'More insulation and less heating', says think tank

The government needs to focus on insulating homes before funding new heating technologies, according to a report by the Institute for Public Policy Research (IPPR).
It says the government's Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI) could cost taxpayers up to £860 million in the current spending review, but is unlikely to prove either "attractive" to or "cost-effective" for householders.
The Institute said the government is wrongly focusing on backing renewable heat technologies, which it says only "wealthier people" can currently afford to install.
The report 'Warmth in a changing climate: How should the government encourage households to use renewable heat?' asked a series of focus groups about renewable heat. Many people said they were put off by the "high upfront costs" of installing new technologies.
The groups also said they were "sceptical" the new technologies would deliver enough heat at an acceptable price.
Andrew Pendleton, IPPR associate director, said the government's current approach is wrong. "Providing a feed-in tariff style for heat production rather than offering a package of measures aimed at providing warmth risks undermining consumer confidence in heat technology.
"A tariff-based incentive will also fail to address the high capital costs, identified as the key barrier in IPPR's consumer workshops."
The report said that while cutting emissions from household heating is important, costs across the economy could be higher than anticipated and take-up may be low. It added that in some cases, technologies may simply not provide enough heat to meet consumers' expectations or to heat homes to a safe level.

While new gas fires are becoming more and more efficient with fires such as the Apex Capacious offer up to 89% fuel efficiency this would be useless if the house itself doesnt hold the heat. One of the quickest and cheapest ways to reduce heat loss is using by reducing drafts.A typical home loses 20% of its heat through draughty doors, windows and ventilation ducts. Fit draught proofing products to your doors, windows and keyholes. You can buy them from DIY stores but check that they comply with standard BS7386 for maximum efficiency and durability.

Insulating your loft is also one of the most cost effective ways to reduce your heating bills and you can do-it-yourself. By laying down loft insulation to the recommended thickness of 270mm you could knock up to £200 off your annual heating bill. Make sure you use protective gloves and goggles if you install the insulation yourself.

NPower joins the rise

npower has become the latest gas and electricity provider to increase its domestic prices with fixed rates for the next two years, blaming the decision on "world events [which] have pushed up prices".

From 1 October, the average dual fuel customer will see an increase of 37p per day. Single fuel customers will see a 15.7% rise in fees for gas and 7.2% for electricity.

Kevin Miles, chief commercial officer at RWE npower – which is part of the RWE group that owns npower – said: "I know it hurts everyone when we put up prices and I wish we didn’t have to.

“With reduced quantities of North Sea gas, we are now forced to buy energy on the volatile global wholesale market. World events have pushed up prices and we believe this trend will continue.

"In the UK we have also seen rising distribution and network charges, and further environmental costs but we have still managed to keep our increases lower than those announced by any other major supplier," referring to companies including British Gas, Eon and SSE.

Manufacturer Insight: Charlton & Jenrick

Back in 1986 two friends (Bill Jenrick & Barry Charlton) going through a mid life career crisis decided to start their own business in the fireplace industry. Both experienced in running multinational companies and extensive experience in the gas industry they set about the daunting task of starting a new business.

With the help of Telford & Wrekin council (then the Telford Development Corporation) they got their first premises, a 150sqft room in the Telford Business Development center on Stafford Park and Charlton & Jenrick Ltd was born.

Twenty four years later the Charlton & Jenrick Group returns to Stafford Park, once again with the assistance of Telford & Wrekin council. The new premises, although just a stones throw from the original premises, are very substantially larger at 42,000sqft. It will be home to the group's gas fire manufacturing and product development operations, which employs 43 people.

The group is now a major player in the fireplace market employing over 120 staff across 3 sites in the UK and sales in excess of £12m. With it's 4 main brands, Katell, Paragon, Fireline & Matchless they are involved in almost all product groups including gas and electric fires, timber, marble & stone fireplaces and suites plus wood burning stoves.

Their customer base includes around 500 independent retail shops, local authorities, major national house builders and contractors.

The new premises on Stafford Park 2 offer increased efficiencies and the room for planned growth.

The full range or Paragon, Matchless and Katell are available to order from the Showroom at Fireplace Megastore with a number of items on display, combined with a number of brochures available giving access to see the full ranges.

Apex Oakland

Following the incredible success of the Apex Intense and Apex Devotion Apex have decided to bring out a new product. The Apex Oakland.

This stunning hang on the wall electric fire features the innovative and energy saving LED flame effect employed on the Intense and Devotion, combining with the flat black glass fascia to create a very contemporary and modern feel. Ideal for that minimalist feel.

Offering a 2Kw heat output, the Oakland is ideal to quickly take the cold edge off of almost any sized room. The unique LED flame effect can be dimmed to one of three settings, for that subtle feel or to truly give the impression of a roaring fire.

The white stone fuel effect adds a further contemporary feel and a thermostatic control means that the temperature can be set and maintained without even having to leave the comfort of your chair.

Choosing Your Perfect Fire

As well as being a source of warmth, a well chosen fire can become a real feature in a room. Yet with so much choice available, it can be difficult to know which type of fire will suit you and your home, and this is where we can help.

From traditional to ultra-modern contemporary, there are a wide choice of electric, gas and solid fuel fires and stoves in a range of different colours and styles available, as well as a wide selection of surrounds, hearths and finishing touches which will both compliment your fire, and create the mood, atmosphere and look you want.

Choosing the right fire

There are a number of factors to consider when choosing a new fire, For the contemporary look there are a superb range of sleek, ultra modern fires and surrounds available. However, if you’re looking for something a little more classic, many traditional style fireplaces have been based on period designs.

Once you have chosen the style of fireplace, you will need to establish which fuel option best suits your requirements - gas, electric or solid fuel. If you would like a gas or solid fuel fire, the type of chimney you have in your home will determine which fire is most suitable.

Types of chimney

The type of chimney or flue you have in your home will usually dictate the type of fire you can have.

Brick chimney

Look for:

• External chimney stack with chimney pot on the roof
• Internal chimney breast

You can choose from these types of fires:

• Solid fuel stoves and casts
• Any gas fire
• Any electric fire

Pre-fabricated flue

Look for:

• External metal flue pipe on top of the roof
• Internal false chimney breast (built around a metal flue box)

You can choose from these types of fires:

• Multi-flue gas fires
• Depending on depth of false chimney breast, selected full depth bed gas fires
• Any electric fire

Pre-cast flue

Look for:

• Raised ridge tile on the roof
• Metal flue pipe on the roof
• No chimney breast (either internally or externally)

You can choose from these types of fires:

• Multi-flue gas fires
• Depending on depth of false chimney breast, selected full depth bed gas fires
• Any electric fire

No chimney or flue

If you don’t have a chimney or a flue you can choose any electric fire, or, if you fancy a gas fire you can choose one of our flueless options..

Flueless fires remove harmful gases via a catalytic converter. This results in a highly efficient fire since no heat is lost through the flue.

Please note that flueless fires are only suitable for certain sized rooms and require adequate ventilation.

Bemodern Electric LED Fires

Bemodern have recently unveiled their LED electric fire range. This range of fires are replacing the original electric fires that hosted a ribbon flame effect. The change from the ribbon effect to the LED isn't just for environmental reasons, the flame effect looks much more realistic too.
The LED flame effect uses much less energy to run, saving your energy bills, and the environment and the LED electric fires can be set to a 2kW, 1kW or flame effect only setting. It has been calculated by Bemodern that if you used the LED flame effect alone for 5 hours a day, and 7 day a week that it would cost less than £2 a year, and the expected life of the LED effect would be in excess of 30 years, now that is impressive. The potential savings continue with these electric LED fires as they have a thermostat control, that provides the user with complete temperature control and ensures minimum energy consumption.
Other features of the LED electric fires include a large choice of fires and styles available and they generally come with fixed one piece coal or pebble fuel bed effect. This basically means the fuel effect looks very realistic but all the coals or pebbles are attached, and can be removed and replaced in one piece, allowing easy cleaning or dusting access to the fire.
The LED electric fires also come with the spacer options that the ribbon flame effect fires came with, this creates a whole range of installation possibilities.
There is a trend for LED products at the moment that looks to be growing and could very well be the future of fire effects and lighting in the household on the whole. Therefore it seems a great move by Bemodern to release the range of LED products, they are sure to be an instant success and continue on a success as the must have trusted products we all recognise today.

Homes Development Selects Energy-Efficient DRU Fires

Kendrick Homes is a builder of Luxury Houses based in Walsall, West Midlands. The company prides itself on its craftmanship and skill in creating both individual and desirable properties throughout the UK. DRU Fires is a leading European manufactuer of contemporary and traditional gas, electric and wood burning fires. Established in 1754, it is a pioneer of fireplace technology, having invented the balanced flue system in the 1930's. Kendrick Homes have selected DRU gas fires for "The Ridings", its latest development of nine individually deesigned executive properties in the much sought-after commuter village of Balsall Common, close to Birmingham and Coventry.
DRU Metro 100XT frameless gas fires are situtated in six of the properties with the other three having DRU Global 70XT models.

Manufacturer Focus: Burley

Burley Appliances were established after John Barson decided that after a twenty year career with two large electrical appliance manufacturers that it was time to strike out on his own. At this time, in 1975 Burley Appliances consisted of John Barson and just a few electrical components.
With just £5 in 1975 (the equivalent of £27.85 today) John Barson commisionned his first three wrought iron-basket designs. It took him all day to assemble his first electric fire. The very next day he drove to Leicester with his newly completed fire and sold it, things looked promising but production would need to increase to save himself and his family from starvation!

The first of several turning points came when John visited the electrical buyer at Harrods. Returning with an order for 12 fires, from here there was no looking back. John took on his first employee and found a bigger garage. John’s son and daughter, after leaving school, also joined the Company.

The major breakthrough came in 1981 when Burley became an approved supplier to the Northwest Electricity board and within 3 years supplied around 900 outlets of all the UK electricity boards.

The next major development was when Burley produced the Empingham model, this electric was the first electric fire that could be freestanding or inset and is still on sale today! HERE
Throughout the 1990's Burley continued to expand, highlighted in 1998 when they introduced the UK's first flueless gas fire.

This expansion continued into the 21st Century with Burley aquiring Straxgas, Navitron and Magiglo brands and with John's son Steve succeeding his father as managing director in 2002 the company has gone from strength to strength.

You can find the full range of high-quality Burley Appliances on Fireplace Supermarket

Celsi Hang On The Wall Electric Fires

The New Celsi hang on the wall electric fires are becoming even more popular as more and more people discover the state-of-the-art flame effects and features that make these items

the must have fire for the future.

Combining the very best contemporary styling with innovation, the Celsi hang on the wall electric fires are the ultimate electric fires with the most realistic and convincing flame effect on the market today!

The curved and panoramic utilise sleek black glass to create a stunningly modern and contemporary finish and combine features that almost all other fires can only dream of having. These features include a changable flame picture, you can choose from Blazing Log, Smouldering Log or Flaming Coal flame pictures to create the perfect ambience and atmosphere, to add to this ambience, choose from either blue, orange or white backlighting to really draw attention to this fire and help set the mood. Celsi fires also feature a sleep timer which is a great feature meaning you dont have to worry about forgetting to turn the fire off. The volume can also be adjusted on this fire allowing the volume of the cracking log fire or burning coal fire to be turned up for ambience or down just for the flame image only.

The Celsi fires are some of the most versatile on the market, creating a focal point in any room, a lounge, kitchen or even bedroom! The Celsi fires are also unique, they dont only give a stunning flame effect, they also give you the sounds of a real fire, adding to the experience, further adding to the illusion of a real log fire hanging on your wall. The Celsi fires also come with a remote control as standard so with the press of a button you can control heat, flame effect, volume, brightness and the flame speed.

Katell Strata Hang On The Wall Electric Fire

The Katell Strata Hang On The Wall Electric Fire is a unique and chic hang on the wall electric fire that is a must for any modern and contemporary living space.

The Katell Strata featues coal and log fuel effects which are easily interchangable for that added flexibility and a remote control for maximum control over this glass fronted electric fire.

The slimline outset depth of 130mm means minimum intrusion into the room from the face of the wall and when not in use allows the fire to step back into the background and not detract from other decorative features in the room. While the 750 watt convection heater means that unlike many other electric fires that rely on a fan to circulate the hot air around the room which can be noisy and prone to faults, The Katell Strata utilises the natural movement of hot air to circulate the heat around the room, this ensures that atmosphere in the room is not ruined when the heater is turned on.

The modern finish is available in American Black Walnut, Natural Oak or Ebony Stained Oak and features horizontal brushed steel inlays to break up the wood and add horizontal definition. The contrast between the brushed steel and the Black American Walnut shown in the picture above help draw attention to ribbon flame effect in the centre, which can be used independently of the 750w convected heat output for maximum atmosphere and ambience.

Laura Ashley Acacia Electric Fireplace Suite

The Laura Ashley Acacia Electric Fireplace Suite is a designer suite ideal for those looking to create that traditional fireplace look while still maintaing a contemporary feel but without the luxury of gas or a chimney. The Acacia fireplace suite includes everything you need to create the traditional look, the surround, cast iron effect back panel, hearth and matching electric fire.
The surround is available in natural oak and chestnut features column detailing each side and a stylised edge to the mantle shelf, this works very well with the straight lines of the highlighted black cast iron effect back panel and the strong vertical and horizontal lines of the fret on the front of the electric fire.

The electric fire on the Laura Ashley Acacia suite features a 3-dimensional virtual flame effect that utilises low-energy LED's projecting onto a unique transparent screen for ultimate realism, this, combined with the realistic coal effect creates a very authentic looking electric fire. A remote control comes as standard with the Acacia allowing for ultimate control from the comfort of a sofa or armchair with a flame only setting in 3 different light levels and a choice of 0.75kW or 1.5kW heat output from the electric fan heater discreetly situated in the canopy of the fire.

This designer suite would look great in a living room with more traditional elements of design while maintaining an overall contemporary feel.

Katell Alston Electric Fire Suite

The Katell Alston is a designer electric suite featuring contemporary lines and styling to give a very modern look, this is combined with the curved black glass of the inclusive Katell Hendon electric fire offering deep contrast that draws the eye in towards the realistic coal fuel effect and enviraflame technology, arguably one of the most realistic flame effects on an electric fire over the past decade that utilises LED technology and a unique transparent screen to project the flame effect onto. Three different levels of light allow maximum control of the fire via the included remote control.

Unlike many other electric fires where the fan heater is clearly visible and sometimes detracts from the visual impact of the fire the 1.5Kw fan heater is discreetly hidden under the canopy and features high-level and remote controls for ease of use.

The sandstone or neutral chiltern finish would blend harmonisiously with most modern styles of decor and create a contemporary focal point of any living room. The modern lines and stepped inset further combine to draw the eye to the realistic fire in the centre.

Apex Mirage Deluxe Curved

With the kind of technology that we have in today’s modern world, it seems that anything is possible. Who would have thought that fire and ice can both be present in a fireplace? It may sound ridiculous at first but come to think of it, it did happen! You can now have a fire and ice fireplace in which the ice serves as the fuel.

However, the ice is not literally what it’s supposed to be. It is actually glass that is also adding shimmer to the glowing fire. Mark Georgantas is the mind behind the fire and ice fireplace. The official term or name of the product is actually Fire on Ice. The so called “ice” is a specially formulated tempered glass. The glass is a stylish option instead of the gas logs normally used in the traditional fire.

Electric Fires & Heaters - Convector Heaters and Fires

There are several methods to provide heat from an electric source; they are Convector heaters, Fan Heaters and Oil Filled Radiators.

These items provide heat into the room up to a maximum of 2.4kW (2400watts). They work by having a heating element, which is a piece of metal wire which heats up due to electrical current, this in turn heats up a proportion of air within the product. As this air heats up and expands it rises through the product and creates a draw (suction) in through the grills at the base, allowing cold air to be pulled up through the heating element and into the cavity of the fire to be heated. This then starts a cycle which will eventually provide a circle of air around the room until the fire cuts of as the air temperature within the room has hit the limit on the thermostat (Not available on all Products just look for Thermostatically controlled) These items are 100% Efficient, much like the Tesy Wall Mounted Panel Convector Heater CN01 240 shown opposite.

As well as convector radiators the are also many Hang on the Wall Electric fires which are also Convector fires, they work in the same way but have a more aesthetic look to the design so they appear to be a wall fireplace instead of a very clinical panel heater. Much like theBemodern Dante Hang on the Wall Curved Glass Fire.

Apex Intense Electric Fires

Apex has recently released a brand new hang on the wall electric fires which they have named the Apex Intense. The Apex Intense is available in a number of quality finishes and different sizes to make sure that there is always a fire right for you.

The Intense electric fire has been finished with a contemporary design and a number of high quality fascias to choose from. The finishes that are available on the fascias are Antiqued Travertine which is light beige in colour with natural markings which is finely selected and is proven to be one of the most popular finishes; Cream Stone provides a very clean modern finish that would suit any home; Black Granite or the equally contemporary finish of Black Glass. All of the stone fascias available with the Intense fire have a depth of 65 mm which shows of the real quality of the stone finishes.

Each Intense electric fire produces a maximum heat output of 2kW from a silent heater which has two heat settings available as well as a flame effect only setting. The flame effect on the Intense range is a superior unique fame and is one of the most realistic available on the market!

Each of the fires is available in a large widescreen version which has a width of 1480 mm and they all come with a multifunctional remote control as standard. The Intense range is also fitted with an automatic over heating cut out and a kettle connection for added safety. Apex has created a contemporary range of fires that are exclusively available in showrooms one of which is the Fireplace Megastore near Chester.

Apex Athena and Select Electric Fires

Apex Athena and Select Electric Fires

The Select electric fire from Apex is a stunning example of a hang on the wall electric fire. The select only protrudes from the wall by minimal 110mm and has a stunning flame effect that may be accompanied by a realistic log fuel bed or traditional coal fuel effect. The Apex Select electric fire is available in three trims, the Apex Select Blue, Apex Select Scene and the Apex Grand. The Apex Select Blue has a screen printed trim in light blue, the Apex Select Scene comes with the choice of a black gloss frame or white gloss frame that incorporate a soft mood setting back light. The final Select trim is the Apex Select Grand and as the name suggests it is the largest of the Apex Select trims and is available in a plain black or stylish mirrored black trim. All three of the Apex Select electric fires range is manually or remote controlled and simply plug into an existing electricity supply upon installation.

The Apex Athena hole in the wall (HIW) electric fire is the result of a well thought out product. Being an electric fire the Apex Athena has fantastic efficiency and produces a maximum heat output of 2kW.The flame effect is complemented by a selection of fuel bed effect options, and comes in manual control with the option to upgrade to a remote control. The Apex Athena hole in the wall electric fire also has a number of unique, high quality trims to choose from including the black glass, silver or mirrored frame to name a few. A hole in the wall fire is recessed into a wall and the Apex Athena is designed for this purpose, however, with the Athena fire there is the option to use additional spacers. These spacers make the Apex Athena HIW fire protrude from the wall, resulting in less of a recess into the wall to be needed or so that the Apex Athena can be totally outset like a hang on the wall electric fire. This makes the Apex Athena extremely versatile and adaptable for most circumstance.

The Athena inset electric fire is available in a choice of either a 3 sided or hearth based model or a 4 sided or hole in the wall model. Essentially the 3 sided and 4 sided models are the same product that has been designed with optimum versatility. The Apex Athena inset electric fire comes with a large selection of fascia trim choice and whether hearth based or wall mounted the Apex Athena electric fire comes with a choice of fuel bed effects ranging form traditional coal, to rustic driftwood and contemporary pebbles. Additional spacers can be attached to the 3 sided hearth based Apex Athena that allow the inset depth to be shallower or to even use the electric fire as a freestanding fire. The beauty of having such a versatile electric fire with easy installation properties and high efficiency is that no additional ventilation is usually required and they are suitable to be used in most homes with an electricity supply.

The latest Apex electric range is available at a low price from Fireplace Supermarket

Celsi Fires UK

Celsi Fires for fireplaces
Celsi fires have now been released into the UK, they're the top of the range in technology and design, it amazing how any other manufacturer is able to sell fires, as this range, not only has Contemporary Modern Celsi Fires, but also Traditional Celsi fires which also include the same technology. They're now available from Fireplace Megastore



Celsi fires Contemporary
"The Celsi Contemporary features two piece fascia in either brass, brushed steel or black finish and uses state-of-the-art technology to create the most realistic fire effect available today. With a choice of three flame pictures, five flame speeds, real fire sound effect and much much more, the Celsi is the most functional electric fire in the world. It is also extremely versatile and can be installed in almost any room in your home. Always refer to the installation manual before installing the appliance.

Celsi fires Curved
The Celsi Curved features a stylish curved black glass fascia and uses state-of-the-art technology to create the most realistic fire effect available today. With a choice of three flame pictures, five flame speeds, four mood lighting options and much much more, the Celsi is the most functional electric fire in the world.

Celsi fires Essence
The Celsi Essence features a designer one piece fascia in either brass, brushed steel or black finish and uses state-of-the-art technology to create the most realistic fire effect available today. With a choice of three flame pictures, five flame speeds, real fire sound effect and much much more, the Celsi is the most functional electric fire in the world.

Celsi fires Panoramic
The Celsi Panoramic features a sophisticated black flat glass fascia and uses state-of-the-art technology to create the most realistic fire effect available today. With a choice of three flame pictures, five flame speeds, four mood lighting options and much much more, the Celsi is the most functional electric fire in the world.