Flueless gas fires are one of the great innovations in the heating industry over the past few years. Everyone knows about the beauty of gas as a conventional heating option, but in the past, the lack of a flue was a definite obstacle to having a gas fireplace just where you wanted it. Then along came the flueless gas fire, and suddenly it was an option for all kinds of home. It won’t suit everyone, but it’s definitely possible. Let’s take a look at the pros and cons of this form of heating.
Here are some benefits to going flueless.
No flue? No problem. Flueless gas fires are designed to be fitted in places where there’s no chimney or outside vent. The key to this is the way the fuel burns - without the harmful emissions that would normally have to be redirected. This could be good news for any allergy sufferers who react to other kinds of gas fire because flueless gas fires burn cleanly and efficiently.
The flueless gas fire is different from the balanced flue fire, which requires pipes and can be costly to fit. This type of appliance is easier and less expensive to install. You don’t lose any of the heat up the chimney either, which means the fuel efficiency is impressive.
If you’re wondering about the style and look, fear not. Contemporary styled wall-mounted options are available, still with the more traditional feel. Whether you want your fireplace on an inside wall or an outside one, it’s not likely to be a problem. The safety features are impressive, with an automatic cut off if any issues arise. Oh, and the kind of fuel used by flueless gas fires is about as cheap as it gets.
Wondering about the downside? We’ll look at those too.
You will require some kind of vent to the outside, at least a metre from the fire, and permanently free from obstruction. How big this is will depend on the size of your flueless fire. You’ll also need a window in the room where the fire is fitted, as, apart from anything else, this will be the only way to cool down the temperature when it's really hot.
The flueless gas fire can’t be the primary heating source in your home. It relies on you having other heating too, so bear that in mind. You might need a glass front on your flueless gas fire, depending on whether it uses a catalytic converter. Also remember that the glass panel can get really hot, and also might change colour over time.
If you think you might be in the market for a flueless gas fire, you should definitely take a look at the options available as it’s a choice that people really love for economy, styling, efficiency and safety. Just make sure you get a professional to do the installation for you and to carry out any maintenance or service you might require.
Flueless gas fires have their pros and cons like everything else, but in the right setting, they can be a wonderful addition to the home.