Setting trends in comfort

Press, 27 July 1989, Page 26

Setting trends in comfort

Wood, one of New Zealand’s vital regenerative natural fuel resources, is setting trends for lifestyle and comfort in many homes throughout Canterbury.

As a readily available clean-burning and efficient energy source, wood has been used to feed cast iron stoves, heaters and fireplaces for hundreds of years.

Some of the solidly-built heaters and cookers serving New Zealand pioneers still function today.

Only technology has stepped in to change the image of the stove that our grandmothers used to cook on.

Today, offerings of solid fuel heaters and cookers vary from the simple to the ornate, from cast-iron finish to vitreous enamel. Products in different shapes and sizes are designed as much to suit decor fancies as to provide a selection of performance functions and expectations. Whatever the choice, homeowners are being encouraged to seek out experience and take advantage of professional advice that is available on matters of decor and function.

It is important that people installing solid fuel heaters not only feel com-

fortable with the style of their unit for home decor purposes, but also that the final choice is going to achieve the performance standards desired.

Once style has been chosen, the buyer should be looking at what the special requirements are to meet home comfort needs.

Such questions that need to be answered include: Do all the rooms need to be heated? Is additional water-heating required? Is there space to air clothes?

Once these questions are answered, then the correct solid fuel heater can be bought.