Problems that followed the installation of new fireplaces at a beautiful Georgian lodge in Halifax have been solved by the installation of two Exhausto chimney fan systems.  Fitted to create a reliable and controllable chimney draught above two recently installed coal-effect open gas fires, the Exhausto chimney fan systems have a unique fail-safe feature that shuts off the gas supply to the fire should the chimney become blocked or damaged.

The present owners, Mr. & Mrs. Lawrence, has been planning a major refurbishment for 10 years.  Work began in early 2007, as part of the refit, they asked a local fireplace business to supply and install new fireplaces and coal-effect gas fires in their dining room and drawing room.  This proved a disaster.  The supplier miscalculated the ratio of fireplace area to flue diameter.  When the fires were lit, a complete lack of chimney draught, mainly the result of the miscalculation, caused the fires to discharge fumes into the rooms.  As Christmas 2007 approached, the gas fires were unusable.  The supplier suggested various quick fixes, including glass panels to reduce the fireplace area – “We were unhappy that the whole design of fireplace and room was being compromised”, said Mr. Lawrence.

The Lawrence’s contacted Artisan Fireplaces in nearby Brighouse, and Artisan Director Gary Hegginbottom visited in the last few days of December to survey the problem.  He quickly realized that the fireplace area/flue diameter ratio was wrong.  The survey also revealed that the close proximity of other buildings and the many trees surrounding Norfolk Lodge made it unlikely that a reliable natural chimney draught could be sustained in either chimney with a wide fireplace fitted.

The solution was to install Exhausto chimney fan systems to provide a guaranteed draught. As well as ensuring that fumes and combustion products – including any possible carbon monoxide contamination - go safely up the chimney, Exhausto chimney fan systems for gas fires turn off the gas supply to the fire if the chimney becomes obstructed.  As soon as the chimney is clear, and the fan can draw a proper draught up the chimney, the gas supply is restored and the gas fire can be lit as normal. The Exhausto chimney fan system is the only one available that has a fully certified fail-safe capability. The Lawrence’s visited the Artisan showroom and saw an Exhausto chimney fan system working there.  “We liked the fact that the fan was compact and unobtrusive” said Mr. Lawrence. They asked Artisan to go ahead with the installation, and have been delighted with the result. “Gary was superb – we had lost confidence in the previous supplier – and Gary and Paul at Artisan were so reassuring and helpful” said Mrs. Lawrence.  “They installed both systems in just one day and now we get a good fire, with no fumes and no problems”.