Conventional or Balanced Flue.
Generally speaking, there are two main types of gas fire.
Conventional flue gas fires (or open combustion gas fires) must always be connected to a chimney in order to function safely and correctly. Air is drawn from the surrounding living area and combined with draught air from the chimney for combustion. Waste gases are then expelled up the chimney and into the atmosphere.
Balanced flue gas fires (or closed combustion gas fires) can be installed with or without a conventional brick chimney. Air is drawn from outside the building for combustion, with waste gases expelled outside using a concentric flue, which is connected to the top of the fire and inserted through an outside facing wall.
Although less popular, there is a third way to enjoy the benefits of a gas – the flueless gas fire. With no chimney or pipes, the flueless fire will operate without both and the emissions from the fire will leave from the top or front. This type of fire burns fuel cleanly and is often more convenient to install because of the way they operate. Flueless fires are extremely reliable and one of the safest due to the stringent CE regulations. Flueless gas fires also come with a safety device that shuts off the fire in the event of an air blockage or another safety risk. The room in which the fire is to go in requires a window that opens to the outside and for flueless fire designs that use a catalytic converter to lower emissions, these need to be glass fronted.
Open gas fires are extremely popular and by using ceramic logs or coals, most resemble a classic open fire.
In sealed unit models the fire itself burns behind glass, giving off both radiant and convected heat. Most units now come with the option of non-reflective glass windows, making these stylish fireplaces appear even more natural.
One benefit of a high efficiency gas fireplace is that it may help lower heating bills. It lets you heat the room you are spending time in while you keep your thermostat low and the rest of the house cooler. You stay warm while the central heating boiler gets a rest.
If you want to add a fireplace to an existing home, a gas fireplace makes sense. Since it doesn't require a large masonry hearth and chimney, it can easily be included in a new family room or extension.
Open gas fires are for mainly for decorative purposes rather than heat, adding a warm stylish glow to any room. We specialise in making made to measure gas fires to suit your original size grates and baskets and using your existing chimney.
Gas fireplaces are easy to use and require little maintenance. Some come with a remote control, so that you can adjust them from across the room. You will occasionally have to remove dust, soot and carbon build up from the logs or coals and as with all fires we recommend an annual service for the appliance and a sweep for the chimney or flue.
All gas appliances should be installed by a qualified Gas Safe Engineer, At Bespoke Fire and Flue our Gas Safe Engineers can survey and advise the best appliance for your needs.
