Gas Fire or Electric?

JonoDean

Lucy_Lastic wrote: »

There is a gas point (short pipe sticking up from the floor) right where you would want a fire place to be, so no problem there.

Do you mean a catalytic converter? I think it's the need for some sort of ventilation that seems to be the sticking point. The fire would be about 8ft from the nearest outside wall.

Lucy, have a look at these electric fires that we nearly went for:

http://www.hotprice.co.uk/2118/1349/products/flamerite-corello-2-hang-on-the-wall-electric-fire---stone.html

Justs hangs on any wall and plug in - really nice flame effect

Ken68

Given the extra charge for annual gas fire servicing, Lucy, you might be better off with an electric fire, d..n, forgot the name, senior moment......halogen, really zomps out the heat.

jessmist

i have just recently had a flueless gas fire fitted it is excellent it has a good heat output and there is no smell

they have a catalytic converter so no flue is required you just need an air vent in your wall

have a look on this website
http://www.burley.co.uk

thescouselander

I've been thinking about this problem for a while now. Our house is quite new and gets really hot very quickly - the central heating doesnt take long to get the house warm.

I was thinking that an electric fire would be better because then you can have the flame effect without adding extra heat to the room. I suspect that is we bought a gas fire it would sit there unused as the room would get too hot.

Tapeman

I personally always think a secondary heating system like you are thinking of having is best being the opposite of your main, i.e. as you have gas cetral heating then go with an electric heater (or vice versa if that is the case). That way, if you have a problem with the supply of one, then you have something to fall back onto.

For electric heaters, you will find a large number of different types and styles - you won't have to go near the old fashioned styles "bar" heaters! Some have flame effect (and quite good effects too), or maybe an "iron burner" style.

If you do go for gas then please ensure, if you haven't already, that you fit a carbon monoxide detector, available for around £20, and will give a loud audible warning if any CO is detected (ALL HOMES, EVEN IF YOU ONLY HAVE ONE GAS/ COAL/ OIL/ WOOD BURNING APPLIANCE SHOULD HAVE ONE!)

Hope that helps - good luck!

jessmist

If you opt for a gas fire as your secondary heat source at least if your electric goes off. you are left with a form of heating.

This is the air vent from the outside.

This is what it looks like on the inside.