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Frequently Asked Questions

Q. Does all the heat go up the chimney with a living flame gas fire and are the expensive to run?
A. Today’s living flame gas fires are far more efficient than they used to be with lower running costs and improved heat outputs into the room than ever before. Although some gas fires may be more efficient and provide more heat than others depending on whether they have a convector or heat exchanger built into the fire.
Q. How do I calculate the running costs of a gas fire or stove?
A. Running costs can be worked out by a simply calculation of multiplying the gas input figure of the fire by the cost per kW/h given on your gas bill. This information can be taken off your recent energy bills
eg: Input 6.5kW x gas bill tariff 1.5kW/hr is 9.75p an hr
Q. How do I work out the efficiency of a gas fire stove?
A. Simply divide the maximum heat output of the fire by the maximum heat input.
e.g. 3.9kW output x 6.9kW input is 56%

Q. How do I find out which gas fire is suitable for my chimney/flue?
A. Simply click on “know your flue” in the technical information section on our home page, this will then provide you with information on all flue types available. Once you have selected the flue in your home you will be able to search for the most suitable fire from our large range of fires.
Q. How do I work out which gas fire or stove to buy to heat my room?
A. Measure the room and multiply the height x width x depth in metres, and divide this by 14 and this will give you the average heating requirements for the room in kW’s. Although this method is a rough guide and also depends on the number of windows and if double-glazed, construction, insulation and any furnishings within the room. We therefore strongly recommend that all gas, electric fires or stoves shown on our website be used as a supplementary form of heating and not as a sole source of heat in any room.
Q. What controls are there available for operating gas or electric fires?
A. There is a choice of different controls on gas fires from kneeling down to operate the fire manually with a rotary control, which incorporates a piezo spark ignition, and is fully variable between the preset HIGH and LOW settings. To standing upright close to the fire using a top slide control or state of the art remote control, which can be operated from the comfort of your armchair. With electric fires there is a choice of either manual control whilst standing upright or hand held remote control dependant on the manufacturer of the fire.
Q. If I don’t have mains gas can I still have a gas fire?
A. Yes. Most of the manufacturers fires are available to run on liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), a gas supplied in either bottle or storage tank form kept outside in the garden and filled up when required by a local supplier. Please see the LPG option in the gas fires heading on the home page.
Q. What is the difference between an inset fire and an outset gas fire?
A. Inset fire sits inside the fireplace opening, just behind the hearth and an outset fire sits on the hearth outside of the fireplace opening.
Q. Do gas fires require an electrical supply?
A. The Manual (rotary controlled) and slide control fires do not require a power supply to operate. The Remote control uses either, Ultrasonic or Infrared technology of which is battery powered. Power-flue (turbo) appliances require a mains supply to power the fan extraction unit.
Q. Is it possible to install a deeper fire rather than a shallow fire into an existing pre-cast flue?
A. Deeper gas fires are available for class 2 pre-cast flues, but most pre-cast flues are shallow and will more than likely require a fire surround with a maximum rebate of 3” or an equivalent spacer kit to accommodate the depth of your chosen fire. If you are still in doubt then contact a CORGI approved installer who should be able to visit your home and provide you with an advice before making any purchasing from our website.
Q. Can I have a hole in the wall gas fire without a hearth?
A. Yes, certain gas fires have been specifically tested and approved, for installation without a hearth. However strict installation guidelines must be followed and adhered to, including minimum distances from the floor as this varies from manufacturer to manufacturer. We would recommend that you check the technical requirements for installation of any such appliances in detail, before purchasing them from our website.
Q. Can I change my fire front on my Baxi gas back boiler?
A. No. Unfortunately you can no longer replace the fire front or back boiler by law and you know need to have this removed and purchase a new conventional or combination boiler.
Q. What is an oxygen depletion system or (ODS) on a gas fire?
A. Most modern gas appliances are fitted with an (ODS) oxygen depletion sensor also known as an (ASD) atmosphere-sensing device or oxypilot (with the exception of balanced flue fires). The ODS detects if the oxygen level in a room falls below a certain level and causes the pilot light to lift away from the sensing probe which then activates the flame supervision device, shutting off the gas supply to the burner and makes the fire safe. This will happen if the flue becomes blocked or if there is poor ventilation within the room.
Q. What size of fire opening is required to install an inset fire?
A. The most common size of openings is 22˝ high x 16˝ wide. Most gas and electric fires are designed to fit into this size of opening subject to any depth restrictions. However, most manufacturers either have a shallow or deep version of their fires, or a spacer kit to decrease the fire depth by making it semi inset or fully outset in the case of electric fires or flue-less gas fires.
Q. Do I need to fit an air vent in my room with a gas fire or stove?
A. The need for an air vent will depend on the amount of gas the fire uses (the maximum Kilowatt heat input figure), size of room and size of fire opening. Although whilst there are a lot of gas fires that are under 7kW heat input which do not require a vent, we would recommend that you check all the technical details of the specific fire you require with a CORGI approved installer, before purchasing the fire from this website.
Q. What ventilation is required?
A. Your CORGI approved installer will draw your attention to any requirements (which may lead to installation of additional ventilation).
Flue-less appliances require additional, purpose provided ventilation of a minimum 100cm2. An open able window or louver is also required in the room into which the appliance is installed.
Q. Are flue-less fires efficient and safe?
A. Flue-less gas fires have been around for a few years, especially in America and Canada where they are widely accepted. Although relatively new to the UK market in recent years the interest and understanding of the product is growing steadily. Flue-less appliances incorporate the latest in gas technology using a catalytic converter, which the combustion gases pass through, converting carbon monoxide into harmless carbon dioxide and water vapour. The result is an appliance, which is 100% efficient with lower running costs and are fully tested and approved to meet all current relevant safety standards. However, there are minimum room size and ventilation requirements in order for the appliance to work safely together with a gas supply. Please note it is possible that you may experience some condensation in the room where the fire is installed.
Q. Do gas fires produce any soot and if so how can I clean my fire?
A. Most gas fires with a fuel effect e.g. coals, pebbles; logs or driftwood will produce some levels of carbon soot over time, which is produced when the flame impinges on the fuel of the fire i.e. the coals. The best way to clean the fuel is to lay it all out on a piece of paper, then gently take each piece and brush it over with a soft make-up brush. This will remove most surface layers of soot. Then simply check the instruction manual for the fire, which should show you how to re-lay the fuel bed on your fire. Please note fuels like pebbles or beige coloured firebacks on fires, which are light in colour, will show up soot deposits more easily and sooner than that of a coal effect fire with a black background.
Q. Do I need to have my fire serviced?
A. The Health and Safety Executive, Corgi, British Gas, and manufacturers of gas fires recommend that they should be serviced every 12 months.
Q. Can you arrange installation?
A. No. We are a pure internet-based retailer. We would recommend that you look at the Corgi website to find the nearest corgi approved installer or if you have bought a solid fuel fire/stove then look at the Hetas website to find an approved solid fuel installer. Most electric fires just plug into a normal mains socket.
Q. Can I install a gas myself?
A. No. Only qualified CORGI approved installers can legally install gas fires, as they are not a DIY installation due to the potential risks of fire, explosion and carbon monoxide poisoning. Most fire manufactures will not cover your warranty, if you fit the fire yourself.
Q. Are wood or multifuel stoves economical?
A. Yes very much so. Cast iron stoves offer tremendous value for money when compared with other forms of home heating. Some stove manufacturers provide stoves with efficiencies in excess of 70% compared with only 15% for open fires.
Q. Are stoves available in different sizes with varying heat outputs?
A. Stoves can come in all shapes, sizes and finishes. We offer a vast range with different heat outputs; so regardless of how big or small your room is there should be a stove to suit you.
Q. Are wood and multifuel stoves easy to light and control?
A. Yes, stoves are generally quite easy to light with dry kindling and newspaper. Once lit simple air vents can be turned to control the intensity of the blaze and amount of heat.
Q. What choice of electric fires is there available?
A. Electric fires have moved on considerably over the years from the old bar fires. Now there are types that can be hearth mounted, inset into the wall off the floor or flat wall fixed using a suitable rebated surround or spacer kit. Then there are three types of flame picture to choose from the traditional spinner, which has been greatly improved, state of the art ribbon flame technology or latest LED light effect. On most models there is the option of choosing the flame effect only or heated air of up to 2kW or even a cool air setting for the summer. Some even have the added luxury of a thermostat and variable dimmer that allows you to change the brightness of the flame picture. We even have the option of remote control from the comfort of your armchair on selected models with fuel effects ranging from coals, logs, pebbles, driftwood, lava rock and marbles. So whether you want a blazing traditional or sleek contemporary look of fire, the choice is yours.
Q. How long is the cable on an electric fire?
A. Most electric fires come with a 2-metre length cable with a moulded plug on the end. If a longer cable is required, then you will need a qualified electrician and under no circumstances should you attempt to extend the standard cable supplied.
Q. How do I calculate the running cost of an electric fire?
A. Based on electricity costing approximately 6.5 pence per kilowatt-hour, with the heater on it will cost around 1.3 pence per hour. Although if you just have the flame effect turned on it would be between 0.5 and 0.9 pence per hour. These figures are supplied only as a guide and are subject to change at any time based on a mains supply with quarterly bill.
To work out the running costs, simply multiply the energy input (heat inputs) by the cost per kW/h given on your electric bill. This information can be taken off your recent energy bills.

General Questions

Q. Can I send an order through at anytime?
A. Yes
Q. Could you send me brochures on your products?
A. Unfortunately due to the vast range of products we offer and the sheer number of enquiries we receive daily it is not practical for us to send you brochures.
Q. I don't like entering my credit card details directly on the internet. How can I pay for the product I want?
A. The easiest way is to just call us and we will take your order over the phone for you or you could send a cheque to the postal address, although we will need to wait until the cheque has cleared until we can send the goods, so this can take several days.
Q. Do you have a secure server?
A. Yes, our payment system is protx secure e-payment, which is 100% secure and all payments made are directly paid to protx and we have no access to your credit card details. (View our privacy policy)
Q. What is an issue number?
A. Your issue number is on the front of your debit card, you will be asked to insert this when proceeding with your order on our secure payment system.
Q. What is my security pin code?
A. Your security code is the last 3 digits on the reverse of your credit/debit card on the signature strip, which is unique to you.
Q. What happens if my order is declined when I enter my details?
A. One of the most common reasons may be that your billing address does not match your details held with your credit/debit card company. Please check that your billing address is the same as the one shown on your statements. If you are still experiencing problems you can either speak to your card company or email us.
Q. Do the prices shown on your website include VAT?
A. Yes
Q. Does the price shown on your website include delivery?
A. No, as you have the option to collect your goods from our warehouses, so no delivery charge is added.
Q. Do you sell second grade products?
A. No. We do not sell seconds or graded stocks, all our products are brand new, first grade, and come from reliable manufacturers.
Q. What if I know what product I want but it isn’t listed on your site?
A. Contact us by phone or email us and we will probably be able to supply it.
Q. Can I have my delivery, delivered to another address other than my home?
A. No. For security reasons we will only ship to the card registered address.
Q. What time of the day will my delivery be made?
A. The delivery can arrive with you anytime between 8:30 and 18:00 hrs.
Q. Can I request a weekend delivery?
A. Yes, we can arrange a Saturday AM delivery on certain items at an additional charge. Please e-mail or call our sales lines if you require this.
Q. Can I delay the delivery until I require the goods, if I ordered today?
A. Yes, just order your goods as normal and then e-mail us at sales@firesandfireplacesdirect.co.uk, requesting when you would like your goods to be delivered but we can only do this on weekdays.
 
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