In an era plagued by rising energy costs, modern fireplaces present homeowners with a cost-effective alternative to central heating. In fact, keeping your property warm doesn’t have to break the bank!
Consumers in 2024 can choose from a vast selection of fireplaces. While some go back to basics with wood-burning stoves, others are looking for more low-maintenance appliances that still deliver radiant heat.
That’s where gas fires come in! Modern gas and LPG-powered stoves are exceptional, both in design and development. With impressive combustion systems, safety features, and stylish designs, there are countless reasons why you should invest in a gas fireplace.
1. Quick warmth
While we all love wood-burning stoves, it’s a well-known fact that they necessitate time for preparation, ignition, and a build-up phase before producing heat. Modern gas fireplaces, however, can deliver warmth almost instantly!
Using high-tech thermostatic controls, gas fireplaces distribute warmth throughout a room at the push of a button. Eliminating this waiting period can be particularly attractive in the UK, where temperatures often rise and fall throughout the year.
On unexpectedly cold days, gas fires offer a quick, room-warming solution without the need for prolonged waiting periods.
2. Easy to maintain
Looking for a low-maintenance heating solution? Gas fireplaces are the ideal option.
Gas fireplaces do not generate ash or soot; this means they also do not produce creosote, a hazardous chemical that can be a fire risk if not removed from a chimney.
The nature of gas combustion results in minimal byproducts, which then eliminate the cleaning associated with solid fuels. As a clean, hassle-free alternative, gas fires are advantageous for homes that don’t have the time for constant upkeep.
The primary maintenance task for a gas fireplace is an annual inspection, which is a routine check by a qualified technician to ensure everything is functioning correctly.
Your engineer will ensure gas lines are secure, the venting system is unobstructed, and that your fireplace is a generally good operational condition. Compared to the labour required by other fireplaces, gas models are a piece of cake!
3. Increases property value
Upgrading your home with a gas fireplace can increase its property value. But why?
Modern gas fireplaces are equipped with the most up-to-date, energy-efficient technology on the market. Their unbeatable functionality, combined with their radiant heat and safety, makes them an attractive addition to a home.
UK homeowners want a warm, comfortable home, something gas fireplaces offer from the moment of activation. Installing a gas fire does not require extensive maintenance or any operational complexities.
Owning a gas fireplace is a wise investment for many reasons, but their aesthetic value is another undeniable benefit. Ultimately, installing a gas fireplace is a strategic improvement that can uplift your home’s marketability.
4. Stylish designs
Gas fireplaces are the go-to choice, not only for their internal components but also for their exterior. Owners of period homes can buy 1920s Art Deco gas fireplaces, complete with sharp lines and geometric shapes.
If you’re looking for a 19th-century, Victorian-inspired gas fireplace, purchase a model with a hob grate and cast-iron insert.
Those with a contemporary flair can look for gas fires that emphasise simplicity. With natural materials and clean lines, you can get all the benefits of gas fireplace technology in a modern package.
5. Money-saving
If you want to save money on your energy bills, gas fireplaces present a cost-effective alternative to central heating.
Incorporating a gas fireplace into your home can be a money-saving move. These fireplaces are recognised for their efficiency compared to traditional heating systems or even central heating systems.
They deliver radiant heat directly into the space and ensure that more warmth stays in the room rather than being lost through chimneys or ductwork.
That’s without mentioning that modern gas fireplaces are designed to maximise heat output, with some models achieving up to 100% efficiency! They can also be used for zone heating, which reduces the need to heat rooms you’re not currently using.
6. Energy-efficient
A gas fire’s efficiency is determined by how well it converts gas into heat and how much of this heat is used to warm a room. Direct vent gas fireplaces are known for their high ratings, with efficiencies ranging from 70% to 80%.
Modern high-efficiency (HE) gas fires in the UK can achieve efficiency ratings as high as 80 to 90%, significantly reducing gas usage and, consequently, heating costs!
This upgrade from older models, which may only be around 50% efficient, to a more HE gas fire can lead to considerable savings on gas bills.
7. Safe to use
Last but certainly not least, modern gas fires are a reliable choice for home heating.
These suites incorporate a range of technologies to guarantee safe operation, including safety screens that act as a barrier between the fireplace’s glass surface and the room. These models are essential for homes with children or pets where burns from hot glass pose a hazard.
Flueless gas fireplaces often include oxygen depletion sensors (ODS) that automatically shut off the gas supply if the room’s oxygen levels fall below a safe threshold.
The ODS is indispensable for preventing the build-up of harmful gases in well-sealed or poorly ventilated spaces.
