Lize van Wyk
Covers gas heaters, fireplaces and keeping a South African home warm through winter and load shedding.
Lize writes our heating guides: gas, oil and electric heaters, open and closed-combustion fireplaces, gas fireplaces, patio heaters and chimneys.
She focuses on the numbers that matter in a South African winter: how big a heater a room needs, what it costs to run on LPG versus Eskom, and what still works when the power is off. Installation and safety rules are checked against SANS standards and manufacturer manuals.
Writes about
- Gas & electric heaters
- Fireplaces & closed combustion
- Running costs & load shedding
- Chimneys & installation
Every fire.co.za guide follows our editorial standards: no paid placements, prices from retailers' own sites, and safety advice checked against official sources.
Guides by Lize (8)
Fireplace guide: types of fireplaces for SA homes
Open, closed combustion, gas or bioethanol? Compare types of fireplaces, built-in vs freestanding, efficiency, chimney basics and the approvals you may need.
Lize van Wyk · 9 min read
Gas heater guide: choosing the best gas heater in SA
Radiant, blue flame or catalytic? Compare gas heater types, size one for your room, work out LPG running costs and know the safety features to insist on.
Lize van Wyk · 12 min read
Chimney sweep guide: how often and how to clean a fireplace
Why chimneys need sweeping, how often, the warning signs of soot and creosote build-up, DIY fireplace cleaning steps and when to call a chimney sweep.
Lize van Wyk · 8 min read
Closed combustion fireplace guide: wood stoves explained
How closed combustion fireplaces and wood stoves work, why they heat better than open fires, how to size one, flue and installation rules, and local brands.
Lize van Wyk · 8 min read
Gas fireplace guide: flued vs vent-free, CoC and costs
Flued or vent-free gas fireplace? How each type works, room-size and ventilation rules, installation and the gas CoC, running-cost maths and what to check.
Lize van Wyk · 8 min read
Gas heater safety: carbon monoxide, ventilation and ODS
How to use an indoor gas heater safely: carbon monoxide warning signs, ventilation, ODS sensors, cylinder handling, leak tests and the rules you never break.
Lize van Wyk · 9 min read
Oil heater vs gas heater: which is better for your home?
Oil heater or gas heater? How each works, the kWh formula for running costs, what happens in load shedding, and which suits bedrooms, lounges and open plans.
Lize van Wyk · 9 min read
Patio heater guide: gas and electric outdoor heaters
Mushroom, pyramid or wall-mounted electric? How to choose a patio heater, how far the heat reaches, wind and roof clearances, and the safety rules that matter.
Lize van Wyk · 9 min read