Can a gas fire be switched for electric

Mouse123

The fireplace in our living room is causing us a dilema and any ideas would be really appreciated.

We have a rather large black resin Mantle, with a decorative tiled surround and cast iron gas fire insert. We have had to have the gas fire disconnected as there is not enough ventillation in the room (no outside wall for an air brick etc).

We don't want to get rid of the fireplace and wondered is it possible to change the insert for an electric fire insert so at least there is something to look at.

We are trying to keep costs down and can't really afford to replace the fireplace at present but could afford an electric fire.

Sorry if this is a daft question, but we haven't come across this before.

societys_child

Provided the the gas has been disconnected and capped it shouldn't be a problem to replace it with anything you want..

booty40uk

what kw is the existing gas fire and is it an open flue?

ed110220

societys_child wrote: »

Provided the the gas has been disconnected and capped it shouldn't be a problem to replace it with anything you want..

I think the issue will just be finding something that fits and getting a suitable electrical supply to it.

rustyboy21

There is nothing stopping you having another gas fire exactly as you have had in the past, just buy one which is 6.9kw input or less.

http://www.valor.co.uk/product_details/MAJESTIC.htm?ref=/catalogue/gas_collection/decorative_gas_fires/index.htm

Otherwise you can buy something like below ( minus the fret, which will fit into, where your original gas fire fitted.

http://www.creativefires.co.uk/baskets.htm ( The coalec one)

It sounds like you have a cast insert with Tiles down the side and a mantle over the top. Am I correct? Something like this?

http://www.direct-fireplaces.com/p/140513/gallery-collectiontoulouse-cast-iron-tiled-fire-insert.html

Mouse123

Thanks for the replies. We have never used the fire and I have no idea what kwh it is or where I would find the information? I am not sure about an open flue though there is a chimney. The fire has been properly disconnected and capped. It's good news that the fire can be replaced Thank you.

Mouse123

Rustyboy you are correct we do have a cast insert. Thanks for the links - I'll go and have a look at those.

27col

I am trying to get my head around a room that does not have an outside wall. Just curious, you understand.

Mouse123

The house is semi detached, the sitting room is in the middle and there is a conservatory straight off the sitting room so no access to the outside for air brick etc. Kitchen & hall off one wall, stairs and hall off the remaining wall.

Mouse123

Rustyboy21, that is very similar to our fire set up apart from the wood mantle being a massive black resin thing. Would the Coalec electric fire pop into the existing gas fire basket reusing the existing fret or would we simly be unable to have a fret?

rustyboy21

Mouse123 wrote: »

Rustyboy21, that is very similar to our fire set up apart from the wood mantle being a massive black resin thing. Would the Coalec electric fire pop into the existing gas fire basket reusing the existing fret or would we simly be unable to have a fret?

Hi Mouse

No you can keep your own fret and actually buy the fire on it's own. It will have a 2kw fan heater underneath it, so if you want heat, you will have to remove the ashpan cover from under your fret each time you want the fan on.

You can also get them without a fan heater on them, which are cheaper and you can also get them specially made to a specific size, although more than likely you already have the standard size opening.

Don't expect whistles and bells from the fire, in effect all it is , is an electric light bulb under a piece of moulded fibreglass with loose coal on top. The flickering effect will be a spinner disc which moves when the heat from the bulb hits it. But if all you want is a glow, it will be fine.

I would also suggest buying a chimney balloon, to cut the draught off coming down your chimney, either that or an old pillow inside a bin bag, shoved up your flue. Just remember it is there, if you ever change back to a gas fire !!