Any Gas Fire Fitter That Can Help Me?

[hc4361]

My outset gas fire has been condemned and removed so I am looking for a replacement high efficiency fire.

I quite fancy an inset fire but my chimney opening is small -
Height 485mm
Width 305mm
Depth 406mm

Is there an inset fire that will fit in this, or is there a way around it? It is a proper chimney.

Any help very welcome

[The Builder]

That's a very small width opening, hc. There are loads with a 350-375mm opening requirement.

Do you have a pre-fab gas flue system, or a traditional fireback that's been blocked over, leaving an opening?

[hc4361]

I don't know what a fireback is. It's a typical 60s semi with a chimney and it looks as if the opening has been further bricked up.

[hc4361]

I can post a photo if it would help

[hc4361]

Electricity is so darned expensive, though

[The Builder]

A fireback is simply the built-in back for a traditional coal fire. For a 60s semi ... I guess this is what you have. It's just had the opening reduced to take the gas fire.

If so, then just enlarge the opening and then you can have an inset of your choice.

Fitting is critical with gas and combustion gases. A "Gas-safe" fitter is needed.

[The Builder]

Good point from Divebuddy. Simple smoke tests (by a proper gas fitter) may well reveal that the current flue is not suitable without a liner being installed.

Regulations, and common sense have been upgraded a lot since the 60s.

[hc4361]

I will naturally have it fitted by a proper, qualified person. It's going to be very messy opening that gap.

Thanks for all the help, guys, food for thought.

By the way - your thoughts on flue less gas fires?

[The Builder]

Flue-less are very efficient, hc. You will need a vented supply of fresh air, but your existing flue should provide this.

http://www.superiorfires.co.uk/gas-fires/flueless-gas-fires.html?gclid=CJyb4fGfp8kCFQgcwwod8c4J0w

[hc4361]

You've both been very helpful.
We've decided to buy a cheap outset fire to get us through winter and take our time choosing the fire we really want went the better weather comes.

Now we know it's either going to be an outset, flueless or get the chimney opened up for a proper inset.