gas or electric fireplace ?

Gilli1808

Please help! :j
I am having trouble deciding between a gas or electric fireplace (coal effect) as I have an asbestos pre-cast flue and would need it replacing, I already have gas central heating but the lounge open plan and need it for secondary heating.
I had an old ugly outset gas fire that has been removed and had my heart set on gas and found a fire in the sale at just £144, but after a chimney test found out flue pipe needs replacing, so quote £784, so totals almost £1000 :mad: could probably get electric installed for half of this, so would i save the £500 in fuel though by having gas?!......

FLAPJACK

A couple of years ago we had a outset gas fire (must be like yours..really attractive!). We had it replaced with a "real flame" gas fire, had to have the chimney cleaned out and lined with a metal tube with a cowling on the top.

First thing we really noticed was how much cooler the living room seemed to be, this obviously (now) is because the chimney/fireplace is now open....and the fire itself is rather noisy as the gass hisses a lot.
On the upside it really looks nice (on or off) as the house is Victorian and it really does help as a secondary source of heat with the central heating, these fires are pretty uneconomical (as most of the heat goes up the chimney...as did the old coal fires) but as I say we find you don't need on full for long before you need to turn it down to halfway.

The coals also glow which helps with the heat and a pleasing look...got ours from B&Q .

Gilli1808

Thanks Flapjack, think i will have a look at some electric - coal effect fires too to see what they look like 'on'.

penrhyn

Have a look at the Dimplex Opti myst electric fuel effect fires, very realistic.

http://www.dimplex.co.uk/products/fires_surrounds/what_is_the_optimyst.htm

spiro

Either are going to be more expensive that GSH. In the long term it would be cheaper to fit extra radiators if your boiler has available capacity.

Gilli1808

Appreciate replies:T More food for thought... really like the look of the electric dimplex opti-myst but need to 'actually see' them and make sure fan motor noise not too loud, so will look this weekend and decide as this morning looked at the neighbours inset gas one and loved the hissy/crackling sounds it made as added to effect

Gilli1808

also meant to say - yes i agree another rad would be most economical solution and I am changing one single to a double, but did want it 'look nice' too - winter and summer, and to have the option of the 'just glow' feature for the 'snuggle' factor!