Research On Methods Of Domestic Heating Started In N.Z.

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 14, Issue 84, 11 January 1950, Page 3

Research On Methods Of Domestic Heating Started In N.Z.

Amongst investigations to be carried out bjr research woi’kers in a recently opened laboratory is that on the efficiency of the traditional open fire. The Dominion Physical Laboratory of Scientific and Industrial Research have recently opened a new laboratory—the Domestic Heating Research Laboratory—in which scientists will investigate the efficiency of the forms of heating of our homes. One of the projects of research will, of course, be the domestic open fire. The open fireplace is notoriously inefficient as a contributor to domestic comfort. It is normally extremely wasteful of fuel; it requires an undue share of the housewife’s attention in fuelling, cleaning, and the consequential dusting; and it contributes appreciably to pollution of the air. It is defended, nevertheless, by a large proportion of people on the score of its cheerfulness, and on its being a most attractive focal point for family life and a distinct aid to friendly intercourse. Various modifications to the open fireplace have been developed abroad in recent years that aimed to mitigate or abolish its chief objections without completely eliminating the air of cheerfulness associated with the traditional fire. How far are these claims justified, especially when used with the various kinds of domestic fuels available in New Zealand? What is a reasonable level of efficiency to be expected from such devices; and how much more economical can we hope such devices to become if we agree to reduce our demands somewhat in regard to the cheerfulness of the completely open fire? These and related questions are amongst those under investigation at the new laboratory.