Electric Fires, Power Flue Fires, Balanced Flue Fires and
Flueless Fires - Information and Advice for the UK Consumer
Many modern houses have been constructed without a chimney. This occurs
for a variety of reasons, not least of which is the cost saving factor for
the builder in terms of materials. Another reason is that it allows for rooms
to be designed smaller and furniture can be easily placed because one wall
isn't being taken up by a large chimney breast.
Whatever
the reasons and practicalities of the situation, the reality is that homeowners
have to rely on central heating as their only source of heat and the room is
missing the warm and comforting focal point of a welcoming fireplace. But fear
not there are several options available to the home owner who is looking to
bring a fireplace into their living space We have listed these below.
Option 1: Power Flue Gas Fire System
A powerflue fire has a small extractor fan fitted to the end of a metal flue
that leads from the gas fire to the outside wall. This fan extracts the fumes
gas fire and carries them to the outside air. The look is the same as a normal
living flame gas fire with an open burning bed and real flames. The cost of
a powerflue system is more than for the standard gas fire due to the extra
components required to make it function.
Some poweflue systems like the Corsair also have the option of being side
venting. This means that the fire does not need to be situated on an outside
wall. The square flue system can run along the skirting to an outside wall.
Ideal for those who live in terraced houses or apartments. These fires can
be fitted into most firesplace surrounds.
Option
2: Balanced Flue Gas Fire System
A balanced flue system is room sealed using a glass front. The fire is connected
to a special twin walled flue pipe that goes through the wall to the outside.
This twin walled flue allows clean air to be drawn from the outside down the
outer wall of the pipe whilst expelling burnt gasses out through the center
of the pipe. Balanced flue systems have the advantage that they can be installed
with much longer flues than the powerflue system as they are not reliant on
the fan system to extract the fumes.
Option
3: Flueless Gas Fires
The latest innovation in gas fire technology is the flueless gas fire. Utilising
a catalytic converter the glass fronted flueless gas fire re-burns the poisonous
gasses, and returns harmless emissions. The fire is therefore 100% efficient
and will result in less fuel being burnt making the long term running of the
appliance cheaper than the more traditional gas fires. Another very big plus
point for this fire is that it can be sited on any wall not necessarily an outside
wall. This obviously gives much more scope to you when you are designing your
room. At present the initial cost of the fires is more expensive and designs
are limited. However as more and more manufacturers take on the challenge of
designing flueless fires the designs will improve and prices will drop for the
standard gas fires. However with the freedom to design, there will be an upsurge
of specialist pieces breaking the mold of traditional design and reaching beyond
the boundaries of conventionalism.
Option
4:Electric Fires
Electric Fires have certainly come a long way from the old ' two bar ' which
was common place and potentially very dangerous. There are today some truly
stunning examples of electric fires that have been introduced to the British
fireplace market. Most of these fires can sit quite happily on a flat wall or
within a surround. Usually with full remote control these fires have a very
realistic picture flame effect, There are traditional as well as contemporary
designs to choose from.
The
Perception by
Burley Fires is a stunning
piece of furniture. The fire and table are one unit, cunningly hiding the gas
pipe.
Right:
The Hotrock Electron can be set into a traditional surround and has a lvely
flame picture effect. Fully remote control and timer programmable. This electric
fire is available from our
online
shop
Right:
The Verine Belvoir Balance Flue Fire from Gazco
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Free Advice about Powerflue fires, Electric Fires, Balanced Flue Fires,
and Flueless Fires.
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