FAQ's

A: The type of chimney or flue can sometimes be identified by the age of the property although it is always worth asking to be absolutely sure. Homes built before the late 1960's will often have what are called Class 1 chimneys. Homes built after that time may still have Class 1 chimneys but could also have Class 2 flues or pre-cast flues so you need to be certain which type you have before choosing a new fire as some are dedicated to a particular flue type.

A: Yes. There are currently three types of gas fire that do not need to be connected to a chimney or flue:

1. Flueless gas fires are designed to work without any sort of flue at all. Many types use catalytic converters to change the combustion products into harmless vapour which is allowed into the room.
2. Balanced flue gas fires use an arrangement that passes through the wall immediately behind the fire that both evacuates the combustion products and allows in air for combustion. Balanced flue fires (sometimes called room sealed fires) are completely sealed from the room and usually have a glass front through which the flame effect is visible.
3. Power flue gas fires use a fan arrangement to conduct the products of combustion from the rear of the fire to the outside world. Occasionally power flue gas fires are used where a conventional chimney or flue is too small or its performance cannot be guaranteed.

A: From the beginning of April 2005, it became a legal requirement to notify all work including new or replacement appliance installations to your local authority although this is now done automatically on your behalf by your Gas Safe (for gas appliances) & or HETAS (for solid fuel / wood burning appliances) registered installer. Consequently when we install a these types of appliances we will make all the relevant notifications on your behalf as we are a Gas Safe & HETAS registered company. You would receive this certificate in the post 1 to 2 weeks after installation, & it is vitally important that you keep it in a safe place with your other household documents.

A: No. For your own own safety & protection any gas appliance should only be installed by Gas Safe registered engineer. Solid fuel / wood burning appliances should only be installed by a HETAS registered engineer for similar reasons. In addition you will not receive the relevant building regulation approval which could affect the sale of your property.

A: Yes. We can provide a twin wall fluging system designed for solid fuel which will aloow you to ahve a stove or inset fire.

A: This entirely depends on its condition and we are able to give you further advice. The test is very simple for gas appliances but should you consider a solid fuel or wood burning appliance the test is more complicated and time consuming.

It is unwise to assume that a chimney or flue works correctly simply because it is there. Testing may discover problems that are completely hidden from view like internal damage or blockage.

If an existing chimney has to be lined remember that this may influence or restrict your choice of fire.

A: The running costs for the various gas fire types available vary significantly so it's important to decide whether you want optimum efficiency (the most heat for your money), a balance between efficiency and visual effect or the best available visual effect. The manufacturer's literature combined with advice from us will help your decision.

A: This is generally determined by the manufacturers rated input for gas appliances and the manufacturer's maximum kilowatt output for solid fuel / wood burning appliances. There may be certain exceptions but we can explain these to you during further discussions.

A: Installation time for a new fireplace will obviously reflect the amount of work that has to be done but for most installations we dedicate at least one day.

A: We cannot guarantee that it will not because a new fireplace may need a certain amount of construction work which could involve brickwork & plastering. In addition a new fireplace needs to be securely fastened to the wall behind it and this usually requires brackets to be sunk into the surrounding plaster. However, when we install we endeavour to minimize any possible disruption.

A: Yes. Unless the fire manufacturer's instructions specifically state otherwise.

A: Yes, made to measure hearths are available but their dimensions must at least comply with fire / stove manufacturers instructions and or any relevant regulatory authority.

A: Definitely not! When a gas fire is tested and receives its CE mark, it has been tested and approved with a specific fuel type and arrangement and any change to this could seriously affect the way the fire works. Any guarantee provided by the manufacturer or the eventual installer will be invalidated if the fuel is changed or the arrangement altered.