Removing a gas fire to return to open fireplace - how do I do it?

Jaarus_2

I have a Victorian house which has, at some point, had a 'real flame' gas fire installed in the lounge.
Now granted its actually very pretty but its very ineffective as a heater (will use it elsewhere in the house)

How do you go about removing this and going back to a traditional open fire?

Gas prices as they currently are (and will continue to be going forward IMHO) are no longer sufficient reason to keep the fire - its hardly the 'cheap option' any more - and the level of heat it gives off is rather pathetic for the main room of the house (it takes about 3 - 4 hours on 'full' to heat the room - literally its warming up as you go to bed!)
Whereas we do have access to lots of wood, should we have a need for it.

I want an open fire as opposed to a woodburner.

However I would like to know how exactly you go about doing this? In what order do have people round to have a look?

The gas fire is a mock open fireplace so does have a flap at the top of it opening up into (what appears to be) the original chimney - could a sweep check it like that? Or does the fire need to be removed completely to allow access? So I would need a CORGI plumber out first ... but that would leave a flipping big hole if there were any complications at all and it is a bit nippy at present!

Where do I even find a sweep??


Basically has anyone done this before? Any advice they could offer?
Thanks in advance to any that reply - all the best and Merry Christmas!:beer:

Canucklehead

Good morning: Visit HETAS for an installer and further advice. You might find someone who has gas and solid fuel qualifications.

HTH

Canucklehead

kaya

call in a corgi guy to disconnect/remove your old fire first, look in the yellow pages for a local chimney sweep, cost me about £30 last time, he will tell you if your chimney is ok before you proceed any further and will doubtless know of some local tradesmen who can help with the installation, we got a really nice edwardian fireplace with grate etc for £60 on flea bay, there is nothing like an open fire

vansboy

You say you don't want a log burner, but the people that sell these also sell fireplaces/grates & as Canucklehead said, will be recognised installers.

The firm near us wanted £30 for a visit & to advise what you could do & give an idea of cost.
Then they'd refund this amount, if you buy from them.

Fair enough deal, I'd say!

VB