Buying Gas Fires, Electric Fires and Woodburning Stoves in the UK

Once upon a time, an open fire was as much aElectric Fires
necessity as a treat, providing not only easyElectric fires have really moved on in recent
access down the chimney for Santa on his yearlyyears. They are now great value for money and
visit, but much-needed warmth to a chilly homehave all the benefits of a decorative gas fire.
too. The fireplace has transcended its oringinalThey´re also a great way to incorporate a fire
purely functional role as a heat provider to reachinto a room without a flue and are really easy to
its present position as the focal point in manyinstall. A world away from old-fashioned bar
interior design projects. With innovative andmodels, modern electric fires look good, but heat
regular features in lifestyle TV programmes andoutput can be limited.
magazines, the fireplace has become anFlueless Fires
aspirational furniture purchase designed to enhanceA relatively recent innovation, flueless fires don´t
any home. There´s a whole host of sexyfiresrequire a chimney as they use a catalytic
and stoves to choose from, but the kind offlueconverter to remove fumes. Flueless fires are an
you have will determine the type of appliance youexpanding market. The great thing is that none of
can install. Many homes don´t have aflue so firstthe heat is lost up a chimney, so they´re 100
find out whether you have one. If so, what typeper cent energy efficient, and they only use 25
of flue is it, and is it clean and sturdy? It needs toper cent of the gas consumed by other
be in a good state of repair to allow fumes todecorative models. Flueless fires require a
escape safely. A traditional chimney, or Class 1minimum room size and additional ventilation into
flue as it´s known (usually found in pre-Sixtiesthe room.
houses), gives the most heating options.StovesOnce the preserve of country cottages,
A Class 2 Pre-Fabricated Flue is a metal flue boxstoves are appearing in modern homes, thanks to
that is situated behind the fire connecting to anew, sleek, contemporary designs. Most use
series of metal flue pipes running up through thewood, a renewable source of energy and an
house terminating with a pipe and terminal througheco-friendly option, but some models can also be
the roof.fuelled by coal, gas or even electricity. There´s a
Class 2 Pre-Cast Flue are commonly found intrend towards woodburning stoves, the European,
more modern homes. Constructed using hollowrustic feel is becoming really popular. In terms of
concrete flue blocks which create a flue upthe size and output of your stove, choose one
through the property usually terminating with aslightly more powerful that you think you´ll need,
ridge vent on the roof.in case of a cold snap. But don´t assume that
If you don´t have a chimney, don´t worry! Youbigger is always better. You shouldn´t under-run
can still create that much needed focal point witha stove as this can cause problems, such as
a balanced flue, powerflue, flueless or electric fire.creating creosote and tar in the flue, which are
How much heat? Thankfully, the majority ofhighly flammable. As with other fires, get your
modern homes are now blessed with a sufficientflue checked to see whether it´s the right size
central heating system to ward off that winterand in good condition. If it isn´t, you can get a
chill and, as a result, many modern fires areliner fitted. An appliance is only as good as the flue
designed to be more decorative than to pumpit´s connected to.Modern stoves needn´t be in
out huge waves of warmth. Even so, the cosyan inglenook. They can be freestanding, sit proud
glow of real flames ensures that any form of firefrom a wall or even hang from the ceiling. If you
instantly becomes a focal point, not to mention ado have a large alcove, don´t automatically buy
real selling point.a huge stove to fill it. The size of the appliance
Solid-Fuel Firesshould be dictated by the size of the room, not
Nothing beats crackling logs or glowing coals on athe hole it fits into. If the stove sits on a surface,
cold winter night, but if you live in athat needs to be non-combustible and at least
smoke-controlled area, you´ll need to use5cm thick.
smokeless fuel and be prepared to clean theFireplaces
grate between fires. Also think about theSelect your surround Marble, limestone or cast
practicalities, ie: where are you going to buyiron; wall-mounted, traditional or contemporary -
seasoned wood or smokeless fuel, and how willthe fireplace you choose is very much down to
you store it? If wood or coal is your fuel ofpersonal taste, but do take into consideration the
choice, you could also opt for a stove. A Class 1style and period of your home when making your
flue is a necessity for solid fuel fires.decision. Scale and proportion are everything,
Gas Firesmake sure you go for a surround that sits well in
Gas fires can be fitted into most existingthe room, to ensure your scheme doesn´t feel
fireplaces, while a new hole-in-the-wall styleunbalanced. Luxury materials are becoming key in
fireplace can give a really modern look. Moving afireplaces design. Now stainless steel and aluminium
fire up off the floor creates a contemporary styleare the norm, designers are using surfaces such
statement and can work well in a period property.as mirror, bronze and stone, and finish is
There are gas fires available forall kinds of flues.all-important, too. It´s like investing in the
Remember, too, that all gas fires should be fittedbest-quality tailoring, but for your fireplace!
by a CORGI-registered installer.