Know your gas fire

[Sgt Bilko]

Being a complete rookie in the whole gas fire market, we are looking to replace our living room fire. Although rare used, we do want something clean and simple but don't want to walk in somewhere without any knowledge. SHWMBO declares she likes the ones with "pebbles"!

Any ideas, pointers or suggestions?

[mrmaggit]

Make sure you get the correct terminal for your fire, too little exhaust capacity and you could end up gassed.

[shakotan]

mrmaggit said:

Make sure you get the correct terminal for your fire, too little exhaust capacity and you could end up gassed.

A simple spill test when the fire is installed will demonstrate whether the flue 'pull' is sufficient.

I worked for Focal Point Fires for 11 years, 3 of that in R&D. Have a look through their website, you can also download the Installation and User manuals to check sizing and other installation requirements.

www.focalpointfires.co.uk

Edited by shakotan on Friday 4th September 11:24

[Sgt Bilko]

Thanks for that. We currently have a Fireglo Slimline (product label behind the plate). How do i know what spec to replicate?

[northwest monkey]

I've got a Focal point gas fire & can recommend it. It's a coal effect one rather than the pebbles as I thought they looked a bit chavvy!

Before you have any gas fire fitted you should have a smoke test done on your chimney & the room size etc checked properly. You don't get it wrong twice.

Edited by northwest monkey on Saturday 5th September 23:58

[Sgt Bilko]

northwest monkey said:

I've got a Focal point gas fire & can recommend it. It's a coal effect one rather than the pebbles as I thought they looked a bit chavvy!

Before you have any gas fire fitted you should have a smoke test done on your chimney & the room size etc checked properly. You don't get it wrong twice.

Edited by northwest monkey on Saturday 5th September 23:58

Can you local gas registered plumber do that, or is it a specialist job?

[dirkgently]

Sgt Bilko said:

northwest monkey said:

I've got a Focal point gas fire & can recommend it. It's a coal effect one rather than the pebbles as I thought they looked a bit chavvy!

Before you have any gas fire fitted you should have a smoke test done on your chimney & the room size etc checked properly. You don't get it wrong twice.

Edited by northwest monkey on Saturday 5th September 23:58

Can you local gas registered plumber do that, or is it a specialist job?

The gassafe fitter should carry out all the relevant tests to ensure your fire works safely.

[Arthur Jackson]

Be aware before buying a fire that under a certain output (7kW is it Dirk??) you won't require a specially fitted air vent to the outside. This might be considering if you generally sit between the outside wall and the fireplace.....

[shakotan]

Sgt Bilko said:

Thanks for that. We currently have a Fireglo Slimline (product label behind the plate). How do i know what spec to replicate?

The Fireglo Slimine IS a Focal Point Fire, albeit rebranded for B&Q.

The Manual from the website is for the Excelsior Slimline.

Edited by shakotan on Monday 7th September 11:23

[Sgt Bilko]

shakotan said:

Sgt Bilko said:

Thanks for that. We currently have a Fireglo Slimline (product label behind the plate). How do i know what spec to replicate?

The Fireglo Slimine IS a Focal Point Fire, albeit rebranded for B&Q.

The Manual from the website is for the Excelsior Slimline.

Edited by shakotan on Monday 7th September 11:23

TA very much. Will download that and take it with me.

[rlw]

FYI pebbles and coals can be a PITA. We have two fires - one of each - and whenever you try to get the dust off them the pebbles/coals move and you then have to rebalance the bloody things or you risk gassing the whole of BR1 with CO. Taking the whole lot off to clean is so unutterably painful that I have got to the point of just turning them on high to burn off the dust and very carefully holding the Dyson close by. Check this out before you take the leap.......

[Sgt Bilko]

rlw said:

FYI pebbles and coals can be a PITA. We have two fires - one of each - and whenever you try to get the dust off them the pebbles/coals move and you then have to rebalance the bloody things or you risk gassing the whole of BR1 with CO. Taking the whole lot off to clean is so unutterably painful that I have got to the point of just turning them on high to burn off the dust and very carefully holding the Dyson close by. Check this out before you take the leap.......

Cheers for the warning