| Have you noticed an increasing in the number of | | | | But why are people specifically looking to install |
| houses that have fires installed? If you've looked | | | | electric fires? Why not use gas or maybe buy a |
| at any properties recently then you may have | | | | wood burner? There's no doubt that the flames |
| noticed that even newly built houses, flats and | | | | created from a wood burner are the most |
| apartments now often include electric fires. | | | | homely of all for many people. |
| Why has there been an increase in the popularity | | | | The answer really lies in the ease and cost of |
| of fires and of electric fires in particular? In this | | | | installation. A gas fires relies on a steady supply of |
| article we take a closer look at why people are | | | | gas to burn, which would not necessarily be |
| choosing to install electric fires. | | | | available in a large number of households. |
| It's clear that there is something pleasant about | | | | Wood burners and other solid fuel fires don't need |
| being heated by a fire and seeing the flames rising | | | | a mains supply of energy, but they do require a |
| in the room. Maybe it's because this has a more | | | | way to release the smoke and gases produced |
| natural feel than using a central heating system | | | | during burning. This would normally be done using |
| with radiators. | | | | a chimney. |
| No matter how you dress them up, the reality is | | | | If you don't already have a chimney or flue then |
| that radiators are pretty ugly. It makes sense | | | | installing a solid fuel burner is going to work out as |
| that people would want to remove them if they | | | | a much more expensive option than an electric |
| possibly could, particular from the living room, | | | | fire. |
| where it's common to entertain guests. | | | | It's clear that modern electric fires do a good job |
| So this helps to explain why fires are increasing in | | | | of replicating traditional stoves and are much |
| popularity - they are seen as a commodity that | | | | easier to install. Some can simply be stood against |
| people want to have around the house. They are | | | | an existing wall. |
| attractive and can be used to create a nice | | | | The fact that they are relatively cheap to buy |
| atmosphere within a room, impressing guests and | | | | and easy to put in place helps to explain why |
| also potentially adding value to the home. | | | | electric fires have become so popular. |