HEATING , VENTILATION & INSULATION
of localised room heating , typically 1.5kW – 2.0kW and can prove effective in the right space , especially where flue systems are either costly or problematic . This becomes an ideal solution for apartments , nondetached homes and extensions . A further benefit for consideration is the safety aspect , especially that of public spaces . Thus hotels , restaurants , public and corporate spaces can create a warm ambience with peace of mind .
Bio-ethanol
A great alternative to electric fire option whereby a natural flame pattern is desired together with a heat source without the need to have a flue system . Powerful units ranging from 4kW – 13kW provide ample heating for even large spaces . So perhaps a better alternative than electric if heating is the primary motivation for larger rooms and spaces , however the functionality of daily heating can prove troublesome and costly . Ranging from £ 1.30 to £ 2.60 per hour , this can quickly add up and one also has to consider the storage of a highly flammable fuel source and regular topping up of the units as well if used frequently . Much debate has yielded from claims of bio-ethanol fires being odourless when used , however in our experience even the best products in the market can ’ t avoid the inherent nature of emitting an odour . Perhaps fuels will evolve and perhaps there are manufacturers that found their eureka moment . Best advice would be to view in person and factor the rooms ventilation into account .
Gas
Gas has become the rough kid in the neighbourhood over the past few years for various reasons . The historical inefficiency of open DFE ( decorative fuel effect ) fires has been left behind in an ever-evolving world with the introduction of glass front balanced flue fires . It ’ s therefore more appropriate to separate Gas into 2 classifications – Open DFE and Glass Fronted
Open DFE – By nature of the words open , it ’ s not difficult to understand why these fires are now being eradicated from new build homes in the UK wherever possible . Open flue systems entail the largest percentage of the heat generated form the combustion process rises through convection up the chimney stack with a small percentage of the heat radiating into the room . Certain unsubstantiated online claims range from 15 % to 50 % in terms of efficiency , however regardless of where in the range the output lies , it ’ s the least efficient means of gas conversion to heat a room . Whether the fire is not used , whatever heat that is generated from heating sources within the property , the heat will be drawn up the flue system into the open air , thus deeming any form of heating in the property inefficient if an open flue system remains in the property . A unit output of around 6.9kW may only cost around £ 0.60 per hour to run , however it ’ s not what ’ s made available into the room that is really relevant here , it ’ s what ’ s up the flue that really matters , especially if wanting to adopt a responsible position when burning a fossil fuel . The challenge faced in the UK , especially within London , are the number of homes utilising open DFE fires , that would upgrade their fires to more efficient options at the drop of a hat , however are simply unable to afford to do so . They also can ’ t afford to use these fires as primary heating any longer due to costs , so sadly , much of this sector have their hands tied unwillingly .
Glass Fronted – These units revolutionised the Gas sector , especially with the introduction of Balanced Flue systems . This allowed for highly efficient , high output units to be installed into existing properties , new builds or extensions with a great degree of flexibility with the flue routes . Flue systems are also considerably more cost effective than solid fuel twin wall systems and hence this became a near perfect solution for the Greater London residential sector . Outputs typically range from 5kW – 13kW with running costs being more cost effective than most people realise due to their approximate 80 % efficiency . Hourly running costs range from £ 0.50 to
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