Frequently Asked Questions - Gas Fires

Which brands of gas fire do you sell?

We are the area’s main dealer for Gazco, Bellfires, Paragon and Infinity gas fires. We also sell Chesneys, Gazco, Dovre and Jotul gas stoves.

We have carefully selected our portfolio, from top of the range brands, to ensure that we have options to suit every taste, budget and property.

If you have seen a different make of gas fire elsewhere which is not in our range, it is highly likely that we have an equivalent or a close alternative product – please ask!

I have an existing flue or chimney. Which type of gas fire can I have?

If you have an existing flue or chimney, you should look for a conventional flue gas fire. These fires use the natural circulation of heated air to draw the products of combustion out of the property. Existing conventional flues come in two main categories: Class 1 and Class 2.

What is a Class 1 flue?

A Class 1 flue is generally a traditional brick chimney, which was once used for an open fire. It usually has a minimum diameter of 7” (178mm). It is also possible to build a Class 1 flue into a new build property, usually using a pre-fabricated steel or masonry flue system.

Which gas fires are suitable for a Class 1 flue?

Nearly all conventional flue gas fires can be fitted to a Class 1 flue. These include both open and glass fronted models, in traditional inset and modern hole-in-the-wall styles, plus gas baskets (DFE fires) and conventional flue gas stoves. However, note that if your chimney has deteriorated, it must be lined with a stainless steel flexible liner to make the flue safe. It is also often possible to fit many of the large balanced flue gas fires into a conventional Class 1 flue, by using two flexible liners to create a balanced flue system.

What is a Class 2 flue?

Many modern homes built since the 1970s have Class 2 flues. This would normally fall into one of two types: a metal pre-fabricated flue with a 5” (125mm) diameter, terminating in a metal gas cowl on the roof; or a pre-cast flue, sometimes called a ‘letterbox’ flue, with dimensions of 90mm x 183mm, terminating in a raised ridge terminal on the roof.

Which gas fires are suitable for a Class 2 flue?

A wide range of gas fire models have been specially designed to be suitable for Class 2 flues. These include both open and glass fronted models, in traditional inset and modern hole-in-the-wall styles. However, balanced flue fires or gas baskets (DFE fires) are not suitable for a Class 2 flue.

I have no existing flue or chimney. Can I still have a gas fire?

Yes. If you have a suitable external wall on which to install a fire, you can choose from a wide range of balanced flue gas fires. In some cases it is also possible to installed a balanced flue system vertically up through the property, terminating through the roof.

What are balanced flue gas fires?

Balanced flue fires are specially designed for homes with no chimney. The fire has a glass front, while the balanced flue consists of concentric flue pipes, one inside the other. This creates a sealed system, where the outer flue pipe draws air into the appliance, while the products of combustion are expelled through the inner flue pipe.

What size are the balanced flue fires?

Balanced flue fires are available in every shape, size and style imaginable, ranging from traditional 16” inset fires to stylish and contemporary landscape hole-in-the-wall fires. Balanced flue gas versions of freestanding stoves (both traditional and contemporary) are also available.

How much work would need to be done on my house to have a balanced flue gas fire?

It is possible to have a 16” balanced flue gas fire installed into a deep rebated fireplace surround, which can then be fitted to a flat external wall, with virtually no building work at all – we would just need to drill a hole through your wall for the rear exit flue. In contrast, some of the larger balanced flue gas fires would need a false chimney breast to be constructed to house the fire. We can also carry out this work, if required.

What size of gas fire do I need for my room?

In order to heat your room to a comfortable temperature, you should aim for an appliance which gives 1kW of heat output for every 14 cubic metres of room space. Measure your room in metres (width x length x height) to find how many cubic metres of space you have, then divide this figure by 14. This is the maximum kW output you need.

I do not have a gas supply to my property. Can I still have a gas fire?

Yes. Virtually all gas fires are available in LPG versions in addition to natural gas. Providing you have a safe location to store the gas bottles to comply with regulations, you can have a gas fire.

How efficient are gas fires?

This depends very much on the type of appliance chosen. Some of the more advanced gas fires have virtually invisible glass panels in front of the flames, which allow them to reach efficiencies of up to 89%. This means that just 11% of the heat output is disappearing up the flue, making them very cost effective to run. If you prefer not to have a glass front on your fire, you can still reach efficiencies of up to 60%, for example with the Gazco Logic Convector. Other types of gas fire, such as gas fire baskets, are known as DFE (Decorative Fuel Effect) fires, and intended to be used for effect only, not as heating appliances. Subsequently, they have efficiencies of only around 20%, and only a negligible heat output.

Do I need an air brick in my room in order to have a stove?

If your property has been built after 2008, you will need an air vent into the room for any gas fire. If your property was built before 2008, then you will only need an air vent if the gas fire has an input of over 7kW.

Can I put a flat screen TV above a gas fire?

There are a few gas fire models which can be installed with a TV above the fire. These are generally open fronted fires, such as the Gazco Studio Open Fronted, which have a very low heat output and are intended for decorative effect, rather than as a heating appliance. Generally, it is not possible to install a TV above a glass fronted fire, because the wall gets so hot that it could damage your TV.

Most gas fires have a remote control option. What does the remote do?

The remote controls come in a number of different categories, which vary according to which fire you choose. Some remotes just turn the fire on and off, and up and down, but require the pilot light to be permanently lit. Some other remotes are known as ‘sequential’, and will even light the pilot for you. There are also highly advance remote controls available, which incorporate a timer and thermostat – so you can set your fire to come on before you get home, or set the room to a desired temperature, which the remote will monitor for you and adjust your fire accordingly! Note that not all remote types are available for all fires.

What kind of guarantee do I get with my gas fire?

Gazco fires come with a 1 year guarantee, which can be extended to 5 years if you buy from an authorised dealer such as ourselves. Paragon fires have a 3 year guarantee, and Barbas fires have a 10 year guarantee. These guarantees are subject to conditions, for which you should refer to each manufacturer’s individual instructions. You must have your gas fire serviced annually to keep your warranty valid, and the guarantee does not cover consumable parts (for example, thermocouples, oxypilots, fuel effect components, glass).

Do you have gas fires on display in your showroom?

Yes, we have over 20 gas fires in our showroom, the vast majority of which are on ‘live’ working display. The fires are a representative selection of the products in our range, including 16” fires, larger balanced flue built-in fires, hole-in-the-wall gas fires and gas stoves.

Do you keep gas fires in stock?

With such a broad product range, and each individual model having a number of options, gas fires are generally ordered in once you have confirmed your order with us. We may occasionally keep some core products in stock, and it is also worth checking our special offers section for ex-display or other models at a reduced price.

Do you install gas fires?

Yes. We work in conjunction with Gas Safe registered heating engineers to carry out any required gas work, such as connecting and commissioning a new gas appliance, or moving gas pipes. The engineers we work with are from well known and reputable local businesses, and are experienced in dealing with our products. However, if you prefer, you can also arrange for your own gas engineer to carry out your gas work.

Can I just buy a gas fire from you and have it fitted by someone else?

Yes. We are more than happy to ‘supply only’, but please ensure your installation is carried out by a Gas Safe Registered engineer. A gas fire installation is not a ‘do-it-yourself’ job – and any mistakes made in installation will invalidate your warranty.

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