There’s no getting past it: Yorkshire is a pretty cold place to live. With the average temperature ranging from just 4°C in the winter to 16°C in the height of summer, it’s safe to say that you’re going to be spending the majority of the year indoors.
And when the weather is less than ideal outside, there’s nothing cosier than snuggling up by the fire in your Yorkshire home. If you don’t already have a fireplace, it’s well worth investing in one to make your winters not just bearable, but actually kind of enjoyable.
Here, we’re sharing everything you should consider when you’re choosing a fireplace for your cosy Yorkshire home.
Think About Your Home’s Age and Style
If you were charmed into buying a Yorkshire home that has distinctive features already, like stone walls and exposed beams, you’ll want to choose a more traditional fireplace that will blend in nicely with the existing design elements.
For example, if you’ve got a cottage or period property, a cast iron stove will look great in your home. But if you live in a modern terrace, a simple hearth or clean-lined surround will probably work better. Don’t restrict your choices! Browse a website like https://fireplace.co.uk/, which has plenty of different styles for you to choose from, so you should have no trouble finding a fireplace that feels like it belongs.
Choose The Right Fuel Type
We’re spoiled for choice with all the different fuel types available for fireplaces today. This in itself deserves a dedicated article as there’s so much to say about the pros and cons of each. But, in a nutshell, here are some of the most popular options:
- Wood burners, which give you real flames and that oh-so-alluring crackle, as well as a strong heat output. But they need regular cleaning and proper ventilation, not to mention somewhere to store logs.
- Gas fireplaces cost more upfront, but they’re easy to use and don’t need as much maintenance (they still require proper ventilation).
- If you want the look of a fire without the hassle of maintenance, you’ll probably prefer an electric fire that gives you flame effects at the press of a button. Just bear in mind it’s not as efficient at heating rooms.
No matter what fuel type you choose, you’ll have plenty of fireplace styles to choose from, so all fuel types can be suitable for a traditional Yorkshire home.
Check Your Chimney or Flue Setup
Finally, before you get your heart set on a particular fuel type, you’ll want to check that your chimney can take it—or that you’re happy to alter it as necessary.
If you’re living in an older home that hasn’t been renovated, it should still have an open chimney, giving you more options than if your chimney is sealed or you’re in a newer build (these typically don’t have a flue at all).
There’s no getting around the fact that wood burners and gas fires both have to have proper ventilation and need to be installed by a qualified engineer. If you discover that your chimney’s blocked or in poor condition, you’ll either need to fix it or go for a flueless option instead.
