18
May 2018
TARANAKI FARMING LIFESTYLES
W H O YO U G O I N G T O C A L L ? ?
Fire season ready
by Ann Morgan
Creating an atmosphere of warmth and comfort during the colder months with a roaring fire is something that has been enjoyed by many Kiwi families for generations.
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Making sure you enjoy a toasty, warm, dry home when the frosts and rain kick in means taking care of few jobs in advance. If you have a fireplace, collecting or purchasing wood is one job that needs to be taken care of early enough to ensure dry burning fuel, or you can source a modern appliance such as a heat pump. Either way the entire process, from logs to embers, or clicking the switch is often covered by local specialists. Living in a rural area, there is always the option of taking down old, unwanted or dangerous trees but the cost of tools to accomplish the task may mean hiring an arborist or contractor is more beneficial, not just for cost saving but also safety. If you decide to do it yourself, ensure you have a good chainsaw, and the size, power, sharpness of the chain and weight are all correct for the job at hand. Talk to the experts at your local dealership as they often advise homeowners, farmers, and forestry professionals on the best products available. Don’t forget the safety gear,
including glasses, ear protection, chaps, gloves and safety helmet as well. It is possible to turn leftover waste into valuable mulch and chip for garden beds and using a portable chipper with a petrol engine, should be all you need for the farm or lifestyle block. These generally chomp through brush and twigs with ease, again, ensure you know the safety regulations as you don’t want to lose a finger. A variety of mechanical and electrical splitters are also available to quarter wood, which then needs to be stacked in a dry place to help you get the most warmth out of your fuel.
Remember the fireplace itself, needs to be swept and checked by a qualified chimney sweep, a member of the NZ Home Heating Association or a licensed plumber. Failure to do so could void your insurance, so an annual check is always best. The old-fashioned portable gas heaters are no longer considered a safe system to use for many reasons. For options on electric heating systems, see your local heating specialists for advice. These are effective and keep houses and offices warm, dry and at an even temperature all winter long.
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