FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. How do high efficiency gas fires work?

A. Each fire has a unique way of producing a high efficiency output but they all have one thing in common which is they have glass covering the front of the fire. This is the vital element as it stops the 'draw' of heat up the chimney. You would think that placing heat proof glass at the front of the fire would reduce the fire's effectiveness. Well, it is the complete opposite.

Q. What are the benefits of limestone fireplaces?

A. The craftsmanship of limestone fireplace mantels is clear to see, and they provide any living space with a focal point that suggests a high quality finish. Limestone is also strong and durable, and the mantel should outlast any of the other materals used in surrounds by a considerable margin.

Q. What is the difference between inset and outset fires?

A. Outset fires sit on the hearth outside of the fireplace opening and inset fires sit inside the fireplace opening just behind the hearth.

Q. Are gas stoves expensive to run and will all the heat go up the chimney?

A. Significant improvements have been made with regard to gas stoves since there inception many years ago. Today gas stoves are far more efficient than they used to be with lower running costs and improved heat outputs than ever before. Although some gas stoves will be more efficient and provide more heat than others dependant on model and size.

Q. Are wood and multifuel stoves easy to light and control?

A. Yes, stoves are generally quite easy to light with dry kindling and newspaper. Once lit simple air vents can be turned to control the intensity of the blaze and amount of heat.

Q. How do I decide which gas fire or stove to buy to heat my room?

A. As a rough guide only, measure the room and multiply the height x width x depth (in metres), and divide this by 14 and it will provide you with the average heating requirements for the room in KW’s. Although this method is dependant on the number of windows, construction, insulation, furnishings and any double glazing in the room. We therefore strongly recommend that all gas, electric fires or stoves shown on our website be used as a supplementary form of heating and not as a sole source of heat in any room.

Q. How often should my fire/stove be serviced?

A. It is highly recommended by The Health and Safety Executive, Corgi, Gas Safety Register, British Gas, and Manufacturers of all gas appliances that they be serviced every 12 months.

Q. What is an airwash system on a stove?

A. A stove with an airwash system will tend to have a cleaner more see-through window. In non airwash stoves tar is deposited on the window when fuel is burnt (especially wood) darkening the stove glass or making it black. Airwash stoves take in air from above the stove window and pass (or 'wash') it over the surface of the window. This helps keeps the flames and gasses in the stove off the window itself as there is a layer of air protecting it. Less tar is deposited keeping the window cleaner.

Q. What is the average size of fireplace opening required to install an inset gas or electric fire?

A. The most common size of fireplace openings in the UK is 16” wide x 22” high. Most gas and electric fires are designed to fit into this size of fireplace opening subject to any depth restrictions. However most manufacturers either have a shallow or deep version of their fires or a spacer kit to decrease the fire depth by making it semi inset or fully outset in the case of electric fires or flueless gas fires.

Q. What is a rebate?

A. Most fireplace surrounds have a rebate, which is the difference between the outside and inside leg return. It is the distance from the face of the back panel to the wall behind. Fire Surround rebates can occasionally be increased to allow for a deeper fire to be installed in to flat wall or shallow flue situation.