Expert advice

Christina Chrysostomou on how to choose a fire that looks stylish and works safely

Q

Where should I put a fireplace?

A

The traditional practice of centring the fireplace in the middle of a wall has been liberated with modern fires and fireplaces. Some don’t require a chimney or flue to work. This means you can locate them in a place to suit you and your room — whether that’s as a central focal point, in the corner of the living room, or to help zone an area in an open-plan space. More choice in placement gives more opportunity to create an unusual, contemporary fireplace.

Q

Does my gas fire need venting?

A

Flueless gas fires will usually need an air vent to be installed. The fire burns oxygen from the room to ensure that the flame is clean. The air that is being used must be replaced with air from the outside, which can come through a vent in the wall. If there is an insufficient supply of fresh air (if the vent is the wrong size or is blocked), the amount of used air in the room could cause the pilot to shut the fire off. However, the need for a vent will depend on the size of the fire. EU regulations state that gas fires with less than 7Kw of input do not require extra venting or air bricks, as they can draw enough air in from the room coming in via gaps around doors and windows.

Q Would an electric fire need venting?

A Electric fires can have flame effects dancing inside, but because it doesn’t emit a real flame or any gases, it doesn’t need venting like a gas fire. Heat is produced from an electric element inside, which warms the air in the room, rather than through the combustion of fuel, which can produce by products such as gas and soot. Electric fires also cannot give off poisonous carbon monoxide gas. And as there’s no need for venting, all the warmth stays in the room, making them a very efficient form of heating.