What are the benefits of a traditional gas fire?
Ease of use
In the 19th century, homeowners preferred gas fires as a cleaner alternative to coal. With no need to stockpile wood or clean out soot, homeowners today are purchasing them for the very same reasons! Traditional gas fires can be ignited easily, often with just the flip of a switch or push of a button. Some models even come with remote-control access, so you can enjoy the radiant warmth of your new appliances without leaving the sofa.
Other easy-to-use features include thermostatic controls that allow you to tailor the intensity of your warmth and programme the appliance to turn on and off at different times.
Energy efficiency
Traditional gas fires that are glass fronted are exceptionally efficient, with some models achieving energy-efficiency ratings of 80% or higher. In recent years, gas fireplaces’ energy consumption has significantly improved, in part due to environmental regulations and the growing demand for eco-friendly products. New appliances limit the loss of heated air through vents or flues, which keeps more warmth inside the room. Other features, like thermostatic controls, help reduce unnecessary energy wastage.
Even modern design choices can increase gas fire’s energy efficiency. Glass-fronted appliances, for example, minimise heat loss up the chimney. Each of these features translates directly into lower running costs for homeowners.
Reduced carbon footprint
Gas fireplaces emit fewer carbon emissions than wood-burning stoves. Natural gas produces less CO2 per kWh, mainly because gas burns more cleanly than solid fuels and, as a result, releases fewer pollutants.
For households reliant on solid fuel heating, switching to a gas fire can reduce the amount of particulate matter, nitrogen oxides, and carbon monoxide released into the atmosphere. The clean-burning design of traditional gas fires is also particularly beneficial for city homes. By eliminating the by-products of solid fuel combustion, homeowners can minimise the impact on their area’s air quality.
Safety
Modern gas fires are manufactured with a range of highly sensitive safety features. All gas fires now come with an Oxygen depletion sensors (ODS), for example, monitor oxygen levels in the room and automatically shut off the gas if they drop too low. The ODS, when paired with an at-home carbon monoxide detector, can prevent these harmful gases from leaking in the event of a malfunction.
Equally important is the flame failure device (FFD), a mechanism that automatically cuts off the gas supply if the flame is accidentally extinguished. The device prevents the possibility of a gas leak and is standard in most traditional gas fires.
