INSTALL A FIRE WITH FUNCTION AND FORM

Heating solutions can form part of your home’s overall wow factor – especially if you consider making your fireplace a feature

Oneway to keep your home cosy, make a great use of space and upgrade your entertainment system all at the same time is to construct a fireplace within a media wall. Media walls are one of the hottest interior trends just now, creating a stunning focal point with their ultra-sleek appearance. With a range of different styles to choose from, they are customisable to suit your interior, for an entirely personal solution.

Andy Hitchman, managing director of Solution

Fires, shared with Shire some of the top reasons why media walls are becoming a staple in modern homes.

Made to measure

“Whether you wish to create an impact across a large living room wall, or are after a more intimate bedroom installation, media walls are highly versatile and can be installed in any room of the home. You also have free rein when choosing where to place your installation, as there is no need for a chimney.

“Within the Solution Fires LUX range you can choose between six different sizes of media wall fire – the LUX75, 100, 125, 150, the new LUX175 and the LUX200 – meaning it has never been easier to create a warm, glowing appeal, no matter the size of your space.”

Essential storage

“Media walls also help to maximise space and conceal clutter by encapsulating all of your multi-media appliances, such as games consoles, TV recording boxes, and even surround-sound speaker bars neatly in one place. Larger installations, which may take up an entire wall, offer the possibility of adding stylish inset shelves for storage and display. Spotlighting prized artwork or treasured family photos in this way further enhances the personalised feel of your space.”

Fabulous finishing touches

“Some of the most popular ways to customise your media wall and introduce ambient lighting include:

• Inset shelf spotlights – gorgeously subtle for a sleek finish

• LED strip lights behind the TV – ideal for creating that cinematic glow, with numerous customisable colour options

• Scene lighting – powered directly from the fire and independently controlled, an easy and efficient way to add another visual dimension to your suite.”

Explore the Solution Fires range at Fires & Stoves, Liverpool Road, Backford, Chester CH1 6PF or see www.firesandstoveschester.co.uk

DON’T GET YOUR FINGERS BURNED

New rules around burning mean homeowners could feel the heat of a fine if they don’t get their fuel right, say the experts at HETAS

Homeowners across the nation are encountering fines of up to £300 for breaching air pollution regulations. New government directives empower local authorities to levy immediate penalties on individuals who violate smoke-control regulations, drawing authority from the 2021 Environment Act. Highlighting the significance of this development, HETAS, a not-forprofit organisation specialising in biomass and fuel heating, is advocating for responsible fuel consumption among owners of wood-burning stoves.

Bruce Allen, HETAS chief executive said: “When purchasing solid fuel, it's essential for consumers to seek the Ready to Burn logo, guaranteeing fuel certification with moisture content below 20 percent. Burning damp wood yields five times more emissions compared to the use of certified fuel. Additionally, proper storage of wood fuel is crucial to maintain its integrity. Adequate ventilation and elevation off the ground are key factors in preventing decay.”

The DEFRA Ready to Burn certification scheme reflects the commitment of both non-profit entities to fostering cleaner and safer fuel choices. Selecting fuels endorsed as Ready to Burn ensures adherence to the Air Quality (Domestic Solid Fuels Standards) (England) Regulations 2020, which prohibit the sale of wet wood and house coal – among the most pollutant sources. For those seeking comprehensive guidance on cleaner and safer solid fuel usage within their homes, resources are available at see www.hetas.co.uk and www.woodsure.co.uk

All our firewood is sourced from sustainable UK woodlands and are naturally seasoned over 18 months.This ensure our logs hold an average moisture content of just 20%.

NORTH WALES LARGEST FAMILY RUN AND NEWLY REFURBISHED SHOWROOM DISPLAYING ALL THE LATEST TECHNOLOGY AND DESIGN IN GAS AND ELECTRIC FIRES

MEET UP WITH AND DISCUSS YOUR NEEDS WITH OUR OWN IN HOUSE GAS SAFE REGISTERED ENGINEER who is in the Showroom Fridays and Saturdays.

HIS WORK INVOLVESINSTALLATION OF ALL FIREPLACES, GAS FIRES, ELECTRIC FIRES, INCLUDING GAS LINERS, PLASTERING, TILING, JOINERY, AND ALL BUILDING WORK REQUIRED. PLUS THE COMPLETE INSTALLATION OF A MEDIA WALL.