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Is it absolutely Electric .... or is it a Gas?

There are as with most choices an upside and a downside when considering an electric fire or a gas fire. When you consider some of the facts which may not be so obvious, you will then be able to make a better informed decision. This information is in no way biased towards either electric fires or gas fires - only you can decide which is best for you as we all have differing needs.

Lets consider the upside to electric fires.

Advancements in creative design and technology have brought the electric fire bang up to date. The realistic and reliable flame effects, which many manufacturers now use, are created by a vertically suspended ribbon arrangement blown continuously by a small cylindrical fan. Even steam generators to give the effect of smoke rising from the fuel bed are now in production and are amazingly realistic. A giant leap forward compared to the old method of placing spinner/s pivoted over the electric lamp/s, which could be a little temperamental and produced not much more than a flicker.

Many electric fires have thermostats to maintain a set room temperature with often an economy setting, various fuel effects from traditional coal, woodland log etc., to contemporary white pebbles which look stunning when reflecting the red glow from the under bed. Also fires with an adjustable dimmer feature and fully remote control for easy armchair operation which can even include additional mood lighting.

Can be wall mounted, inset, wide landscape hang on the wall or a full electric fireplace suite for easy d.i.y. installation. Freestanding Electric Stoves which can be sited absolutely anywhere and ideal for creating a focal point and additional heat for say a conservatory.

100% heat efficiency as no flue or air vents required and of course the cosy inviting ambience from the flame effect without heater option. This is achieved at a very low running cost, now increasingly available with the use of energy saving L.E.D. Lamps lasting over 100,000 hours or almost 55 years.

Low maintenance costs and relatively lower initial outlay when compared with other alternatives.

The warming cosy glow appeal from the electric fires flame effect without heat is possibly where the electric fire scores highest - when any other fuel is used and the fire is off, its dead and does not then create a homely ambience.

The downside.
How much do you require the fire for heat? -
(a) As an occasional back-up on colder days - (Perfect), or
(b) Where there is no other form of heating in the room requiring prolonged maximum heat output.

Note: The energy consumption for (b) would not compare favorably to that of a gas fire. A high efficiency gas model could give you twice the heat output with greater economy. Of course there are strict regulations that affect the use and installation of a gas fire, which have to be taken into account along with installation costs. If you require the realism of a real fire, then this is where the gas fire scores highly producing real live flames and a realistic glow.

A major factor also would be the insulation efficiency of the property as to how much heating is required to maintain a comfortable level of room temperature during winter months. High ceilings, draughty single glazing, older property without insulation, needs more consideration than compared to the modern construction methods of newly built homes attaining minimum heat loss. Apart from the possibility of 'power cuts' in relation to electric fires, that's about it on the downside. Your budget will generally be smaller for an electric fire or electric suite, but will it tick all your boxes?