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Restoring an open fire - help???

  • 14-11-2013 8:27pm
    #1
    zipee
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 158 ✭✭


    So I got my gas fire taken out (by gas plumber). It is a 1950's house. I now have this metal piece in the centre near top of opening. I assume it is a damper. I vaguely remember the term from young childhood but I thought we had a back boiler then.

    I don't remember how they work just my mam telling to make sure it was open. In my last house I didn't have a damper just a fire back. Do I need this damper? The actual fire opening seems small. Could I take out damper bit & make actual fire opening bigger?

    Who would do this sort of thing? I don't want to go to a fireplace crowd as they charge a fortune. Any advice is welcome as I am clueless. I have tried to attach a photo.

    Thanks


Comments

  • #2
    recedite
    Closed Accounts Posts: 13,992 ✭✭✭✭recedite


    You don't need a bigger opening, it only burns more fuel and lets in a cold draught when the fire is not lit.
    If its a damper, slide it out to reduce the opening now while you are not using the fire. Less cold draughts.
    If the whole back piece is metal, its an obsolete back boiler, so just leave it.
    The best thing now is to fit a glass fronted stove there. Its much more efficient than an open fire, and there are no draughts when its not lit.


  • #3
    zipee
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 158 ✭✭zipee


    Thanks for reply. Maybe it is a back boiler actually. Stove is on my wish list but won't be this year. Just moved in. House is old and freezing - no insulation & heating is temperamental. Money is just not there to do much right now so I had hoped if I could use it as an open fire this winter it would keep kids toasty.

    So one last question?? If it is a small opening will it heat room as well as a fire in a larger opening? It is a big room to heat about 11ft x 18ft which includes a badly built extension (drafty). Or would I be better to get back boiler out & make larger opening??

    I am doing all the cheap things like draught excluders, heavy curtains, etc. I know it's not ideal but lovely house & will be worth it all in time!!!


  • #4
    recedite
    Closed Accounts Posts: 13,992 ✭✭✭✭recedite


    zipee wrote: »
    If it is a small opening will it heat room as well as a fire in a larger opening?
    Yes.


  • #5
    zipee
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 158 ✭✭zipee


    recedite wrote: »
    Yes.

    Thanks for that :)


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