Gas Fires - Information For The UK Consumer

When it comes to Gas fires there is a huge range of fires to choose from. There are literally hundreds of different gas fires made by a myriad of companies. So where do you start? Well the first thing is to know what type of gas fire is suitable for your home. This will depend primarily on your flue system. If you haven't done already, check out the 'information about chimneys' section to identify which type of chimney you have, and what type of fire is suitable for your home.

Below are examples of gas fires and there characteristics and the type of chimney they are suited too.

If you have mains gas supply to your home then you will be looking for a natural gas fireplace. However if you do not have a natural gas then you will require a gas fire that is designed for Liquid Petroleum Gas otherwise know as LPG. Many fires are available as an LPG option for the same price or a little more. However remember to specify the LPG option when ordering as a natural gas fire should not be run on LPG! It is also worth pointing out that you need to employ the services of a Corgi Registered Gas Installer to install your gas fire and if you are installing an LPG gas fireplace then the Corgi Installer should be certified for LPG.

If you are in any doubt about the current legislation applicable to Gas Fires you can get free advice from:
The CORGI Website or by telephoning Corgi 0870 401 2200
The Health and Safety Executive Gas Safety Website or telephoning their free
Gas Safety Advice Line 0800 300363

The 16 x 22 inset fire is the standard gas fire to the UK gas fire industry. Most fireplaces are designed to accommodate this particular size of fire. The Fireplace will normally have a one piece back panel with a 16 x22 inch pre cut opening, or it will be a three piece back panel which are referred to as 'slips' which are adjustable to accommodate the fire by slipping them upto it. The fire is inset into this opening and the chimney recess and a ' trim and fret' attached to provide the finishing look.

These types of inset gas fires are available for Class 1, Class 2 and Precast chimney systems. Options include open fronted or glass fronted,Natural Gas or LPG, Powerflue or Balanced Flue and even Flueless. This is the biggest gas fire range.

The' HotRock Heatwave' Gas Fire Shown with a Balmoral fire surround in Marfil Stone. Both available from our online shop. The Heatwave is a 'multiflue' fire. Suitable for Class 1 , Class 2, and precast chimneys. LPG option available.

The Pine Victorian Corbel with a traditional tiled cast iron insert. This insert has it's own dedicated Gas Fire to give the look of a solid fuel fire without the mess associated with it. The fireplace surround and the cast iron insert and gas fire are available as a pakckage from our online shop

Modern fuel effect technology, modern fascia options and excellent glow have made the HotRock Heatwave Powerflue an instant hit with the modern homeowner. Designed for those homes without a chimney this Modern Powerflue is available as a rear venting or side venting option. So even if you are not on an outside wall you can still have a natural gas fire. Both options available from our online shop

Cast Iron Grates can be fitted with gas fires. Each grate will have it's own dedicated gas fire that will be shaped and sized to fit the cast iron grate. However in the gas damper for the cast back needs to be fitted open, or left out completely which allows heat to escape up the chimney. This heat loss causes reduced efficiency of the gas fire as a primary heat source. However the heat effect of the fire can be maximised by ensuring that when the fireplace is fitted the engineer 'backfills' the fire with a cement and vermiculite mix. This will provide good heat insulation properties. And should be done as standard

If you are in any doubt about the current legislation applicable to Gas Fires you can get free advice from:
The CORGI Website or by telephoning Corgi 0870 401 2200
The Health and Safety Executive Gas Safety Website or telephoning their free Gas Safety Advice Line 0800 300363

---

---

---

Click the links below for more information on these products...

Wall Fires | Balanced Flue | Powerflue | Flueless Fires

The Gas Tiger Stove from the Gallery Collection of fireplaces. Shown here with the Americana cook top range.

Combination Casts can be fitted with gas fires. Each grate will have it's own dedicated gas fire that will be shaped and sized to fit the cast iron grate. Bedroom fireplaces can be fitted with gas fires but they must conform with current legislation. Like the cast grates each combination fireplace will have it's own dedicated gas fire. The fire will suffer from heat loss for the same reasons as cast iron grates (left) So once again ensure that the engineer is going to backfill your fireplace with a cement/vermiculite mix. Vermiculite costs about £15.00 per bag (trade) and cement £3.00 per bag. Easily enough to fit a fireplace properly! Therefore don't be fobbed of by being told it is too expensive!

Fire baskets can also be fitted with gas fires. Each basket will have it's own dedicated gas fire. Fire baskets with gas fires should only be treated as decorative. Most of the heat generated by a basket fire will disappear up the chimney! So you should have an alternate heat source such as central heating if you intend to purchase a fire basket with gas fire. The Limestone Surround is available from our online shop.