Having a gas fireplace installed - is it a big job?

[Hihosilver123]

Thinking of putting in a gas fireplace and wondering what to consider. I have a (closed) fireplace and chimney, though I don’t know if it’s blocked or not. Also, no gas supply into the sitting room (where I want the fire). Do have gas in the kitchen which is next door. Would appreciate any advice.

I have a recently installed gas fire to replace a coal fire, the chimney was always open, the basics took a day to complete. They inserted a liner and a floor vent. Very pleased.

We are SE and 18mths ago had a flue installed for a gas aga. Its 2 storey, and the flue alone was £2500. We considered a gas fire but costs were just escalating.
For the chimney, I'd assume you need a chimney sweep to check its clear and cleaned before use.
To have gas pipework put into the lounge, I'd think you'll need a gas safe plumber.

A friend was looking to have one installed recently but the cost and hassle of running the gas pipe to the fire put her off. The installers said they would need to dig a trench all the way around the house and then bury the pipe. As it would involve lifting some of the patio they opted for an electric fire instead. One of those fireplace effect ones and it looks really nice.

If you are going to use it a lot then gas fire makes sense.

If you intend to have it as a supplement to CH only on the coldest days it is worthwhile considering electric.

Electricity costs more than gas but is generally more efficient and cheaper to install (I estimate that my gas fire is only 50% efficient so although gas costs 1/4 the price of electric, it is effectively only 1/2 the price).

If your electric install is cheaper by a few K then that takes an awful long time to make up in fuel costs if you are only using the thing a few days a year.

I also think the electric fires with fake flames look great, and you can probably have the "flames" on without the heat which is also nice.

They will have to run the gas pipe under the floor from the kitchen so it depends how much hassle you’d be prepared to put up with.

Where's your gas meter?

That’s really interesting, and sounds like it may be easier. Didn’t know it was a thing. Will investigate!