Hi advice on using an open fire

[Imogen9876]

Hi we used to have a gas fire but taken out. Just the hole now so had chimney swept and smoke tested fine. But we would like to know how we can use it with just a grate/ log basket in side the hole.what surround can we put on that looks nice but fire safe too without it costing a lot of money . Any advice

Dont, under 20% efficient so will use loads of fuel.and make the room cold the rest of the time. Put an old pillow in a bin liner and stuff up the chimney until you.can afford a stove.

Any mn shriekers - go whine elsewhere, these are the facts and facts aren't rude.

We are going to eventually have a stove when can afford to. But would just like to use it occasionally in winter. I know all the bad points about waisted heat etc.. Just would like to see if anyone knows if we could just make a brick surround around the opening with a wooden beam high up for show for now so we can just burn a few logs on the grate inside the hole now and then. Is that safe to do as bricks are heat proof. Any advice would be helpful.

Don't care how much heat goes up the chimney - we love our open fire and wouldn't change it. In fact when we moved in we had a new fireback put in and a 'throat' formed to ensure that the fire had a good draw. That's probably what you need to do @Imogen9876 as otherwise you might find your chimney doesn't draw properly.

We have an open fire with a basket in it. We only use it on special occasions and have the pillow in the bin bag, up the flue for the rest of the time.
Before doing anything I’d get a chimney sweep, preferably a HETAS approved one. They’ll be able to advise you on your particular chimney.

I've had a sweep and the chimney is fine no leaks etc