FAQ: Hole in the Wall Gas Fires

Considering a new addition to your home? Hole in the wall gas fires are a contemporary fireplace option that suits many modern homes with their sleek style. If you want a fireplace that takes up minimal space and works in a hassle-free and fuel-efficient way, a hole in the wall gas fire might be your answer. If you’re considering installing a new fireplace but don’t know where to start, we’ll explain everything you need to know in this blog. Read on to discover how you can enjoy a wall gas fireplace in your home.

What is a hole in the wall gas fire?

With so many on the market, you may not know all the different types of fireplaces and what would be best suited for you. A hole in the wall gas fire is a small fireplace powered by gas that slots neatly into your wall. You can fit them into your already existing chimney breast, or into a wall, which makes them great for modern homes or apartments that don’t have a chimney. They come in a variety of styles and options so you can really choose any kind of style you want. Many wall electric fires still give off highly-efficient heat and real flames, so they still look authentic while matching your modern interior.

What are the benefits of hole in the wall gas fires?

One of the best benefits of a hole in the wall gas fire is that they take up much less space than a standard fireplace. Think of it as hanging a picture frame on the wall, most of the fireplace will be hidden behind the wall, so you can just enjoy the view of your fire without needing much space to put it. This can make your room feel bigger so they are perfect if you are tight on space.

Hole in the wall gas fires are also highly energy efficient, helping you reduce your energy bills. This is vital in the coming months and years as energy prices continue to increase. The heat of the fireplace will be transferred directly out into the room, to help you make the most of your fireplace.

Hole in the wall gas fires are also incredibly easy to clean because they are much smaller. You also don’t need to stress about getting your chimney cleaned every year because the gas power ensures it is much cleaner. These fireplaces are considerably easier to install too, all you need is a Gas Safe engineer to help with installation and maintenance, and this will likely only take a couple of hours.

If I have a standard chimney, how can I convert it to a hole in the wall gas fire?

If you already have a chimney in your home, you’ll easily be able to install a hole in the wall gas fire. Your options may depend on what class chimney you have. For example, if you have a traditional class 1 chimney, you have the most fireplace options available, so you can pick and choose whatever style you like. If you have a class 2 chimney, you may have some slight limitations. For example, if your flue is less than 7 inches, or you have a pre-cast flue, you will need a class 2 fireplace. There are still plenty to choose from so you will be able to find one that suits you.

All you will need to do is choose one that fits the type of chimney you have and then get it fitted by a professional. It will then simply require a small amount of work to install, you may need to close up any remaining space above your hearth and create a new hole above in the location you would like your fireplace to be. It is then easily inserted into the chimney cavity and hooked up to your gas line. And that’s it!

I want a hole in the wall gas fire but my room has no chimney. What should I do?

Even if you don’t have a chimney, you can still install a hole in the wall gas fire. You can tackle the issue of no chimney by installing a balanced flue for your gas fire. This only requires you to be able to build through an exterior wall. As you are installing a gas wall fire, you won’t be burning solid fuels. So unlike a class 1 chimney, a balanced flue doesn’t need to empty at a high level.

A balanced flue is made up of a two-way pipe system that lets waste air empty outside, while simultaneously bringing in cold air to fuel your fire. There are some regulations to keep in mind, including not letting the pipes exit close to a window and ensuring there is plenty of fresh air to circulate. However, most external walls will be able to accommodate one.

Will my hole in the wall gas fire work with mains gas or bottled gas?

A lot of gas fires are already connected to the mains gas supply, but if not, you can contact the national grid to see if your home can be piped in. This means you can use natural gas and you don’t need to worry about replacing a bottle or tank. However, depending on how far away you are from the nearest gas line, this may be very costly, so it may require you to use LPG gas, which is available in bottles or tanks.

If I have a hole in the wall gas fire, how can I control the height of the flames?

You may want to control the flames of your wall electric fire. This can be done by contacting your installer or gas provider. If you use propane or natural gas, ceramic logs or fire gas, your gas burner will be creating flames. They may appear small or large and, depending on your preference, you may prefer them to look different. It should be a simple fix. However, more modern hole-in-the-wall gas fires can be operated using an electric remote control. You can use this to ignite and extinguish the flames, making it easy to control the height. They also provide a built-in thermostat and a room temperature display. This gives you greater control over the temperature in your room as well. As you turn the temperature up or down, this will also impact the height of the flames and how hot the fire is. DRU fires are a great example of modern fireplaces that use an electric remote control.

With my hole in the wall gas fire, will I have to leave the central heating on?

The advantage of electric fires is that they are a great way to heat your room. Many modern, efficient wall electric fires have enough power to heat a large room, so you may not need the central heating on at all. When you choose a hole-in-the-wall gas fire, make sure to give your fireplace dealer the dimensions and ceiling height of your room where it will be installed. They will be able to recommend the fire that has the most appropriate heat capacity for your room. So, depending on the time of the year and how big your home is, you may be able to rely on your fireplace to heat your space, instead of keeping your central heating on.

Fireplace Superstore: The Best Place to Buy Gas Fireplaces

Are you thinking of installing a wall electric fire and you’re looking for the best fireplace shop? Fireplace Superstore is here to help. Whether you want a modern hole-in-the-wall gas fire or a more traditional model, take a look at our range and we’re sure you’ll find something that suits your requirements. We stock high-quality DRU fires and much more. Get in touch today if you would like to learn more about how to improve your space with a modern and sleek hole in the wall gas fire. A member of our team will be happy to assist you.