Frequently asked questions

Q: I need replacement parts or spares for my appliance, where do I get them ?

A: Although there are many independent companies that supply spares, it is always recommended that they are sourced directly from the manufacturer:

• Be Modern - (01914) 898006
• Dimplex - (01489) 773053
• EkoFires - (01202) 588638
• Flavel - (01782) 339000
• Robinson Willey - (01515) 305150
• Valor / Baxi - (08706) 090081 (Local rate No.)
  

Q: What is a balanced flue fire?

A: A balanced flue fire is required when the home cannot use a conventional chimney.

The fire uses a horizontal pipe to vent directly outside. An electricity supply is NOT required for any balanced flue products. All balanced flue products are room sealed and have glass fronts.

Q: What is a Powerflue or Fan Flue fire?

A: Powerflue / Fanflue fires use an electronically driven fan mounted on the external wall to expel the flue gases directly outside the home. These fires do not have a glass front.

Q: What different types of chimney are there?

A: There are 3 types of chimney:

• Brick chimney (Class 1) are easily recognisable with accompanying terracotta pot or gas terminal guard. If the chimney is "spilling" gas, a metal flue liner can be fitted to act as the chimney flue.
• Pre-Fabricated flues are easily identifiable by a metal flue & terminal on the roof and a metal flue box behind the fire. These flues are deep enough to take most of the deep models & all slimline fires.
• Pre-Cast flues can be identified by a ridge vent or metal flue tube and terminal on the roof. Only slimline fires are suitable for these flue types.

Q: How many types of controls are there available on gas fires?

A: There are various control types:

• Manual control - The control is situated discreetly behind the "Fret" at the base of the fire. The control knob is turned to create a spark.
• Slide / Side control - Switch situated on the side of the fire to eliminate the necessity of bending down to turn the fire on. Some are battery operated whilst others require an electricity supply. Check with the specific fire manafacturer for specifications.
• Top control - Twist ignition & control means you do not have to bend down, ideal for the infirm or disabled customer.
• Remote control - Control your fire without leaving your seat. Requires batteries. Also manual override should the control malfunction.

Q: What is a LFE gas fire?

A: LFE stands for Living Flame effect. These fires have the authencity of a real coal fire.

Q: What is a Radiant fire?

A: These gas fires have ceramic white "tiles" that glow to create powerful heat output.

Q: What are the different types of heat in gas fires?

A: There are two types of gas fire heating types

• Radiant heat only - The only form of heat coming from the fire is the heat generated by the "coals / pebbles" glowing. These fires tend to be less efficient and deliver less heat output. These are sometimes called "Decorative" fires. These fires are ideal for a secondary heat source in the room. Our website will give details of which fires are radiant only appliances.
• Radiant & Convected heat - As well as the radiant heat from the glowing coals, before the hot gases escape up the chimney they go through a "heat box" built into the fire and this heat is then convected into the room. These types of fire are more efficient and deliver more heat into the room than radiant only fires. Our website has the relevant information for you to see which fires have both forms of heat output.

Q: What is/are flame Supervision Device & Oxygen Depletion Sensors?

A: All new fires manufactured today have safety features built into them. Should there be a blockage in the burner jets, for example, and the gas mixtures are incorrect, the fire will switch itself off to avoid any possibility of creating Carbon Monoxide.

Q: Does the fitter have to be CORGI registered?

A: NO - From April 1st 2009 CAPITA won the tender to be the national governing gas body. Fitters should now carry an identification badge with a bright yellow triangle logo with the words " Gas Safe " Registered , their picture & ID number.

CORGI still exists but only as an advisory service to installers who wish to join their scheme. "CORGI" no longer has any governing body powers.

Q: I require an electric fire, does the installer have to be a qualified electrician?

A: No - Electric fires only have to be plugged into a normal electric plug socket but it is always recommended for the installation, of any appliance, to be carried out by a competant & proficient person.

Q: I still need to know more about my specific requirements?

A: The purchase of a new fire can be a daunting task, due to so many rules & regulations. If you have any further concerns, or queries, please call our technical department on (01332) 600 909 for further assistance or alternatively e-mail us on dave@bargains4less.co.uk

FLUELESS GAS FIRE QUESTIONS

Q: Why choose flueless ?

A: No chimney or flue required

   Simply hang on the wall, mounting position requires no recess

   Catalytic technology

   Can be installed onto virtually any internal or external wall

   Cleans circulating air of unwanted particles helping neutralise odours & allergens

Q: Can I have a 100% efficient gas fire ?

A. Flueless fires are the perfect flat wall, no chimney solution to instant warmth together with 100% efficiency. Therefore all the heat generated by these fires enters your room. Typically running costs are less than 5p per hour on high.

By choosing a flueless gas fire it is possible to make a real contribution towards reducing global warming as well as lowering your gas bills at the same time.

Q: How do flueless gas fire work ?

They incorporate the latest in gas technology & do not need a chimney or flue to operate. The combustion gases pass through a catalytic converter, positioned at the top of the appliance, which converts carbon monoxide into harmless carbon dioxide & water vapour, levels of which are so low that they are typically present in fresh air.

The catalytic converter works so efficiently that it can actually help to clean the air by neutralising airborne particles and odours, therefore helping to reduce household allergies

Q: What is the maximum heat output I can have in the room ?

A: There are quick & simple calculations will allow you to determine the maximum fire output for your chosen room. To work out the cubic meters of the room follow either calculation below:

L x W x H (feet) then divide that figure by 35.3 = total cubic meters of the room

OR

L x W x H (metres) = total cubic meters of the room

This figure will then determine which fire's heat output is appropriate for your room size. It is perfectly acceptable to choose a fire with a lower heat output for aesthetic reasons. You MUST NOT select a fire with a heat output that is rated for a greater room size.

Q: What ventilation is required ?

A: Check to see if an air brick / air vent vented directly to the outdoor is already located in the room. Most heating appliances need ventilation to maintain the correct level of oxygen in the room. All flueless appliances installed in the UK require only 100 Sq cm of additional purpose provided ventilation. Your engineer will advise you accordingly.

Modern air vets allow sufficient ventilation into a room but will stop draughts, light & insects coming through into the room.

Q: What about condensation?

A: All flueless fires are designed to supplement central heating and should be used as a SECONDARY heat source only. Therefore, the background ambient temperature will prevent any moisture from condensing on colder surfaces such as single glazed windows.

Q: How long does the catalytic converter last?

A: Independent tests commissioned to establish the life expectancy of a catalytic converter have proved that even after 16,957 hours (approx. equivalent to 28 years of normal use) the catalytic converter is as effective as when it is new.

Q: What about installation & servicing ?

A: As with conventional gas fires, flueless fires MUST be instaled by a "Gas Safe" registered engineer. They are very popular with fitters as they are relatively simple to install & can be fitted in literally a fraction of the cost, and time, it takes to fit a conventional gas fire & can be fitted on any flat wall.

It is always recommended for the engineer to carry out a site survey (normally free) prior to the purchase of the fire.

Flueless fires do not require the use of a flue or chimney for operation therefore servicing costs are considerably cheaper that conventional gas fires.