Draught from gas fire flue

brum_rich

I have recently moved into a property which is 5-6 years old. The lounge has a gas fire that was fitted at the time the house was built. When the central heating is off the lounge is much colder than the rest of the house as there is a draught coming down the flue. I have been told that this is due to the age of the gas fire meaning that the flue is bigger than those available today. Is this true, and would getting a more modern gas fire reduce the size of the flue and therefore the draught coming into the lounge? I want to ensure this is correct before forking out £400 on a new fire!

Furthermore I am concerned about the amount of heat lost up the flue which will significantly increase my gas bill. Another option I have is to change to an electric fire which would block the flue up and totally eliminate the draught/heat loss, although I would rather stick with gas if possible.

Any thoughts/comments?

Canucklehead

Good morning: Did you mention this problem to your CORGI when the gas fire had its last annual service? If you use the gas fire and the same scenario happens then it is not just air but also products of combustion... a lethal situation :eek: Do you have a carbon monoxide alarm in your property? More info available at www.trustcorgi.com

HTH

Canucklehead

brum_rich

Thanks for the response. Not quite sure what you mean by "If you use the gas fire and the same scenario happens"?!

I have not been in the property long enought to require an annual service but will look to getting this done and having carbon monoxide levels checked out.

That aside, assuming there is no issue as you suggested, what is the best way fowards with regards to the draught? Will a new gas fire resolve this issue?

Canucklehead

I have not been in the property long enought to require an annual service but will look to getting this done and having carbon monoxide levels checked out.

If the last date of service is unknown then it should have been done when you moved in .You have no idea of the condition of the flue or the fire. Some are fitted by cowboys,I should know (as a Corgi);)

That aside, assuming there is no issue as you suggested, what is the best way fowards with regards to the draught? Will a new gas fire resolve this issue?

A fire should have an 'updraught', it takes the fumes from the gas fire when its burning(products of combustion)
You have a 'downdraught' . It may be that when you run the fire the heat will reverse this effect but, it may not. This means that the products of combustion are not drawn up the flue, they stay in the room. This could result in death.
A new gas fire will not resolve this problem. A correct INSTALLATION will.
Personally I think all open flued appliances like these should be outlawed (like cowboys)
Please do not use it until you have had it checked.


Corgi Guy.