New Gas Fire should save ££££££

uptomyeyeballs

I'm getting a new one fitted on September 1st. Basically this will mean that instead of using the CH to heat the whole house, i'll be using the new fire for the living room and the CH for the rest of the house (for less time).

I've calculated on using about 30% less gas based on my typical usage profile in winter. I'll post exact figures to show how it's going later.

penrhyn

Could I ask what sort of gas fire you are getting?
I've an open one which is incredibly inefficient and needs replacing.

mjmal51

As new combi boilers come in at around 90% efficiency, what is efficiency of the gas fire? Not sure what your calculated savings are. If saving by heating rest of house for less time could you not do that by turning down stat valves in those other rooms?

uptomyeyeballs

I don't have a new combi boiler (but is possibly next on the replacement list). The old fire needed replacing as it's been condemned as unusable. The new fire is rated at 90% efficient, and is 3.5 kW max output. My existing combi boiler is older, and won't be anything like 90% efficient. My estimates are based on the fact that i'll not be running the CH for as long once the new fire is installed, all else remaining the same. In a winter month, I use about 60 kWh / day in 6 hours usage (1 hr morning, 5 hrs at night). I reckon on running this for only 3 hours (1 hr morning, 2 hrs night) and the new fire for 3 hrs @ 50% max output. This gives a 35-40 kWh total guestimate per day in winter, but we'll have to see how it pans out in reality. In March and October (the marginal months when the heating usually gets turned off and on) it will probably mean i'll only need to have the fire on in the living room, rather than the CH on in the whole house.

The new fire is a Valor Homeflame Dream Slimline model

mjmal51

Looks like a nice fire. Had no idea that fires had improved so much on their efficiencies. Have a cozy Winter!

uptomyeyeballs

mjmal51 wrote: »

Looks like a nice fire. Had no idea that fires had improved so much on their efficiencies. Have a cozy Winter!

Yes, they seem to have come a long way! I had to change the fire because the old one is unsafe, so thought I might as well form a payback plan. It's looking like it will be about 5 years usage, so not too bad.

moonrakerz

uptomyeyeballs wrote: »

Yes, they seem to have come a long way! I had to change the fire because the old one is unsafe, so thought I might as well form a payback plan. It's looking like it will be about 5 years usage, so not too bad.

Very interesting - might have to have a look at one of those. I have an earlier Airflame which is only 50% efficient, but is open and is the most realistic gas fire I have ever seen, but to go up to 90% efficiency ............ even if it is glass fronted.

I feel a walk to my local dealer coming on !

uptomyeyeballs

Here's a link to show the model

http://www.fireplacemegastore.co.uk/gas-fires-for-chimneys-and-flues/valor-homeflame-dream-slimline-gas-fire

Maximum heat output of up to 3.1kW
Efficiency rating of 89%
Top fireslide control for ease of use
Reflective side panels that enlarge & enhance the flame picture
Classic Coal fuel effect
High Efficient Glass fronted inset Convector gas fire
Available in a choice of Traditional Gold, Classy Silver or Stylish Black finish
Suitable for Class 1, 2, prefabricated** & precast flues
Available for Natural gas only
Slimline Depth of 79mm fully inset

ziggyman99

I think your figures are flawed. If the fire has a heat output of 3.1kW you are going to pull approx. 3.2 m3/hr of air from your home. That air will possibly come from adjacent heated rooms, displaced with cold air from outside. That will have a significant effect on the OVERALL efficiency. Effectively it will cost you twice to run your fire. Once for the gas the fire is burning and once to re-heat the room(s) that have been cooled as a result of the fire being on. Obviously this doesn't happen with a room sealed boiler or gas fire.
Personally I would forget the gas fire and replace the boiler, ensuring the radiators are correctly sized so you don't need a fire. Fires (any open fire, gas or coal) can never be justified on efficiency. You should only buy them because the offer a focal point and that certain coziness.

uptomyeyeballs

ziggyman99 wrote: »

Personally I would forget the gas fire and replace the boiler, ensuring the radiators are correctly sized so you don't need a fire. Fires (any open fire, gas or coal) can never be justified on efficiency. You should only buy them because the offer a focal point and that certain coziness.

Personally, i couldn't afford to replace the boiler and I want a fire for exactly the reason you mention in your last sentence. I already have a fire, but it's knackered. Only the actual gas usage figures will prove or disprove my theory about saving gas, so let's wait and see shall we?

PS. It's not an open fire

ziggyman99

uptomyeyeballs wrote: »

PS. It's not an open fire

It's as good as. It's open flued.