Gas fires have long been celebrated for their blend of warmth, ambience, and convenience. However, potential buyers often have a myriad of questions regarding their efficiency, running costs, and installation requirements. Let's dive into these queries, shedding light on what you need to know before adding a gas fire to your home.
The running cost of gas fires can vary based on the model’s efficiency, the cost of gas for your tariff, and how often you use the fire. However, you may be pleasantly surprised at how little it can cost to run one of our high-efficiency gas fires. When used as part of a zonal heating strategy in your home (heat the room, not the whole house!) then a gas fire can become a very viable means for saving energy.
Some examples of how much it costs to run a gas fire or stove:
If you’d like to view more examples of how little it can cost to run a gas or electric fire, head to our information page that explains more.
Yes, modern gas fires are designed with efficiency in mind, especially with their glass-fronted designs, and options for balanced flue installations which perform with even more efficiency. One example is the Gazco Loft gas stove, which offers a generous heat output but with up to 94.3% efficiency for balanced flue models.
The requirement for a chimney depends on the type of gas fire you choose. Conventional flue gas fires and stoves require a chimney, but balanced flue models make it possible to install one of these gas products in homes without a working chimney – or where a chimney is entirely absent.
Find out how a balanced flue system works here.
The best gas fire for your home depends on your specific needs and preferences. For a seamless look, or if you like the idea of a modern fireplace, inset gas fires are fantastic options, as they sit flush with the wall or come with framing options for a contemporary statement.
Some gas fireplace inserts are suitable for installation within a mantel as well – allowing you to update a period-style setting with a modern fireplace.
Qualified gas engineers should service gas fires. Regular maintenance is crucial for ensuring the efficiency and safety of your gas fire. It’s recommended to have your gas fire serviced annually to check for any issues and keep it running smoothly.
We might be biased, but investing in a new gas fire or stove is definitely worth it if you’re looking for a more efficient, safer, or aesthetically pleasing heating solution. Modern gas fires offer improved efficiency and advanced tech compared to older models, making them a smart upgrade for your home, offering an ultra realistic fire with all the convenience of gas.
The main types of gas fires include conventional flue gas fires, which require a chimney and balanced flue gas fires, which don’t need a chimney at all. These come in all sorts of sizes and designs, from landscape gas fires to more portrait designs that are created to simulate the look of an open fire and can be installed within a mantel.
One of the most realistic gas fires yet is the new Eclipse inset gas fire from Onyx. This beautiful fire looks at home in a period property when paired with a stone mantel, or makes the ideal modern fireplace when installed with the Edge+ frame.
When installing your gas stove, your installer may advise you need a chimney liner. During this process, a flexible steel liner is inserted into the chimney and connected to the appliance. This prevents debris such as bird nests or deteriorating masonry from causing damage to your stove or hindering its performance. This is particularly important for older homes with aging chimneys.
However, not all gas fires and stoves require a chimney liner at all. If your chimney is in good condition, you may be advised that you can simply fit a linerless kit which is specifically designed to protect the appliance with a short piece of flexible stainless steel flue pipe, and negates the need for additional labour and installation costs commonly seen with a typical chimney liner. Find out more about chimney liners, and gas fires and stoves that do not need a chimney liner in our useful article.
It’s essential to consult with a professional installer to determine if a chimney liner is necessary for your specific setup.
Gas fires offer a versatile and efficient heating solution for any home, but it’s essential to consider your specific needs, the efficiency of the model, installation requirements, and ongoing maintenance. By understanding the answers to these key questions, you can make an informed decision and select a gas fire that provides warmth, comfort, and style for years to come.
*Based on Sheraton 5 Balanced Flue Natural Gas model, running at 4 hours on low input of 2.5kW. The costs presented are based on the average UK cost per unit of gas (including VAT) from 1 April 2024, for customers on the default tariff. Figures generated are for typical domestic consumption paying by direct debit and will vary based on actual household usage (6.04p per kWh, OFGEM, Energy Price Cap, https://www.ofgem.gov.uk/energy-price-cap). Does not include any costs relating to product maintenance and servicing. Prices rounded to nearest whole pence.
†Maximum efficiency is achieved when running product on high output setting.
**Based on running the Logic HE Conventional Flue Coal Effect Natural Gas model at 4 hours on low input of 2.4kW. The costs presented are based on the average UK cost per unit of gas (including VAT) from 1 April 2024, for customers on the default tariff. Figures generated are for typical domestic consumption paying by direct debit and will vary based on actual household usage (6.04p per kWh, OFGEM, Energy Price Cap, https://www.ofgem.gov.uk/energy-price-cap). Does not include any costs relating to product maintenance and servicing. Prices rounded to nearest whole pence.
†Maximum efficiency is achieved when running product on high output setting.
♦Efficiency label B achieved with remote control model.
Posted by Annabelle Carvell on April 16, 2024
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