Are you thinking about a stove or fire? Find out more about the various types of stoves and gas fireplaces and the prices you’ll pay, as well as their benefits and drawbacks.
If you do not have gas within your home, check out our guide to electric stoves and fireplaces. Learn what gas stoves and fireplaces compare to wood-burning and electric stoves.
Which is more efficient? Gas stoves and stoves?
Stoves and gas fires offer heat efficiency of up 90 percent, and outputs that range from 6kW, in accordance with the Heating and Hotwater Industry Council.
In reality, efficiency is a variable dependent on the type that the device. Inset glass-fronted appliances are generally most efficient because they are more tightly sealed. This means that less heat escapes to the flue or chimney and it is more concentrated through the glass to the room.
The retailer will usually give an energy efficiency score as percent and an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) assessment. Be sure to look for these ratings when buying a gas-fired fireplace or stove.
Are gas stoves harmful to the planet?
As we’ve said that there are a few efficient gas stoves and fires available. But, the power source comes from the burning of fossil fuels as a non-renewable energy source. Furthermore, burning gas produces nitrogen dioxide, and so the use of a gas stove can contribute to the pollution of the air.
The nitrogen dioxide gas is a significant pollutant in the air, which is produced by automobiles and power plants and also from heating. The high levels of nitrogen dioxide may irritate and cause inflammation of the airways’ lining which can cause coughing and difficulty breathing and trigger flare-ups for asthma sufferers and COPD. People who are older and children are more likely to be affected.
Things to think about when purchasing an electric stove or gas fireplace?
You don’t need to have to install a chimney or a flue in your house, so it is one that is able to be used with or without a traditional flue.
If you do not have a gas mains connection, you’ll have the option of purchasing an appliance or fire that utilizes LPG, also known as liquid petroleum gas (LPG) though there are fewer available.
Determine what kind and model of chimney, flue that you have.
The first thing to know is what kind of flue or chimney you have such as a traditional chimney or flue that is pre-fabricated, for example, or a pre-cast chimney. You’ll have to ensure you purchase a fireplace or stove that is compatible with the.
If you don’t have a chimney , or flue, you can opt for a gas stove that is flue-free or fire.
You can also opt for an appliance called a balanced flue which has the flue itself, which is vented through an exterior wall. However, this means that you’ll need to put your fire or stove against an exterior wall and then cut a hole into it to allow for the flue.
If you’re not sure which kind of chimney you have or if a flueless chimney is suitable for your house ask an installer or a retailer for expert advice.
Determine if your fireplace or stove is “outset” or “inset”.
Two ways that your appliance can be set up.
Outset models are affixed to the fireplace or wall. They can be set on the hearth or installed on the wall in case there isn’t an fireplace.
Inset models can be placed within your fireplace. It allows to reduce space and make a more modern look. A “hole inside the wall’ fireplace takes it a step further by located inside the chimney breast. Therefore, it doesn’t require an actual fireplace.
Find out the heat output you will require.
The stove or fire can only warm the space it’s placed in. To get the most performance from it make sure that you’ve got the proper performance for your space.
If the output isn’t sufficient the stove or fire isn’t enough to keep you warm. In the event that it’s excessively powerful, it will need to operate it at a lower temperature, which can be inefficient and can cost you money.
The output is measured in Kilowatts (kW). In general, to create a room that is 21 degrees Celsius in the summer, when temperatures are 1 degree Celsius outside, you’ll require 1kW of energy output for each 14 cubic metre of space.
For a rough guideline as a rough guideline, multiply the height, length and width of your room by meters and divide it by 14. Use our calculator below to help you get an idea.
But, it’s only an estimate for a typical home. Other factors could affect the amount of power you’ll require, for instance, the degree of insulation you have in your house and the amount and size of windows within the room.
If you’re uncertain about the power you’ll need to use, ask an installation professional or a retailer for specific advice on what will work best for your particular property.
For fires, select between glass fronted or an open front
There are two kinds of fires either with glass front or an open front. They perform as they say on the Tin.
Glass-fronted models feature an unmovable glass panel between the fires. They’re typically more efficient since they are more enclosed and concentrate the heat from the glass and into the space.
However, they’re also extremely difficult to maintain as you’ll have to take off and clean the glass each time to ensure it’s looking good as new. Reflections of light can also block you from being able to see the flame’s effect clearly.
Fires with open-fronts appear more realistic and are typically less expensive to purchase upfront. However, they are lower in efficiency than glass-fronted fires and, consequently, they may cost more to operate in the long run.
Gas stove and gas fire styles
The gas stove or fireplace will likely to become an important focal point in your living space as well as an energy source therefore it is essential to choose a stove that fits the style of your house.
A contemporary ‘hole inside the wall’ fireplace is likely to not strike the right note if reside in an old-fashioned home with original elements and antique furniture. A traditional fire will be an unwelcome ointment in a modern minimalist house.
Standard and features to keep an eye for
There are many things to consider when you purchase a gas fire or stove. They include:
Remote controls or easily accessible control panels that are easy to access (on the side or on the top on the device). These will prevent you from the hassle of constantly having to bend to adjust the temperature which is beneficial if you are not able to move with mobility. Modern models also have an option for a thermostat that will assist you in controlling the temperature of your room more effectively.
Different fuel beds, like coal, logs or stonesthat look like they’re burning when the fire is lit. On certain models, you’ll have the option to select the type of fuel bed you’d like to use when purchasing.
Sensors for oxygen depletion, created to shut off gas supply when oxygen levels fall, to ensure that there are no harmful amounts in carbon monoxide.
A CE mark that is required to be displayed placed on all gas appliances to demonstrate that they’ve been tested and meet European standard for safety and efficacy. It is important to note that the CE mark is replaced by that of the UKCA (UK Conformity Assessed) label. This mark is used to identify products that are placed on the market within Great Britain (England, Wales and Scotland). The marking will become mandatory in January 2023.
The cost of gas fires near me are varying and range from just £200 for the basic models up to thousands of pounds for elegant ‘hole into the wall’ fireplaces and huge modern stoves.
Things like size as well as efficiency and design each play an important role in determining price. Like many things that happen in the world, it’s true you’ll usually be paying more for the most effective and trendy models.
Prices can vary from one retailer to the next So it’s worth shopping around to find the best price. To save money you can shop in the summer, when the demand is less and in the fall to take advantage of sales at the beginning of the season.
Gas stoves and fire places tend to be more costly than electric models (when looking at similar models). However, gas appliances are expected to be less expensive to run in the long run due to the cost savings of gas heating your home.