Gas fires

[Shwish]

We've just moved house. It has a REALLY ugly 90s fireplace in the lounge so we want to replace it.
We're in a smoke control zone (London) so can't have an open fire but it seems a bit sad to get a new one put in that we can't use.
We're considering getting a gas one but I'm aware it's an outdated source of fuel.
The people before us did burn wood but I don't want to do that and break the rules.
It's pretty expensive to get a decent gas one though so is it worth it? Or should we just replace or even remove the surround? FWIW it's a 1930s house.

Our current house came with a gas fire. I thought I'd hate it but it's so toasty and warms up the room quickly. What appeals are the real flames; what I hated (before it won me over) was the fakeness of the pretend coal. One thing to be aware of is the risk of carbon monoxide - so it does need to be serviced regularly.

Is there no central heating?

When I got my central heating installed I got an electric log burner for the effect as I no longer needed the fire to heat the room but wanted the cozy glow.

Maybe look at Bio-ethanol stoves?

Yeah we have central heating. This is just an extra. I considered electric but the flame isn't that realistic. Bio ethanol I was interested in but I've read a bit about them being dangerous. Is that exaggerated? Do you have one?

I had a modern gas fire in my last house- one of those ones with logs behind glass- they throw out a lot of heat and are v efficient. The flame effect is very nice/ cosy. You can get more trad looking ones including ones that resemble a log burner.

Yeah the one I quite like looks like a traditional fire behind glass

Outdated source of fuel? What do you mean? Gas central heating is the most common domestic heating in the UK and 30%of the UK"s electricity supply is from gas. The government is pushing heat pumps etc, but uptake is very low

I don’t know why you’d think gas is outdated, the vast majority of central heating is powered by gas

I loved our gas fire for warming up quickly! Miss it now we've moved!

Log affect gas fires fabulous.

We've just spent a fortune on a gas fire and I bloody LOVE it!

I think if you get a good modern wood burner, it may be possible to use it and not break the smoke free zone regulations? Obviously there are some health implications so install at your own risk.

I’ve got a gas “woodburner” and I love it! So cosy and very realistic, more eco friendly than a real wood burner and cheaper if you don’t have a free source of wood.

I’ve got this one the gazco Sheraton 5 with just a simple oak beam mantle and a granite hearth.

https://www.stovax.com/stove-fire/sheraton-5-gas/

Having had a real woodburner I also love how clean it is and the joy of just pressing a button on the remote control for it from my sofa.
plus it would keep me toasty in a power cut

That would depend on whether you could light it independently from the electric button, which is something a lot of people forget.

Yes it seems to have no electrical connection, my battery controlled remote. So I think it would be ok in a power cut?

Well the receiver for the remote inside the fire will need some sort of electrics or battery at the minimum.

If your fire can be remotely controlled for output then there must be electrics driving the motor for the gas valve to open/close.

I have a gas fire, but it is a powerflue so needs electric to operate the fan.

We also have a gas stove , it is a Broseley Hereford and is made to the exact specification as the non gas version so looks very authentic .

Which is a shame because ours is amazing

It will be interesting when there is a power cut!
I’m hopeful as I saw them install it and don’t believe there was an electrical connection.
my remote does show a battery indicator so perhaps that’s it

My gas fire has a piezoelectric starter so not connected to the mains. It does mean you have to start it manually though.

I couldn't imagine a sitting room without a fire of some sort. They heat the room up quickly and are lovely to lie or sit in front of.

The battery indicator on the remote will show if the battery inside the remote is low - not the fire.

My fire (which is very powerful) has batteries inside it and isn’t connected to the mains. However, there is no indicator that lets you know when they are about to die other than the odd peep which I sold them here. Always have some in supply for when they run out!