buying a gas fire

[monty0703]

My mum has one of the old type of gas fires (an outset gas fire). She'd like to replace it with an inset gas fire (one with flame effect). Is this possible? If it is, how do I know which flue size etc to get? Don't have a clue about this so any advice would be great. (goes without saying that I'll get a Corgi guy to actually fit it).

[missprim]

Please please please get the corgi engineer in to check exactly what you want. Get him to take out the old fire before you buy a new one. I made the mistake of getting what I thought would be ok but without going into detail I ended up having to have a hearth specially made and that of course added to the cost. When he takes the old fire off the wall he can tell you what you need to get and he will put the old fire back for you.Also, a lot of the inset fires you have to light underneath and if your Mum has difficulty bending you might be better getting one that lights at the top.

[gucciman]

hi, corgi registered gas engineer here.

missprim is exactly right, is impossible to give accurate advice over the phone and most gas engineers would be happy to come out and give you a quick free survey and quote and to check your flue is in a safe condition.

please note however that an inset gas fire is going to cost more to run than an outset gas fire and will not give out as much heat either. not a problem if your mum has central heating too but could be a problem if its her main source of heat.

there are some very nice modern compact outset fires available and they will be quicker and cheaper to fit.
if you do go for an inset then we recommend a valor one such as the valor dream and with a top operated control which is much better for older people. the valors arent cheap however, around the �350-�400 mark but they are quality esp compared to crap like focal points from b&q

if you need anymore info please dont hesitate to ask.

and were in the birmingham area if thats any use to you.

[monty0703]

Thanks for your answers guys. Thanks for pointing out that some light from the bottom Missprim, something I need to take into consideration. Gucciman, I'd never have thought that an inset wouldn't give out as much heat. She has central heating so the fire is mainly for a standby and she'd like one with a flame effect. Do you get outset fires with a flame effect?

[gucciman]

you can get outset fires with a flame effect but the flames are usually behind a glass panel and they are very expensive, you would be looking a around �400-�500.

the trouble with the inset fires is that they are sited within the chimney so a lot of the heat goes straight up the chimney. The valor ones are pretty good though as they have decent convector boxes that puts a lot of the heat back into the room and there are also some new models that have a glass front which improve the heat efficency.