Fuel Types

Which Fuel Type?

Electric:

Electric appliances tend to be cheaply made (mass produced) and do not require skilled installation as they simply plug in. 

This makes them ideal for the D.I.Yer. 

The main advantage with electric is that you can have the flame effect, without the heat.

However:

•  As a very price orientated product, there tends to be very little quality choice, leading to a shorter life expectancy of the products compared with gas and solid fuel appliances.
•  Should they be needed for heating, can be expensive to run.

Gas:

This is still the biggest market and with the introduction of high efficiency products they are still keeping abreast of the times.

There is a wide range of products and qualities to suit all pockets.  Contrary to public belief, gas fires are still probably the cheapest heating products to run because, as gas prices increase so do other fuels. Especially as a wide range of high efficiency products are now available.

Wood and Solid Fuel:

This is split into two categories:  The Open Fire  and The Enclosed Appliance more commonly known as a stove...

The Open Fire:

The open fire is often the most cost effective way of enjoying a real fire. 

They are commonly criticized for being inefficient and this can be true; however, because open fires are rarely needed as a main heat source these days (due to central heating) and, the extremely high temperatures of the fire, the heat output of these appliances is more than sufficient.  Indeed, in most cases exceeding the needs required to heat the average sized room; usually providing a surplus of heat drifting throughout the home. 

The inefficiency will only become an issue if the fire is running for long periods of time, as this will result in increased fuel bills; but, for customers on a budget, a far better open fireplace can be purchased for an equivalent sum of money being spent on that of a stove or wood burner.

For those where efficiency is key, convector open fires are very popular, offering efficiencies up to 50%.

Enclosed Appliance (Stove or Wood burner):

These tend to be the most expensive type of product and installation.  Hence historically were fitted by the Gentry. 

The modern clean burn appliances are stunning to look at, highly controllable and highly efficient. 

It is most important however that they are installed correctly.  Over the last few years there has been a major increase in the market and a massive influx of new products and manufacturers.  Due to the nature of this product the growth will not continue and the market will slip back to its’ original size. This means that many of these new products will quickly disappear,  leaving a lot of consumers with products they can no longer maintain with spares.  This is a very important consideration when making a purchase as a relatively inexpensive part, can result in the stove being un-useable,  if it cannot be replaced.

As most of the modern stoves require a liner, it is very important to consider the quality of the liner being installed.  Liner failure is currently the biggest reason for stove problems.

Your stove is only as good as the quality of the materials used to build it,  the quality of the liner used the competence of your installer.

For those on a budget remember your £pound will go a lot further on an open fire than it will on a stove, having said that modern stoves are stunning (we have one at home).

To Summarise:

Electric:

Cheap to buy, easy to install, if you want heat though look at Gas.

Gas:

Simple to use, cheapest to run, ideal for secondary heat.

Wood/Coal:

You can’t beat the heat and look of a real fire.