One of the more commonly asked questions about fires is whether a gas fireplace is worth it, especially in a day and age of environmental concerns.

There are many options facing interior designers and property developers, including the great debate between the various options of fire. All present their own benefits. However, in addition to their ease of operation, a realistic gas fireplace has advantages that you should know before you make your purchase.

A gas fire is an elegant yet eco-friendly solution, both efficient and timeless for long lasting joy and warmth in the home. We are here to help you decide whether investing in a gas fire for your design or development project is truly worth it.

This blog addresses questions about why you should opt for a gas fire over other heating options, whether your client will appreciate it, and whether it will be beneficial for you.

 

 Best Gas Fires for Heat Output

The heat output of a gas fire is measured in kilowatts (KW) which indicates the amount of heat given out by the fire. For domestic gas fires, the heat output often ranges between 3 and 5 KW, however, the strength of heat output needed will depend on the size of the room you are dealing with.

A larger room layout will need a larger heat output and vice versa. On the other hand, if the building is well insulated, lower heat output will work just fine. Take into consideration all aspects of room layout and design when thinking about your gas fire installation.

 

Is it Expensive to Run a Gas Fireplace?

Typically, with gas fires it only costs around 5 pence per KW to run – when compared to electric which typically costs around 15p per KW and bioethanol which can cost up to 90p per KW, this is by far the most efficient.

So, when considering whether a gas fireplace is worth it if running costs are a big determining factor for you and your client, you’ll need to consider the efficiency of your installation, which is where a gas fireplace can outperform other fire types.

Efficient Gas Fires

Gas fires can help your client to reduce their energy bills and heating costs and they come in all shapes, styles and designs. They are in fact one of the most efficient types of fires especially when you compare the costs of running a gas fire to heating the whole house with central heating. You can purchase convector gas fires for a similar appearance to a traditional open fire with great efficiency.

Furthermore, the effectiveness of this style of convector gas fire means that a room can be heated very quickly and evenly rather than just around the fireplace itself. This is because a convector gas fire draws in the flow of cold air from a room underneath itself to heat and disperse out of the top as warm air.

A central heating boiler can be rated at 15KW energy consumption, some even higher, however, gas fires outage can be powerful and are usually only rated at about 3.5KW. At the lowest setting, a fire may only use 1KW to heat an entire room.

If you already own an older model of gas fires, then you may need to upgrade to a new model to feel the benefits of a high-efficiency fire. Many modern gas fires, especially glass fronted fires, can offer up to 90% fuel efficiency, which older models are unlikely to be able to keep up with.

Adding Value to Property

Adding value to a property as a property developer or interior designer is crucial. You want your clients to be interested in the property and every aspect of it without too much obvious ‘selling’.  A fire can add value to any property, so when you find fireplaces in London, in a property that you need to renovate, you will need to know exactly how to handle it; should it stay, go, or get upgraded?

According to research by estate agent body NAEA Property mark, the top home improvements to make a property more appealing include installing a fireplace. Small aesthetic factors, such as adding mirrors to open a space up and getting rid of busy wallpaper, are also listed as small tweaks for big rewards. There’s no doubt that a fireplace can add plenty of character to a space and they create a great focal point – especially gas stoves, which can be used to complement both a modern or a traditional interior. As an interior designer, it gives you extra space to get creative.

Not only is a gas fire a style statement, but it’s practical too; you want your clients and customers to love your work and creativeness. All these factors add to the value of your property, especially when it comes to financial value.

 

Do Fireplaces Increase The Value of Your Home?

In an article from the Daily Telegraph, writer Nicola Harley stated, “Fireplaces are the luxury item that is most likely to sway a home sale, with buyers going nearly £19,000 over budget in parts of the UK when their heart rules their head.

“Almost half of those who broke their budget said they did so after finding a property too attractive to resist. As well as fireplaces, features such as Bay Windows, Original Floorboards, Walk-in Wardrobes and free-standing baths also made it into the top ten property features that most tempted buyers.”

 

 

Interior Design Improvements

Whether the project you are working on is steered more towards a traditional or contemporary style, a gas fireplace can fit into many surrounding aesthetics. They have the flexibility to harmonize with a variety of décor and give a real sense of character. Not only is a gas stove or fire the perfect efficient heating solution, but it also exudes true authenticity.

Gas fires, unlike electric fires, present a real glow of flames, which is a style statement in itself. No one can deny that the ambience of a roaring real flame is enough to create a chic and cosy atmosphere, perfect for relaxing or socialising around.

Dependant on the style you opt for, for your project, you can give off a certain signature design. With a classic take on the gas stove, you can establish a sense of history and a story with your own twist. With a more contemporary design, such as our flueless gas fires in London, you can spark a new and creative décor, which also presents the opportunity to mix the old with the new.

Don’t forget that modern houses can sometimes feel a bit cold; industrial style metal furniture mixed with metallic tones and bare open spaces can result in a lifeless room. You can change this by simply adding an inviting gas stove or fireplace.

Here at Real Flame, we understand that being involved in improving or developing a property of any kind can be a creative struggle, especially when you have so many options to consider. No doubt you will have a vision for your project; does your vision include a stunning fireplace area?

If so, simply contact us for more information from experts in the trade. We have carried out projects for and with interior designers and property developers for years, such as the Ivy Chelsea Gardens and Hamilton Terrace, all finished with outstanding and sophisticated results.

 

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