Our Essential Guide to Wall Gas Fires

It’s not always practical to build a fireplace into your home after the property has already been built. Wall gas fires are a better choice that will allow you to have the pleasantness of a fireplace in any room you like.

A gas fireplace is a good choice for anyone who wants a practical heating solution.

What Type of Wall Gas Fires is Best for You?

There are many types of wall mounted gas fires, so you will need to determine which one is the best choice for your needs. To do this, you should understand what your options are.

Which Material?

The material used for your gas fireplace will give it that distinctive look, so it’s quite important to select well. Here are the most common materials used to create wall gas fires:

Cast iron is a popular fireplace material, though it does tend to rust if it gets damp.

Stone is also available, ranging from granite and marble to limestone and micromarble. These not only look amazing, but give you durability and are fireproof. Stone is always a good choice. You’ll find that different fireplace shops offer various options, so take the time to look at the choices and find the best option for your needs.

What Size?

The size of the gas fireplace will be an important part of the decision process. Measure the amount of space you have available on your selected wall. Fortunately, you won’t need to add a chimney, so you are able to fit everything in a smaller space. It’s a good idea to know how much room is available. This will aid you in choosing the right size fireplace for your wall.

Types of Gas Fireplaces

You have a number of choices when it comes to gas fireplaces. The type will depend on the situation and your own preferences.

Vented Gas Fireplaces: These are usually used where you have an existing fireplace and want to switch to a gas fireplace, which is more efficient. In this case, the gases produced by the burning gas will use the existing chimney in order to vent outside. This ensures the carbon monoxide does not flow back into the house. It’s important to ensure your chimney works well before you install this type of gas fire.

Vent Free Gas Fireplaces: These can be installed wherever you like. They can be placed on any type of wall or in the centre of your living space. These don’t look as realistic as the other types of fireplaces, but they are also more efficient because there is no heat lost to the venting process.

Direct Vent Gas Fireplaces: Direct vent wall gas fires include a two-layer pipe that can be connected to the outside of the house. They ensure that there is fresh air coming in to nourish the fire and the toxic gases are sent outside. They are safer than most fireplaces and are the most realistic in terms of flames. They have logs that can be used with the gas flames to give them the look of a proper wood fireplace.

Regardless of which type you choose, you’ll want to have a carbon monoxide alarm set up. This is essential as gas fires can create carbon monoxide. If this is not properly vented, it can be deadly. The gas is odourless and colourless, so it’s easy for people to miss them. A new, properly installed wall gas fire should be quite safe.

How Wall Gas Fires are Installed

The fireplace shop may do the installation for you, but in some cases, you may prefer to do it on your own. The installation is relatively simple in most cases, but it does require some construction skills if you intend to build it into the wall. You’ll also need to set the vent up so it runs outside.

Plan Ahead

Before you get into the actual installation, you should have a good plan. You may wish to make a faux fireplace out of cardboard to help you visualise where it will work best. There are also other things to consider, such as where the vent will come out of the house. It’s usually limited in how many bends or curves you can make in the pipe, so it’s important to figure this all out ahead of time. You should also be aware of local laws and see if there are any permits required in order to install the wall fireplace.

Pay careful attention to the required clearances, since these will protect your home from potential fires. There will often be a distance that is required on top and the sides and back. You may also need to protect the vent to prevent it from heating the surrounding area. All of this should come in the instruction manual.

Install the Fireplace

If you have an existing fireplace, you may wish to install over it. This gives you a natural niche to tuck the wall fire and you can use the chimney if it’s in good condition.

Connecting the gas supply is relatively simple, once the fireplace is set up. A plumber is usually helpful in this area, but you can also manage it on your own if you prefer. You’ll need to route the gas from your main pipe to the fireplace. There should be instructions included.

Do you need a chimney? The short answer is no. Most gas fireplaces are direct vented, which means you just install a vent that leads outdoors.

It’s very important to read the instructions that come with the fireplace, since every fireplace is different.

Are Wall Gas Fires Energy Efficient?

How efficient the wall gas fires are depends on the design and the build. DRU fires, for example, are quite energy efficient. In most cases, gas is more efficient and ecologically sound than wood burning fireplaces.

Fireplaces that are high efficiency will be sealed, which means there is absolutely no wasted fuel. It is all used within an airtight space. However, not all fireplaces are built this way, so check the energy rating on the fireplace before you purchase it.

Other DRU fire features include using a flue to provide the air required to keep the fire going well. You can connect your smartphone to the fireplace and adjust the temperature and flame pattern to get the look and heat you need. This is a great way to enjoy the fireplace even more.

What Will You Pay for a Gas Fireplace?

There are a number of costs that come with installation of a gas fireplace. First, the gas fireplace prices depend on the type of fireplace you choose and the materials it’s made from.

The other costs that you need to consider are installation and gas connections. While it’s possible to do these yourself, you may find it easier to just have an expert handle it all for you. Talk to the fireplace shop to determine just how much they charge for these services. You may need to hire a plumber in order to connect the gas, however, and there may be additional costs associated with these. Drywall and plaster, for example, may be needed and you may also need fixings to run the gas line.

Wall gas fires can be quite affordable and they’re a good fix for the space if you want a house with a fireplace, but don’t currently have one. Keep in mind that fireplaces are some of the top requests when you sell your home. This means that if you install a fireplace, even a wall mounted gas fireplace, you have instantly boosted the value of your home.

You can find fireplaces at a fireplace shop that offers a wide range of options. They may even offer surrounds to help you create the perfect fireplace for your needs. If you’re looking for great wall gas fires, look at the Fireplace Superstore. We offer plenty of choices to ensure you get the fireplace you want.