. For the moment at least I think the wood burner solution's the right solution... if I can make it work.

I feel lucky I'm on mains sewerage, let alone gas! We're going to need fires moving forwards, even coal is expected to be exhausted by 2060. Anthracite will be the first to go extinct...

This house isn't suitable for a heat pump IMO. It's a cold house in winter and the primary reason is the vaulted ceiling in the kitchen. Looks pretty, but it's certainly not warm. It takes a really long time to heat up, even with the radiators on full blast.

BTW... I don't have any intention of bricking up the chimney... at worst and from a charm perspective - it will go back to being a traditional fireplace.

You've got my brain whirling now... I think I might be able to source some free wood, although I'm not sure what trees are on his plot.

Quite right... :ROFLMAO: It sounds quite enticing when you think of it like that...

I've got a shed for the oil tank, so I can store quite a bit in there...

Blimey... I didn't realise how much wood costs. I've never really given it a great deal of thought, just picking up smaller bags when I need them and so you don't really appreciate the cost. I'll keep my eye out - thanks!

I really enjoyed the fireplace, but it just didn't kick out very much heat. I think they say 80% of the heat from a fire goes up the chimney and apparently only 20% goes up the chimney with a wood burner... That's a 60% gain from last winter and sounds like bliss! Hopefully I can source some...

I take your point, but I just want one. It's more than heat, they're endearing... inviting. I'll pursue it until I can't and if necessary have a rethink. I'm fairly tenacious... if it can be done - it will be. I hope to make some progress this week.

For sure... It's a cold house in the winter, so there's no lack of enthusiasm!

Of course... I want to get everything right. If there's a way to make this happen, I'll be certain to find it... (y)