Thinking about buying a stove or a fire? Learn more about the various types of stoves and gas fireplaces and the prices you’ll spend, along with their advantages and drawbacks.
If you don’t have a gas source within your home, take a look at our guides on electric stoves and fireplaces. Find out the way gas fireplaces and stoves 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 up to 6kW as per the Heating and Hotwater Industry Council.
In reality, efficiency is a variable dependent on the type and design of appliances. 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 majority of retailers offer an energy efficiency rating in the form of percentages and the energy efficiency certificate (EPC) assessment. Check these ratings while looking for a gas fireplace or stove.
Are gas stoves harmful to the planet?
As we’ve mentioned there are many efficient gas stoves and fires available. The energy source is from the burning of fossil fuels which is a non-renewable source of energy. Additionally, gas burning releases nitrogen dioxide, and so the use of gas stoves contributes to the pollution of the air.
The nitrogen dioxide gas is a significant source of air pollution which is produced by automobiles and power plants and also from heating. In excess, nitrogen dioxide may irritate and irritate the airways’ lining that can lead to coughing, difficulties breathing, and can trigger flare-ups for asthma sufferers and COPD. People who are older and children are more likely to be affected.
What should you consider when purchasing an electric stove or gas fireplace?
There is no need for to install a chimney or a flue in your home as it is one that is able to be used with or without a traditional flue.
If you don’t have a gas mains connection, you’ll have the option of purchasing an appliance or fire that makes use of the gas liquid (LPG) though there are fewer available.
Find out what type of flue or chimney that you have.
The first thing to determine is what kind of flue or chimney you have such as a traditional chimney or a pre-fabricated flue, or a pre-cast chimney. It is essential that you purchase a stove or stove that is compatible with the.
If you do not have a chimney or flue, you can opt for gas fires near me that are flue-free.
It is also possible to choose the ‘balanced flue’ model that comes with its own flue , which is vented through an exterior wall. This means that you need to position your stove or fireplace against an exterior wall and then cut a hole into it to allow for the flue.
If you’re not certain which kind of chimney you have or if a flueless chimney is suitable for your house contact an installer or a retailer for expert advice.
Choose if your fire or stove is “outset” or “inset”.
Two ways in which your appliance can be set up.
Outset models are affixed to the fireplace or wall. They can be set on the hearth, or be installed on the wall in case there isn’t an fireplace.
Inset models are placed inside your fireplace. It can help to reduce space and give a modern appearance. A “hole within the wall’ fireplace takes it a step further by being a part of the chimney breast, meaning it doesn’t require an actual fireplace.
Find out the heat output you will require.
The stove or fire will only be able be able to heat the space it’s located in. To get the most return on your investment make sure that you’ve got the proper power output for the room you’re in.
If the output isn’t sufficient the stove or fire will not keep you warm enough. In the event that it’s excessively powerful, it will need to operate it at a lower temperature, which can be inefficient and will cost money.
The output is measured in Kilowatts (kW). In general, to create a room that is 21 degrees Celsius at the temperature outside, you’ll require 1kW of energy output for each 14 cubic meters of space.
For a rough idea to get an idea of the room’s size, you should multiply the height length and width of the space in meters Then divide 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 quantity of energy you’ll require for instance, the degree of insulation within your house and the amount and size of windows that are in the room.
If you’re uncertain about the power you’ll need to use, ask the installer, or retailer to get specific guidance on the best wattage for your particular property.
For fires, select between glass fronted or an open front
There are two kinds of fires that are glass fronted or open front. They perform as they say on the Tin.
Glass-fronted models are equipped with an unmovable glass panel close proximity to the burning. They’re typically more efficient since they’re more confined and focus the heat that passes through the glass and into the space.
However, they are extremely difficult to maintain as you’ll have to take off and cleanse the glass every time to ensure it’s in good condition. The reflection of light on the glass can also block you from being able to see the flame’s effects clearly.
The open-fronted fires may look more authentic and are usually more affordable to purchase in the beginning. However, they’re lower in efficiency than glass-fronted fires and, consequently, they may be more expensive to run in the long run.
Gas stove and gas fire styles
Your stove or gas fireplace will be an important focal point in your home and also heating source therefore it is essential to select a model that is in keeping with the design of your house.
A contemporary ‘hole inside the wall’ fireplace will probably not hit the right chord if you reside in a historic home with original pieces of furniture and features. The traditional outset fire is more likely to stand out like an unwelcome ointment in a modern minimalist house.
Standards and features to look for
There are many things to consider when purchasing a gas fireplace or stove. They include:
Remote controls or easily accessible control panels that are easy to access (on the side or on the top or the side of your appliance). They will help you avoid having to bend down every time you need to adjust the temperature and are particularly beneficial if you are not able to move with mobility. The latest models also come with an option for a thermostat that will assist you in controlling the temperature of your room more effectively.
Different types of ‘fuel beds’ include coal, logs or even stones, seem to burn as the fire burns. On certain models, you’ll have the option to select the type of fuel bed you’d like to use when purchasing.
Oxygen depletion sensorsare designed to automatically shut off gas supply when oxygen levels fall, to ensure that there are no harmful concentrations 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 quality and safety standards. This CE mark is now replaced by an UKCA (UK Conformity Assessed) label. This mark is for products that are placed on the market within Great Britain (England, Wales and Scotland). It will become mandatory starting January 2023.
The cost of gas fires and stoves can vary greatly between under PS200 for the simplest models, to thousands of pounds for elegant ‘hole inside 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 everything else on the market, you’ll usually need to spend more money for the largest, most effective and trendy models.
Prices vary among retailers It’s worth looking for a good deal. To cut costs make sure to shop during summer, when the demand is less or in the autumn months for sales that begin in the fall.
Gas stoves and fire places tend to be more costly than electric ones (when you compare 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.
