Many people want a fireplace or two in their homes, not just to heat their property but for aesthetic purposes too. Some may desire a wood burning fire, especially during the colder winter months, when there’s nothing better than relaxing in a nice, warm home, with a roaring fire creating a soothing glow.
However, despite wanting a fireplace, some feel that it’s not possible, especially if they live in a modern property that they believe can’t support a wood burning fire as there’s no chimney. So, they look at alternative options such as a gas or electric based fire system. The reality is that this is a common misconception and there are a range of solutions for people that don’t own a property with a traditional brick chimney. One solution is by installing a twin wall flue system.
Conventional Chimney Flue
Some people love the idea of a wood burning stove but are often left confused as to whether they need to be installed into a new or existing fireplace. Many feel that they look more aesthetically pleasing when fitted into a fireplace but worry about the chimney being in good condition to take away the fumes safely
There is an alternative option though.
Stoves can be fitted into chimneys but a requirement with this is that you need to install a flue liner. So it is possible, with the cost of a flue liner of around £295 plus around plus £100 – £200 extra for being installed it is worthwhile checking extra fitting costs as it could be as much as the stove you are looking to buy. However, it is worthwhile as it will make the stove run to its optimum efficiency and lead to savings in the long term.
Twin wall flue for when you have no chimney
If you want a cost effective and simple solution, a twin wall flue made of stainless steel is probably the way to go. The flue pipe is assembled to provide a flue from your wood fire or stove to the outside of your property. This could be done by the flue pipe rising up and out of your home or even through an external wall.
Both ways are safe as well as efficient. For some people, the flue pipe being visible adds a feature to their home, but others see it as an eyesore. So, they can be covered up through the installation of a false chimney breast.
Gas or electric?
For those people that have a gas connection in their living room; they could opt for a flueless gas fire or a balanced flue gas fire. If you don’t have a gas connection and your options appear to be lacking, the perfect solution could be to install an electric fire.
Gas
A flueless gas fire doesn’t require a flue first and foremost so it makes installation a lot easier and there’s not going to be the need for work such as a chimney breast being built, or a flue being installed. So, it is a much more convenient process all round.
A gas fire can be inset, hung or placed and once that is done you just need a working gas connection and to make sure there is an air vent in the room. For a flueless gas fire installation, there is a minimum requirement when it comes to room size, which you should bear in mind.
Balanced gas flue
Another chimney free solution is the balanced flue gas fire option. A working gas connection is again required along with an external wall. This is because a balanced flue gas fire actually vents out through the wall in which it is installed. It’s another very efficient solution too as they are commonly glass fronted. This means that the fuel burning efficiency is substantially increased and the glass also radiates the heat.
Some people do opt for a fire that isn’t glass fronted but is open fronted instead. This type of fire is known as a Powerflue gas fire, and it will require a fan to eradicate the emissions from the fire.
Electric Fireplaces
For those people who don’t have a gas connection or a chimney, installing an electric fireplace is the best alternative. There are numerous styles, with many individuals seeing them as a more modern option. Installation is easy as you just need to place it where you want it and then connect it to a power supply using a plug. There’s no need for a chimney, gas connection or even an air vent.
Find the perfect fire for you and your home
There are an array of options. So, whether you have a chimney or not, you can still have a fireplace. There are solutions to suit everybody in terms of location, budget and ease of installation and Cast Fireplaces have the experience to advise you during every step of your purchase.
We recently worked with Wayne, one of our local fitters to install a Parkray Aspect 5 with a twin wall flue. As you’ll see from our pictures and video below, the results were fantastic!
