Thinking about buying a stove or gas fires near me? Learn more about the various types of stove or gas-fired fire as well as the price you’ll pay, as well as their benefits and drawbacks.
If you don’t have a gas source within your home, take a look at 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 fireplaces and stoves?
Stoves and gas fires offer heat efficiency of up 90 percent, and outputs that range from 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 through the chimney or the flue, and is absorbed by the glass and into the room.
The retailer will usually give an energy efficiency score as percentages in addition to an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) assessment. Check these ratings while looking for a gas fireplace or stove.
Are gas stoves harmful for the planet?
As we’ve said 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 produces nitrogen dioxide. Therefore, 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, difficulty breathing and trigger flare-ups among people suffering from asthma 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?
You don’t need to have to install a chimney or a flue in your home as long as you select the one that can be used with or without a traditional flue.
If you don’t have a gas mains connection, you have the option of purchasing the stove or fire which makes use of the gas liquid (LPG) though there are less available.
Determine what kind and model of chimney, flue 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 fireplace or stove that is compatible with the.
If you do not have a chimney or flue, instead you can opt for a gas stove that is flue-free or fire.
You can also opt for an appliance called a balanced flue that comes with its own flue , which is vented through an exterior wall. This means that you need to put your fire or stove against an exterior wall and cut a hole in it to accommodate the flue.
If you’re not sure which kind of chimney you’re using, or if a flueless model is suitable for your house ask an installer or a retailer to get advice from a professional.
Determine if your fireplace or stove is “outset” or “inset”.
The two options for installing that your appliance can be put in place.
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 an existing fireplace. This allows to make space and give a modern appearance. A “hole inside 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 can only warm the space it’s placed in. In order to get the maximum return on your investment ensure that you have the correct power output for the room you’re in.
If the output isn’t sufficient the stove or fire will not keep you warm enough. When it’s overpowered, you’ll be required to operate it at a lower temperature, which is inefficient and will cost money.
The output is measured in Kilowatts (kW). 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 to get an idea of the room’s size, you should multiply the height length and width of your room by meters Then divide by 14. Use our calculator below to help you get an idea.
However, this is just an approximate figure for a typical house. Other factors could affect the amount of power you’ll require, like the amount of insulation you have in your house and the amount and size of windows within the room.
If you’re not sure about the power you’ll need ask an installation professional or a retailer for specific guidance on the best wattage for your home.
To fires, pick between glass fronted and open front
There are two primary kinds of fires that are glass fronted or open front. They perform as they say on the box.
Glass-fronted models feature a fixed glass panel close proximity to the burning. They’re typically more efficient since they are more enclosed and concentrate the heat from the glass to the space.
However, they’re also very difficult to maintain, since you’ll have to take off and cleanse the glass every time to ensure it’s in good condition. Reflections of light can also block you from being able to see the flame’s effects clearly.
The open-fronted fires may appear more realistic and are typically more affordable to purchase in the beginning. However, they’re more inefficient than glass fronted fires which means they will be more expensive to run in the long run.
Styles of gas fire and stoves
Your stove or gas fireplace will be an important focal point in your home as well as heating source therefore it is essential to choose a stove that is in keeping with the design of your house.
A modern “hole inside the wall’ fireplace is likely to not strike the right chord if you reside in an old-fashioned home with original pieces of furniture and features. The traditional outset fire will be an ugly thumb in a modern, minimalist house.
Standards and features to look for
There are a variety of 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 sides or top on the device). They will help you avoid the hassle of constantly having to bend 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 aid in controlling the temperature of your room more effectively.
Different types of ‘fuel beds’ include coal, logs or stonesthat look like they’re burning 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.
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 is required visible on all gas appliances in order to prove they’ve been tested and meet European quality and safety standards. This CE mark is replaced by an UKCA (UK Conformity Assessed) mark. This mark is for 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 and stoves are varying between just PS200 for the basic models up to thousands of pounds for stylish ‘holes into the wall’ fireplaces and massive modern stoves.
Things like size efficiency, style and size 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 largest, most stylish and efficient 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 there is less demand and in the fall for sales that begin in the fall.
Stoves and fireplaces made of gas tend to be more expensive than electric models (when you compare similar models). However, gas appliances will have lower operating costs in the long run due to the cost savings of gas heating your home.
