Frequently asked questions about Flueless Energy Efficient Gas Fires

Can I have a 100% efficient flueless gas fire?

Modern houses often have no chimney or flue. Building a chimney or pre-fabricated flue can be very expensive. Our flueless fires are the perfect no-chimney solution to instant warmth. Our innovative technology provides a flexible design for your house or apartment; allowing you to install a fire not only in the living room, but also dining room, office, study, and kitchen.*

If you have a natural gas supply** and can run a standard 8mm gas pipe to the fire installation point, while ensuring you have the minimum room size and adequate ventilation then you can benefit from this technology.

*Flueless fires are not permitted in the bathroom. **Selected models are also available in LPG.

Where should I install my flueless fire?

Having selected the correct fire you will need to choose where to install it. First ensure a gas supply can be run to your desired location. The fires can usually be mounted onto almost any flat surface. There must be a minimum of 100mm clearance to the sides of the fire. Clearance to ceilings must be 800mm, clearance in front must be 500mm and clearance to solid floor level must be 60mm.

How does this work?

Flueless gas fires incorporate the latest innovations in gas fire technology and do not need a chimney or flue to operate. Instead, the combustion gases pass through a catalytic converter system, positioned at the top of the appliance; which converts carbon monoxide into harmless carbon dioxide and water vapour. Levels of this are so low they are typically present in fresh air.

In fact, the catalytic converter works so effectively that it can actually help to clean the air by neutralising airborne particles and odours, therefore helping to reduce household allergies.

How long does the catalytic converter last?

Independent tests commissioned to establish the life expectancy of the catalytic converter have proved that even after 16,957 hours (approximately equivalent to 27 years and eight months of normal use)* the catalytic converter is as effective as when it is new.

*Calculation is based on the assumption of 4 hours a day for 5 months of the year.

Are fires easy to light and operate?

All gas fires come with traditional rotary control which incorporates a piezo spark ignition, and is fully variable between the preset HIGH and LOW settings.

Are flueless gas fires safe?

For complete safety and peace of mind, all of our fires incorporate an Oxygen Depletion Sensor (ODS), which detect when the oxygen levels in the room fall below a specified level and cause the pilot flame to lift away from the sensing probe. This activates the Flame Failure Device (FFD), which cuts off the gas supply to the fire and renders the appliance safe. For additional safety, all of our flueless fires are fitted with a catalytic converter system to ensure excellent levels of air quality.

What ventilation is required?

Most heating appliances need ventilation to maintain the correct level of oxygen in the room. All of our flueless appliances installed in the UK require only 100cm² of additional purpose provided ventilation which must communicate directly with outside air and be at least 1m away from the fire.*

*For installation guidance please read our Air Vent for Flueless Fires category.

What about condensation?

All of our flueless fires are designed to supplement central heating and should be used as a secondary heat source only. Therefore, the background ambient temperature of the room will prevent any moisture from condensing on colder surfaces such as single glazed windows.

How do I install my flueless gas fire?

All gas fires must be installed by a Gas Safe registered engineer. Flueless fires are very popular with fitters as they are relatively simple to install and can be fitted at literally a fraction of the cost and time it takes to fit a conventional gas fire.

We also provide a fitting template with every flueless fire that is used to help with installation; and because flueless fires do not require the use of a chimney or flue for operation, the servicing costs are considerably cheaper than conventional gas fires.

Eco friendly - reducing the Greenhouse Effect

Flueless fires and high efficiency gas fires in general are a great way to reduce your CO² emissions (which contribute to climate change) and cut your fuel bills.

We all have our part to play in making our homes more environmentally friendly, and flueless technology has been awarded five stars for eco value for money by leading eco-consultant Donnachadh McCarthy (Article from the Sunday Times, 2006).

If the 15 million traditional gas fires in the UK were replaced by flueless fires, we would save 40,260,000,000 kW of gas every year; which would in turn reduce carbon dioxide emissions by over 7,649,400 tonnes every year.*

*Calculation is based on the assumption of 4 hours a day for 5 months of the year.

What size/output is suitable for my room?

We currently manufacture 1 inset flueless fire, designed for a free-standing or fireplace installation, and 6 wall mounted designs:

  1. PI27 meaning Portait Inset Design for maximum 27m³ room size (inset fire)
  1. P23 meaning Portrait Design for maximum 23m³ room size (wall mounted fire)
  2. LS23 meaning Landscape Slimline Design for maximum 23m³ room size (wall mounted fire)
  3. L23 meaning Landscape Design for maximum 23m³ room size (wall mounted fire)
  4. LS30 meaning Landscape Slimline Design for maximum 30m³ room size (wall mounted fire)
  5. L30 meaning Landscape Design for maximum 30m³ room size (wall mounted fire)
  6. L40 meaning Landscape Design for maximum 40m³ room size (wall mounted fire)
To determine which model is right for you:

First measure the Height x Depth x Width of your intended space. Multiply the three values together. This will give you the volume in m³ and will let you know the maximum model for your room.  

For example: 2.43m (Height) x 4.16m (Depth) x 3.53m (Width) = 35.68m³ 

So, all models are acceptable up to 35.68m³, other than the L40 as this is larger than the calculated room size. In this example the customer ordered a Corinthia Silver flueless gas fire (L30 model).

Can flueless fires be installed into bedrooms?

Flueless gas fires may be installed into bedrooms upon implementation of BS 5871 Part 4. An electronic carbon monoxide detector complying with the current edition of BS EN 50291 must be installed in the same room as the appliance.

For maximum safety it is recommended that such device is continuously (mains) powered and arranged so that that the gas supply to the appliance is isolated in the event of an alarm. The selection and installation of such device shall be in accordance with the current edition of BS EN 50292 and the user must be briefed regarding the use and maintenance of such device.

Can I have a TV above my fire?

Under no circumstances should any electrical equipment e.g. TV be positioned on the wall above the appliance as the heat outlet is at the top of the appliance.

Can I convert my gas fire from one fuel to another?

Unfortunately it is not possible to convert an appliance from LPG to natural gas or vice versa.

Why choose flueless?

  • No chimney or flue required
  • 100% efficient, meaning even lower fuel costs
  • Simple hang on the wall designs - mounting position requires no recess
  • No hearth required (wall mounted models)
  • Inset hearth mounted designs for traditional fireplace installations
  • Pure Heat catalytic technology
  • Can be installed onto virtually any internal or external wall
  • Cleans circulating air of unwanted particles helping neutralise odours and allergens.