Gas or electric fire?

gate.78

Hi,
I'm going to redecorate my living room but want to change the very ugly fire and surround that the builders put in. It's a gas fire on an outside wall with a flue and is only used for chilly evenings in spring/autumn as I have full gas central heating. As it's only for occasional use any advice on either a gas or electric fire replacement.

rustyboy21

I think you may have answered your own question there TBH.

You say, you would need it to heat the room up on chilly summer months, Gas would be better for you in these situations. You will get better heat coverage than a 2 kw fan heater, will be cheaper to run and each has there own style of flame picture.

I have no issues over electric fires, sell loads of them, but IMO I feel that a gas fire will look better and will be cheaper running costs.

Go and have a look around some independant fireplace retailers over the weekend and get some ideas on styles you like.

Keep away from the sheds, waste of time and won't get any help from the staf.

Ben84

Gas fires look a lot nicer I think and heat better, but the efficient ones are notably more expensive last time I looked and of course they're more limited where you can install them.

However, I would stick with the gas fire. If your central heating breaks down it will become very useful. Also, they can usually be used during power cuts (although you may have to light it with a match) when the electrically controlled central heating cannot be used. My gas fire has really helped me out in the past.