The flame effect and authenticity provided by gas fires means they are still the number one choice for homes, despite the advances in electric fires over recent years.
Combined with high heat efficiencies and low running costs, today’s gas fires offer affordable warmth, visual comfort and are a powerful weapon in the fight against fuel poverty.
Gas is by far the cheapest fuel to run. Typically, 1kW of gas supplied by British Gas costs just 4.662p (incl VAT) compared to nearly 14.259p (incl VAT) for 1kW of electricity. Not only that, running a gas fire is actually more beneficial to the environment too, as it delivers half the CO2 emissions of an electric fire.
“Since the decline of solid fuel, gas fires have become the ‘heart’ of the British home and long may this continue. Against a backdrop of rising energy prices, it is our job to reassure heating installers, homeowners, and social housing that aside from its superior aesthetics, gas is the most affordable and cost-efficient option available,” explains Richard Beaman Managing Director of the Gas Fire Division.
“For those homes trapped in fuel poverty, the low running costs provided by a gas fire is a welcome relief. They can benefit from all the warmth and comfort of a gas fire without having to worry about excessive bills.”
The gas-guzzling decorative gas fires from the 1980’s are now a thing of the past. Thanks to developments in technology, gas fires today are capable of delivering heat efficiencies of over 80% and heat outputs of 4.0kW. For some living rooms, this is more than enough to act as a primary source of heat.
The elderly also benefit from the heat of a gas fire. During recent freezing winters, it is reassuring to know that they can rely on a gas fire. Even if their boiler breaks down due to condensate freeze, for example, they can stay safe and comfortable until everything is back up and running.
Whilst there are still 11 million homes in the UK with a chimney and a gas point, the absence of a chimney no longer restricts the installation of a gas fire. This is due to the wealth of balanced flue models now available that simply require an outside wall for installation.
Gas is also clean and convenient with no ash residue and odours. It is never subject to disrupted power supplies, and with no complex electronics to worry about, maintenance is minimal. Natural gas is also one of the safest sources of energy, and homeowners can rest assured that their gas fire has already obtained independent approval to qualify for CE marking.