How Much Gas Does A Gas Fire Use In The UK?
British weather is famously unpredictable: even in the summer, you may be tempted to switch on your gas fire for a blast of warm air. Yet many homeowners are reluctant to use their fireplaces because of skyrocketing energy costs.
Ultimately, this begs the question of just how much gas a gas fire use in the UK? Today, Fires2U will take you through some of the costs of running a gas fire and what factors affect your gas usage.
How much gas does a gas fire use in the UK?
Although it is difficult to determine precise gas consumption, on average, a gas fire with a potential heat output of 7kw will consume around one cubic metre of gas per hour when burning at full power (based on information collected by DRU fires). However, this is an average estimation. How much gas your fire consumes can change according to several factors:
Room Size and Insulation
How large is the room you’re trying to heat? If you have a large living room and a fire with a 3-4kw heat output, your fire may need more gas to warm it up. Likewise, does your home have double-glazed windows and insulated walls and flooring? Poorly insulated homes will allow heat to escape, meaning your fire will compensate for this loss by burning more gas.
BTU
The British Thermal Unit (BTU) rating of the gas fire determines how much it will consume. The higher the BTU rating, the more gas the fire will use. If you invest in a fireplace with too few BTUs for your chosen room, the fire will burn more gas to heat it. However, choosing a fireplace with too many BTUs for a smaller room could cause an increase in your energy bills.
Usage
Do you keep your fireplace burning at a low setting or high setting? Your usage patterns will also greatly affect how much gas your fire uses. Keeping your fireplace running for hours at the highest level will lead to greater gas consumption.
FLAVEL ROMANCE HE GAS FIRE
Price: £684
How efficient is a gas fire?
With strides in gas fireplace technology being made every year, manufacturers are developing ingenious ways to reduce gas consumption without compromising efficiency. This way, consumers can enjoy the benefits of a cosy gas fireplace without worrying about their bills. So, how are gas fires more energy efficient?
Heat output
Gas fires provide a consistent and controllable heat output. They often burn at a steady rate and don't require time to build up heat.
No heat loss
Unlike other fireplaces, which can lose a significant amount of heat up the chimney, gas fires are designed to direct heat into the room: this means less loss and more efficiency!
Easy to use
Gas fires are easy to use and can be turned on and off with a switch on the appliance or many fires can come with a remote control (however this option is usually an additional price option) , allowing precise temperature control. You only use the amount of gas you need to heat your space.
What are high-efficiency gas fires?
As regular gas fires become more efficient, retailers have begun incorporating high-efficiency gas fires into their product ranges.
HE fires use advanced technology and designs to maximise heat output while minimising gas usage, resulting in lower energy bills and a reduced environmental impact! Their sealed combustion systems draw in air from outside the home for combustion, and this leads to a reduction in heat loss. Plus, most high-efficiency models also have a glass front that helps to prevent waste and directs heat into the room. The glass also adds a layer of safety, preventing accidental burns and reducing the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning.
CRYSTAL BOSTON HE HIGH EFFICIENCY HOLE IN WALL GAS FIRE
Price: £769
Shop for High-Efficiency Gas Fires with Fires2U!
Understanding how much gas a gas fire uses in the UK is complex and strongly linked to your chosen fireplace and usage patterns. But overall, gas fires are one of the most energy-efficient ways to heat your home on a budget. Combat rising energy costs by shopping for high-efficiency Gas Fires with Fires2U. We house major brands and retailers like Crystal, DRU, and Flavel, each with stunning inset and hole-in-the-wall models for you to choose from.
