gas fire guide

There are basically five different categories of gas fire and it may simplify your selection if you first decide on the type of fire you require and then click though the different manufacturers to see what they have available in that category.
Your existing flue type may also dictate which of the models, in a particular category, would be compatible Gas fires People buy fires for a whole range of reasons - and not necessarily to provide heat for a room!
Fires are as much pieces of furniture as heaters and customers will be influenced by a number of factors as well as how well they heat the room: appearance -
looks are tremendously important; the fire is often the focal point of a whole room - does it look right?
heating - is it the only heater in the room? Is it to complement a central heating system? Does it need to supply any real heat at all?
price - what is available at the price the customer wants to pay?

To meet the special requirements of our customer we have a wide range of fires. Whatever style and whatever design, the heat they provide will either be radiant heat or convected heat - or a combination of both.

INSET GAS FIRES


	These appliances are usually fully recessed into a fire opening to simulate a real coal fire with living flames. They require a natural draft flue or chimney. Inset gas fires can provide either radiant or convected heat, some may provide a combination of both. Radiant heat is concentrated immediately in front of the appliance just like a real, open, coal fire would be. Convected heat distributes warmth around the room to provide a more even heat. There are some inset gas fires with glass fronts which are more efficient. Some models are suitable only for a given flue type, this will were possible be stated in the appliance specifications Design fit flush into most fireplaces and come in a wide variety of designs to fit virtually any decor. Heating radiant heat is the same as the non-inset fires but the addition of a heat exchanger makes the total heat output higher.


	NO CHIMNEY GAS FIRES


	These appliances are designed to be installed where there is no existing chimney or natural draft flue. The appliance can have either a fan flue or a balanced flue. They are fitted through a suitable external wall with the outside terminal close coupled to the fire which is installed on the inside surface of the wall. The fire may be surface fitted or recessed into the inner leaf of the cavity wall. Surface fitting will require either the use of a special deep fire surround or the construction of a dummy chimney breast to accommodate the depth of the appliance.


	FREE STANDING LIVE FLAME EFFECT GAS FIRES


	These appliances project into the room and sit on the hearth. They can be used with most flue types including prefabricated block flue systems and balanced flues where there is no existing chimney. A simulated coal or log fuel bed with flickering flames is viewed through a glass panel. Design imitates real fires very accurately - whole host of cases and baskets to give traditional real fire looks. Heating they offer good heat output and can provide the main heat source in a room. Models are available with heat exchangers and these make them very effective room heaters. .


	RADIANT GAS FIRES


	These appliances project into the room, sit on the hearth and are open fronted, with a dress guard in front of radiant blocks. They can be used with most flue types including prefabricated block flue systems. These fires cannot be used without a chimney or flue Ceramic radiants glow when heated - radiating heat into the room A heat exchanger within the fire provides warm, convected air which circulates throughout the room Design modern and stylish but not intended to look like a traditional fire. Heating can supply both direct heat and background warmth.


	Decorative flame effect


	Low heat output means this is an item of furniture rather than a room heater. Customers will be looking for the appearance of the fire, and the glow of the flames on the coals instead of heating efficiency. Design traditional fire baskets with logs and coals to suit. Heating lower, radiant heat. Fitting requires adequate sized fireplace and non-combustible hearth. Flue requires an open flue with a minimum diameter of 175mm (a conventional 9" x 9" brick-built chimney is suitable). Adequate permanent ventilation is also required - usually an air grill of at least 100 cm2.