What you should know before buying an electric fire

There are a number of things that you should be aware of before buying an electric fire, they are often described ‘easy to fit’ and ‘suitable for every home’ but are they? You need to make sure the electric fire you choose is suitable for its situ too. This blog could be useful to anyone thinking of buying an electric fire and help those in the trade selling fires to ensure the fires sold are actually fit for purpose.

Buying an Electric Fire
The act of actually buying an electric fire is extremely easy, you can pick them up in DIY stores, from showrooms and online, which is great, but please be aware that images seen in catalogues, brochures and online do not properly display the finish of the fire and the flame effect of a fire, ask to see the fire in operation at a fireplace showroom or DIY store to make sure the flame effect and pattern is what you are expecting. The finish can differ dramatically from manufacturer to manufacturer so have a look at your fire to see if their shade of brass, or brushed brass is what you were thinking of to avoid disappointment. If you do buy the product online and don’t have chance to view the electric fire before hand you have a cooling off period, and during which time you may return the fire for whatever reason, and yes that means even if you don’t like the coal effect etc. (This will usually be at your expense though so it is better to know what you’re buying before it is sent to you).

Copyright or Copy Wrong?
Manufacturers of fires will have copyright on their products and images of products, names of products etc. Despite this there is a whole lot of ‘simulation’ and ‘imitation’ of products between the manufacturers, and to be honest if I saw a competitors fire selling by the thousands I’d look to imitate the products to some extent too. It is important to be aware that this goes on within the industry, it is very hard to prove that brand A has copied brand B so you could get a bargain. However you could get an inferior electric fire that looks like the more expensive one etc. Manufacturers will sometimes sell two products that are identical under different names, and with great difference in the price tag, as well as manufacturer’s warranty. You could save a bundle on an electric fire but have 2 or 3 years less warranty, the choice is yours. Do not buy from auction websites unless it is a shop (you wouldn’t buy a fire from a car boot sale would you?).

Another tip when shopping for an electric fire is the flame effect is often the same throughout a manufacturers range of fires, so if manufacturer A has several different fires i.e. manual control, remote controlled, brass finish, chrome finish, modern design or classic design, they may all have the same flame pattern or effect, (Many electric fires have the same electric fire, or ‘engine’, presented in different fascias or guises). This could mean if you’ve seen one LED flame effect you’ve seen them all, but again, different manufacturers will have subtle differences (however slight!).

Will the Electric Fire Fit?
This is where many people find disappointment, they receive their new electric fire.......and it doesn’t fit, they you have to send or take it back, and you wanted the job finished by a certain date!.....AAARGH! Should it be this confusing? Well it’s quite straight forward once you understand that there is 3 main types of electric fire; Hearth based (3 sided), Hang on the Wall (outset, wall mounted) and Hole in the Wall (inset fires). Once you know which one is for you the dimensions needed to install are straight forward, and I’ll take you though these one at a time:

Hearth based inset electric fires means the electric fires that fit into a back panel as part of a fireplace setting. The cut out in a back panel is as industry standard around 16inches wide and 22inches tall. Most electric fires fit into these gaps with no problem; however confusion often arises with the depth of the electric fire and something called the ‘rebate’. The inset depth of an electric fire is the depth from what you see in the room back to the end of the fire in the fireplace or wall, (The outset depth is the depth of the fire from the back panel into the room). The ‘rebate’ is the measurement from the front of the back panel to the wall, this is usually 25mm or 75mm, some may be adjustable too! Now, if the inset depth of the electric fire is greater than the depth of the rebate you will need a recess into the wall to fit the fire into. This depth will need to be at least as big as the overlap from the inset depth and back panel. A way around this (especially if you only have a flat wall, with no recess) is to use a spacer kit, these come in several depths and allow the electric fire to be outset into the room more, but many people don’t find this aesthetically pleasing.

Hang on the Wall fires are mounted onto the wall, measurements are outset into the room and the fires will either fix directly to the wall, or onto a pre fixed bracket on the wall.
Hole in the Wall inset fires need a recess for them to fit into, this can be into a chimney of a ‘false’ chimney breast, be aware that many measurements will show a fires inset dimensions, but a few inset electric fires will need clearance from these measurements. Make sure no clearance is needed to avoid disappointment.

Where Can I Get Additional Information?
Every manufacturer has a website and if they don’t then avoid like the plague! Many manufacturers sites will have the installation manuals and user guides for you to refer to before a purchase, if they don’t there will be some way of contacting them to retrieve any information required, if they do not have either a contact phone number or email address the avoid like the plague! Showroom sales people should have general ideas of what measurements are required, but it is always best to go to the manufacturer yourself to assure you have the correct information, they will tell you the facts not what suits them on the day, you can ask for the information to be sent via email or post thus giving you a future reference should you require it. Be wary of review sites, many companies have 100% reviews and have sold a couple of items whilst others have okay reviews but have sold hundreds of thousands of products, question how many happy people bother to leave reviews and how many competitor companies review others? Being someone who uses the internet frequently I find review sites most frustrating, but that’s a different topic entirely.

What Did You Expect?
Electric fires nowadays are 100% efficient and come in a plethora of designs, have more options and finishes than you can think, which is great, but they usually have a maximum heat output of 2kW. This level of heat is not tremendous; it will certainly take the edge off (if you get close enough) but should not be relied upon as a sole source of heat in a home. Hairdryers can often be found to emit similar amounts of heat, so don’t expect a furnace!

Many electric fires simply plug in, which again is great, but what do you do with the lead? Some manufacturers will view the warranty as void if their moulded plug is cut off, which could cause a problem when fitting. Any competent electrician would be able to come up with suitable solutions to avoid this, but people buy these from DIY stores expecting to be able to ‘do it yourself’ and find disappointment when employing an electrician for the job.

By no means do I dislike electric fires, in fact quite the opposite, but it is important to be aware of what small pitfalls may be ahead of you when buying and electric fire, indeed any fire or heating for your home.

The Endeavour 3D

Evonic Fires is a brand of CK fires, situated in rural Warwickshire and are focused on provided a wide selection of quality fires, built in the Britain, available from many independent fireplace retail outlets.
Evonic Fires have unveiled their latest offering. The Endeavour 3D hang on the wall electric fire. This ultra-slimline electric fire utilises the same technology that makes the Brilliant Newdawn-E so popular with the choice of seven different fascias to creates a stunning electric fire that not only looks good, but also gives a great heat output for an electric fire at 2kW with built in thermostat.
The Endeavour uses a log fuel effect to create a very realistic looking electric fire, also creating the illusion that the fire is deeper than it actually is, further adding to the realism of the flame effect.
Available in the almost standard electric fire finishes of black glass and gloss black, the Endeavour 3D also breaks from the norm offering the choice of Grey Mirror, Brushed Aluminium, Calcite White and Stone Effect. However the crowing glory of the Endeavour 3D is the solid Oak Fascia that is available, this truly combines the best of having a natural wood surround and inset fire with having a modern hang-on-the-wall electric fire.
 The natural grain of the fascia frames and complements the flame effect in the centre, adding even more ambience to that of a standard black glass electric fire.
And built with almost exclusively British components, you can be sure that when buying an Evonic fire, you are supporting the British economy, especially important in these difficult financial times.
You can now view the Evonic Endeavour 3D complete with black glass fascia, alongside the Evonic Euphoria Stove and Almyra hang on the wall electric fire now on live display at Fireplace Megastore.


Do you have a question that needs answering? Or you want your heat appliance reviewed by the Fires Fireplaces Stoves Team? Why not contact us on firesfiresplacesstoves@gmail.com

What Do You Need To Know Before Buying A Fire

It's always the way, you try and turn your gas or electric fire on or try and light your stove after not using it since March or early April and the worst happens, it breaks and you need a new one, or you finally decide to take the plunge and invest in a fire for your new house or upgrade old faithful that has been sat on the hearth for the last decade or more.
Most people (including myself before I started this down this career path) have very little idea of the technical complexities that are accociated with purchasing a new gas, electric or solid fuel fire or stove.

So what do you need to know before buying a new fire, stove or fireplace? We have a look at some of the major sticking points or complicated details.

Do I Want Gas, Solid Fuel, Electric Or Bio-Ethanol?
This is probably the most important decision as it effects everything from then onwards, electric fires and suites are becoming increasingly popular as they can be placed anywhere with a standard 13amp plug socket and the flame effects are getting increasinly realistic.
Also becoming increasing popular is people returning to solid fuel or wood burning stoves. This follows on from increasing pressure in the media to reduce carbon footprint, as burning wood from a sustainable source is carbon neutral.



What Type Of Flue or Chimney Do I Have?

As gas fires in particular are designed for varying types of flue or chimney and depending on what type you have can greatly reduce the options available. Flueless, Balanced Flue and Powered Flue appliances are suitable for most modern houses that are built without a chimney, where as some properties may come with a prefabricated or precast flue and most older properties tend ot have an open brick chimney.
More detailed is usually readily available on most Fireplace websites such as Fireplace Megastore, Fireplace Supermarket Or Fireworld.

Hole In The Wall Or In A Surround?

This is mainly down to personal preference as gas, solid fuel and electric fires are all available in these styles. Whether you want to purchase a hang on the wall balanced flue fire such as the Verine Marcello or a unique hang on the wall electric such as the Apex Inception. Likewise if a surround and fire is more appealing you could opt for a fire and surround such as the Drugasar Cara Suite or the Europa Sofia Gas Suite.

Who Do I Geed To Fit It?
Depending on what you've purchased obviously depends on who is needed to fit it. Gas Fires will need to be fitted by a Gas Safe Registered installer, and likewise a solid fuel or woodburning stove would need to be installed by a HETAS engineer. When it comes to surrounds and electric fires, most companies will recommend the surround is fitted by a qualified installer to ensure the perfect finish is achieved. But when it comes down to electric fires, a majority of them come with a standard 13amp plug as standard and simply require plugging in to work.

New Fires From Flamerite

With the heating season fast approaching and the nights already getting colder and darker Flamerite have launched their new range of electric fires, designed to bring that warmth back into your home. These add to the already very successful and popular range of electric fires already produced by Flamerite.
Among these are their latest range of inset electric fires such as the iona and bailey, these boast an ultra slim inset depth of just 18mm!! Meaning these electric fires can be fitted into a surround on a flat wall with just a standard 25mm rebate...Amazing.

These electric fires boast the same solar flare flame effect that featured on the ever popular Flame Essence Decade. They have even managed to squeeze a 1.5kW heater into this fire meaning that not only is it stunning to look at, it will also keep you cosy in the winter.

Flamerite has also released the Payton Suite, this easy to install Portuguese Stone Effect suite is available floor standing or wall mounted without requiring any inset depth. Also boasting the LED Solar Flare effect that will last approximately 40,000 hours of non-stop running. To put that in persepective, you could purchase this fire, plug it in and turn it on and leave it for nearly four and a half years of constant operation before the LED lights give up the ghost. And because they're LED's the cost for running if for some 40,000 hours would only cost you £31.20 on average...Bargain!

Brilliant E-Motion

Is the Fire On The Right Gas Or Electric?

Gas?

Electric?

Not Sure?

The Brilliant E-Motion looks like a full depth gas fire, but is in fact a very slim inset electric fire. It has been designed by the makers of the Newdawn, Brilliant and features the same silent LED flame effect that will cost you less than £1 per year to run based on using the flame effect EVERYDAY for 5 hours a day.

The flames emerge from within the fuel bed and appear to be burning in a ribbed fireback, the unique flame effect will make almost anyone question whether they are looking at an electric fire or an actual gas fire!

Available in a choice of black, brass or silver finishes and features the Media Fret in black, aluminium or brass finishes allowing the flexibility to suit almost room style. The slimeline depth means that this fire can be fitted against a flat wall in any surround with a 76mm standard rebate. This means even houses without any additional depth can have an ultra-realisic fire without having to use a spacer.

The E-Motion boasts a slimline canopy, making the fire look even more realistic without a bulky canopy sticking out of the front of the fire. Highline master controls and concealed heater controls feature a thermostat and 1 or 2kW heat output settings.

This ultra-realistic fire is now on display at the Fireplace Megastore

New Electric Suites From Be Modern And Fireplace Supermarket

Fireplace Supermarket have recently launched the new range of Bemodern Electric Suites, incorporating the highly realistic new LED flame effect.

The new range of 'eco' electric suites make use of ultra low energy LED's, dramatically reducing the cost of running the flame effect. To put this in perspective, a standard 60W red bulb which is normally used to create the flame effect, if one of these standard 60W bulbs was used for the fire, 4 hours a day for 5 days that would cost you 1Kilowatt Hour which is normally around 16-18pence, or around £13-£15 for the year with 98% of this energy being wasted as heat. Comparatively when using an LED electric fire and running the flame effect for 5 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year would cost less than £2 per year based on the same tariff.

While this saving does not seem like much, only £10 a year, but this is just one way that LED's are cheaper and easier to run. Unlike standard incandescent bulbs, an LED can last for over 100,000 hours without need of replacing, where as you would be lucky to get just 10% of that life from a standard bulb before it blowing and you having to buy a replacement which doubles up on the savings of an LED fire.

The new range of Bemodern suites consists of five different models, The Ashford, Darras, Eden, Gosport all using a realistic wood effect finish and Lusso Eco finished in an Ivory stone effect. They are all designed to be fitted against a flat wall, ideal for those without the luxury of depth to inset a standard fire, they also come with the added luxury of thermostatic control for complete handfree use to maintain that perfect temperature without moving from your seat.

My personal favourite is the Ashford Eco suite, the dark or natural cherry wood effect both work well with the brass trim of the electric fire to accentuate the flame effect in the centre. The simple styling of the mantle with the subtle arch mean this fireplace works beautifully in both contemporary and traditional living spaces.

The Ashford boasts a 2kW heat output, more than enough to take the cold edge off of almost any sized room, which can be controlled either using the thermostat or in 1 or 2kW heat settings for that quick burst of heat.

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.

The Devotion Electric Fire by Apex Fires

Released and extremely popular within the fire industry is the Devotion Electric Fire produced by Apex. Apex have become a well established recognizable name amongst the fireplace industry within Great Britain, so when they embark on designing and creating a new electric fire they produce one of the highest quality electric fires available, and have done so once again with the new Devotion.

This swanky new electric fire, the Devotion, instantly impresses with eye catching design, the curved black mirrored glass effect frame shouts contemporary chic, and brand new stylish log effect with LED lighting feature and side lighting delivers maximum effect with minimum energy use.

This hang on the wall electric fire is easily wall mounted onto a flat wall and no traditional chimney or flue are necessary with this fire and the Devotion requires no additional ventilation into the room, which when you consider the Devotion is designed for smaller rooms, is exceptional.

The Apex Devotion has the option to be set on a high heat setting with 2kW heat output, a low heat setting with 1kW heat output and a flame effect only setting. The LED lighting effects and heat settings can all easily be adjusted with the remote control that comes as standard, all for an extremely reasonable price.

This Apex Devotion electric fire has been designed and will surely be marketed for the rooms of smaller proportions or possibly for a stylish room less used to sporting a fire, like a study or bedroom. With simple installation and easily operated, and an abundant supply of style, the Devotion electric fire is one to definitely look out for.

Types of Electric Fire

Electric fires, indeed electric heaters as a whole, use the same process of turning electricity into heat. The heat comes from the element, which is simply an electrical resistor that heats up as an electric current passes through it. All electric fires use this process to achieve heat, but different fires will use the element in different ways.

Convector Electric Fires

Convector electric fires heat up the air next to the element, as hot air rises (because it is less dense), the cold air (more dense) replaces it, creating a flow of air or current of air which effectively heats up a closed room, where no other air flow is there.
Electric convector fires are very safe, the element is usually out of harms way, and the warm air will flow into the room via air vents in the top of the fire. Electric convector fires may be left on for long periods of time and should be silent when in use.

Fan Assisted Electric Fires

These electric fires work on the same principle as convector fires, however they use an electrically powered fan to blow air onto the element. This speeds up the heating process as it speeds up the air flow.
Fan assistance compared to convection alone will heat up an enclosed space quickly, however noise created from the fan is common place with these fires.

Radiating Electric Fires

This type of fire is more commonly referred to as a heater, the elements in these fires are enclosed behind glass, (much like a light bulb is). These elements become extremely hot, and will usually have reflective panel to help direct the heat in a common direction and for better efficiency.
Infrared radiation is given off by the element and it travels through the air until it meets an object, upon meeting the object will absorb, reflect or absorb and reflect the radiation.
Radiating heaters are most effective at heating an object alone rather than warming the air in a room, and are effective when free flowing air current is apparent.
These fires operate silently and due to the intense heat supply need to be treated with a greater level of safety than the fore mentioned fire types.

All electric and gas fires will emit heat through some form of either convection or radiation, due to the fact they all give heat and light of some form. The fire industry combine the methods of heat providing to differing degrees, all with the same purpose to heating a room most efficiently and most effectively as possible. It is a great advantage to know what heating purpose the fire is designed for to best choose an appropriate electric fire for your needs.

Electric Fireplace Suites

If you live in an abode with smaller proportions, be it an apartment or flat, or maybe you don’t have a chimney or live in rented accommodation and yearn for the homely fireplace feature in the living or dining room, then yearn no more, for electric fireplace suites may hold the solution.

Electric Fireplace Suites are as a rule are a complete unit, which comprise of the mantle, aka surround, the hearth and back panel, and of course the fire. These suites are almost always advertised assembled and thus make it easier to picture in homely surroundings. Electric fire suites are generally very easy to install, simply unwrap, place next to a flat wall, plug into a socket, and you’re in business.

Manufacturers and suppliers of these electric suites take care to ensure the most popular mantles and fire designs are paired together to ensure consumer interest, thus meaning bulk manufacturing can take place reducing the cost of the component parts of the suite. Electric suites tend to be light weight in construction; this lowers distribution and delivery costs and makes them easier to handle upon customer receivership.

The variation in the electric suites available is immense, from the latest contemporary fire suite with remote controls and LED technology, to traditional wooden fire suites with shelving and brass embellishments on the fire. It doesn’t take long to find the ideal look to suit any individual taste, so why be hassled buying the individual pieces of a fireplace at a higher cost? Unless designing a room with a particular bespoke finish.

Before purchasing an electric suite please be aware that not all suites arrive assembled, and they may not simply plug into an existing socket. Some electric suites have spot lights or down lights which generally use halogen lights or LED lights, be sure before purchase whether these need an alternative power supply or not to ensure complete satisfaction from the suite.

Electric fireplace suites are highly efficient, electric fires are more economical than other types of fire and are cleaner for the environment, (and usually require less cleaning, which is always a bonus).

Manufacturer Focus: Drugasar

In May 1754, a sales contract was signed for the building of a new blast furnace between Johan Baptist van den Dergh and a few local entrepreneurs in Ulft, the Netherlands. The project was the beginning of the company that is the modern day Drugasar, some 250 years later!
The company is called De Koninklijke Diepenbrock en Reugers if Ulft, or in short Drugasar or DRU.
Drugasar started out as a blast furnace, producing a large range of products from cast iron, DRU pots and pans are still particularly well known. At the beginning of the 1960's when natural gas was discovered in the Netherlands DRU switched to producing gas fireplaces. DRU is now one of the oldest industrial companies in the Netherlands.

Now, Drugasar is a modern company that continues to specialise in producing high-quality and unique fireplaces. It is the largest producer of closed combustion fireplaces in Europe, and has operations in three countries and a dealership that spans most of Europe. This independent company with a well-established foundation is proud of its industrial heritage and has even been awarded the prestigious designation of Supplier to the Royal Dutch Court.


Drugasar Gas and Electric Fires have been designed to bring out the best in your living room – contemporary or traditional.
You will have no shortage of choice, with a large variety of gas and electric fires available, each with its own selection of trim, colour and fuel effect. So you are sure to find a combination that will harmonise with your lifestyle.


"DRU gas fires are not simply pleasing to the eye, they are among the most advanced heating appliances on the planet."

Combining contemporary styling with modern gas technology, DRU gas fires provide all-round warmth and comfort as well as aesthetic appeal.

From simple but stunning frameless fires such as the Metro range, to more traditional designs such as the Passeo (shown right), DRU gas fires provide a wealth of choice.

And with the incredible efficiency of gas fires, especially using the DRU balanced flue system, with up to 85% efficiency, heating your home need not cost a fortune.

Unfortunately even the most beautiful Drugasar gas fire would be worthless if the house did not have a gas connection, or if your preference is for an electric fire, DRU do also do a stunning range of electric fires.

DRU electric fires combine the beauty of contemporary fireplace design with a unique operating system that creates the best realistic fire available anywhere.

The flame pattern is the closest to a gas fire you will ever see. And yet, because of its unique LED technology, it combines a generous 2 kw heat output with remarkably low energy consumption.

Celsi Electric Fires Are Hot For 2011

Celsi fires are British designed fire range that launched in the states in January 2010 and believed by many in the industry to have brought the most advance in technology for decades. With stunning design, state of the art technology and the highest level of manufacturing quality whilst still maintaining a safe, effective, high efficiency, environmentally respectful fire.

The first noticeable feature of the Celsi fire range is the design, whether as a more traditional hearth based (three sided) fire, or as a more contemporary wall mounted fire (Celsi curved or panoramic) the Celsi range deliver a crisp, clean, elegant style. The complete range of Celsi electric fires display a stunning visual fire effect and Celsi have used video in many of their marketing campaigns to show the realism of the fuel bed and flame effect (believing still pictures just don’t portray the overall quality of the LED fire).

Celsi fires realistic fuel bed and flame effect are digitally displayed with superb definition and offer the option to alternate the view between a blazing log, smouldering log or even a coal fuel effect. The speed of the flame flicker is adjustable too, and Celsi have incorporated appropriate sound effects to accompany the chosen fuel effect (which can be muted if and when required). Certain models boast mood lighting to highlight the fire and create the perfect ambiance.

Other innovative and practical features of the Celsi fires range include a sleep timer; this turns off the fire when set, and the digitally controlled thermostat; this allows an individuals preferred temperature to be regulated throughout the room, providing a constant temperature. This function when selected will alter the fires intensity of heat and air flow to achieve the required overall room temperature. The visual display uses LED technology and has adjustable picture brightness, so whatever the room lighting, optimum fire display is visible.

All features of the Celsi fire range are easily recognisable via the display icons, and the intuitive controls are operated by the stylish ergonomically designed remote control.

Build quality and safety are primary features of the Celsi fire range and they do not fail to deliver. Celsi have such confidence in their ranges manufacturing build quality that they offer a five year manufacturers warranty on their products. Safety is undertaken with vigorous product testing; features include stay cool glass, and no hot or incandescent parts. The Celsi electric fires are environmentally safe, with 100% heat efficiency and with a maximum heat output of 1.5kW (impressive for fires of this type).

There are other general benefits to using electric fires; they are usually extremely efficient, and better for the environment. Electric fires, including the Celsi range, are suitable to be used in most homes, they don’t need additional ventilation or flue requirements and most electric fires will simply plug into an existing electricity supply.

If you are considering purchasing an electric fire and want efficiency, technology, effectiveness and style then consider one of the innovative Celsi fires from the electric fire range which is available only at reputable retailers.

Raises In Utility Prices!

Ofgem has launched an official investigation into recent price hikes.Are We Paying Too Much For Our Energy?

Half of the main gas and electricity suppliers in the UK :- British Gas, Scottish & Southern and ScottishPower – have increased their prices in recent weeks. It has also come to light that this price rise increases the profit margins of each of these companies quite considerably! An increase of of around £25 per household, raising profit margins by over 35%!

Last week, ScottishPower said its customers' electricity bills would rise by an average of 8.9% while prices for gas customers would increase by 2%, a considerable amount for even the most energy conscious household! Meanwhile, Scottish & Southern Energy (SSE) has put up gas prices by 9.4% since the start of December. British Gas customers also face a 7% rise in utility bills this winter.

Jeremy Cryer from Gocompare.com welcomed the Ofgem investigation. “The £90 profit margin Ofgem refers to could be the difference between a comfortable winter and a miserable one for a lot of households as we move into the most expensive period for energy bills,” he said.

"This review shouldn't just be restricted to investigating recent price rises, however. The energy market is a classic example of one which has been allowed to remain deliberately complex.

“As a result many consumers do not have the confidence to take control of their own energy provision – more than 80% of households have not switched energy supplier in the past 12 months.”

At times like this efficiency becomes even more important, the difference between an open-fronted gas fire that is lucky to achieve 50% efficiency and a glass-fronted HE glas fire such as the Apex Capacious at up to 89% efficiency makes quite a considerable cost difference to run the fire, especially during the winter seasons when these appliances are most depended on.

Save Money Now!

As I write this post it is only 58 days, 14 hours and 22 minutes until the Sales tax is rising by 2.5 percentage points to 20% starting on 4 January, 2011, as part of the coalition government’s plans to reduce the UK budget deficit.

Although this may not sound much that 2.5% could have a very big impact on the price of the fireplace you are looking to purchase. For example the Drugasar Metro 100XT Balanced Flue Gas Fire, one of the most popular Hole-In-The-Wall style gas fires, producing 6.3kW of heat energy at up to 70% efficiency, this high quality and stunningly contemporary gas fire would go up in price by over £50! this quite sharp price increase could take away money that could take this amazing fire over your budget!

The Drugasar Metro 100XT would go in price by over £50!

Electric fires arent exempt from the VAT rise either with the Apex Intense Hang-On-The-Wall electric fire with a stunning flame effect and high-quality black granite fascia would go up in price by over £30. This raise is price is equal in cost to running the 2kW silent heater on high constantly for over 250 hours! That means that buying the fire before Christmas without the extra 2.5% VAT would save you enough money to have the fire on the low 1kW heat setting from the 22nd of December, all the way through the festive season until the 5th of January! Or, phrasing it another way, that £30 saving would run the flame effect constantly for 5 years!

Buy now and save enough money to run the heater on low for 3 weeks!

Purchasing a multi-fuel stove before the 2.5% increase would certainly make sense, with that extra 2.5% working out at being nearly nearly £30 on the Vermont Castings Intrepid III multi-fuel stove, that £30 would go a long was towards getting the stove installed, or pay for that first load of fuel to store for the festive season, there is nothing better than sitting in front of a cracking log stove when it is cold and dark outside!

So if you're thinking about purchasing a gas or electric fire or stove, it would certainly be worth while and purchase before Christmas to save that extra 2.5%, it's amazing how far that 2.5% can take you.

New Bemodern Range of LED Electric Fires

Bemodern Fires have recently unveiled their latest range of inset electric fires. These fires incorporate the unique and very interesting LED flame effect that has been utilised on the Bemodern Orlando and Arizona hang on the wall electric fire. See the flame effect here.

This highly original flame effect, in my opinion, is a vast improvement over almost any flame effect on the market, it is eyecatching and almost has a level of unpredictability that just isnt possible with a normal ribbon flame effect.

The Bemodern range of LED inset fires uses the styling and high quality finish on existing Bemodern inset fires such as the Bemodern Savannah or the Abbey inset electric fire. All the LED inset electric fires from Bemodern feature a quiet fan heater with a maximum heat output of 2kW that will quickly take the cold edge off of most living spaces. While the LED flame effect creates a great image while being incredibly low-cost to run, with the high-quality LED's that could run for up to 100,000 hours before needing to be replaced. So if you had the LED flame effect on for 8 hours a day, 7 days a week and 365 days a year then it would be almost 24 years before you would need to replace the fire!

The Bemodern Abbey takes this innovative flame effect and combines it with the traditionally styled Cast-Iron Effect Arches that would help this fire blend well with any traditionally styled decor. The Abbey also features a thermostat to maintain that comfortable temperature, and help make life that extra little bit easier.

The Bemodern Enrico LED Electric fire is another popular inset electric with a very popular and contemporary brushed steel finish. The Enrico features a very realistic coal fuel bed that works brilliantly with the LED flame effect. Both versions of the fire are displayed below, as you can see the standard Enrico on the right uses the very conventional and standard ribbon flame effect, whereas the LED version on the left provides a far more realistic flame image, moving away from the smooth edges of the ribbons that detract from the flame image and moving towards the unpredictable and almost random edges provided by the LED flame effect. The upward movement of the LED flame effect also adds life to the flame effect and makes it even more realistic.The Bemodern Camberly is another inset electric fire that has been rejuvinated with the inclusion of the LED flame effect is the Camberley, this fire uses the traditional buttress style fret, available in black, chrome or brass. The polished brass finish looks very bright and highly impressive, combining the latest LED flame image with a bright and impressive traditionally styled inset electric fire.

Whereas the Camberley inset electric with the ribbon fuel effect unfortunately doesnt quite have the same sort of presence, this is probably due the the new deep level trim employed on the Camberley that gives the fire more stature on the hearth and also adds to the feel of a real fire rather than a slimline electric.

The Bemodern LED flame effect is an innovative flame effect and is available across a wide range of Bemodern inset electric fires as well as the highly desirable Orlando, Arizona and Quattro hang on the wall electric fires with more fires almost certainly in development!

What is the efficiency of an Electric Fire?

Electric Fires and Heaters are all 100% Heat Efficient, while the ligting will depend upon the bulbs being used, if you go for a standard bulb it will be around 60% while LED fires like the Drugasar Metro 120e, will be around 90%. Over all LED electric Fires are around 95% efficient while standard Electric fires will be 80% efficient on average, but there is one major factor which no one but the most successful hippies are aware of, most of northern Europe are not able to use Electric as a source of heat, because regardless of how efficient the product is the efficiency of creating the electricity in the first instance is around 40%. This means that although from getting the electric in your home, to the product there has been no wastage, the initial wastage to produce the electricity is 60% so the overall productivity is reduced by a large volume. In most of Europe coal is still a large source of energy but the heat produced from this is very rarely used to it full capacity, because of this the governments have decided that burning the fuel itself in your own home means that you will take full advantage of the potential energy supply from the fuel. This all make sense to most people in the UK however the UK government do not advertise this nor take it into consideration with any of their efficiency calculations.

Led versions again have an advantage. A single kilowatt-hour of electricity will generate 1.34 pounds (610 g) of CO2 emissions. Assuming the average light bulb is on for 10 hours a day, a single 40-watt incandescent bulb will generate 196 pounds (89 kg) of CO2 every year. The 13-watt LED equivalent will only be responsible for 63 pounds (29 kg) of CO2 over the same time span For those who have a very loud jiminy cricket on their shoulder then Electric models should be avoided. Unless Purchasing the New Apex Eternal High Efficienct Electric fire which uses only 4 watts to create its flame effect!

Allwood Electric Fires

Allwood fireplaces, as the name suggests, offer a wide range of fireplaces of good quality, but, they also provide a selection of electric inset fires too. These electric fires come in four main designs, (Dorset, Firenza, Sicilian and Tiffany), and most designs offer a selection of finishes or fuel bed effects and lighting. Allwood electric inset fires all have a two kilowatt maximum heat output and either have a modern/traditional or modern/contemporary feel.

Another unique feature of the Allwood fires is they all have curved screens to aid the viewing of the stylish flame effect. Allwood Fireplaces can therefore supply the complete fireplace, back panel and hearth sets, and fire. All made of high quality and available at the lowest possible price just insure there is a thirteen amp plug socket available upon installation if you wish to use the fire

Allwood Fireplaces also supply a range of hang on the wall or HOW electric fires which are produced with all the skill and precision as any other products they produce. The Hang on the wall electric fires come with an array of finishes and fuel effects and is well worth a look at.

An example of the quality of these hang on wall fireplaces would be the Allwood Treviso Landscape electric fire. This electric fire is stylishly designed and comes in a choice of finishes. The Treviso Landscape electric fire also has a choice of fuel bed effects including pebble, driftwood and coal. To set itself above the rest the Treviso landscape has a 2kW maximum heat output, with the option to set the output at 1kW or just on the flame setting. And what a flame setting, this Treviso landscape fire has a most beautiful and realistic flame effect, which will draw the eye towards the fire, and chosen realistic fuel effect and modern stylish frame.

Allwood fireplaces have designed this fire to be able to be fixed to most internal walls, once the position of the fire has been decided then simply attach the fixings to the wall, the fire then fits onto the wall fixings hiding them from view and creating a flawless finish to the fire. No inset depth is required and additional ventilation is not usually required. Another benefit of the Allwood Treviso Landscape is it has been designed so it is suitable to fit beneath a television, not all HOW fires allow this. The Allwood Treviso Landscape electric fire is manually controlled as standard but is available with a remote control.

Allwood Fireplaces have made a fantastic range of hang on the wall electric fires and having supplied flexible options and finishes so the ideal look can be created whatever the taste. Well done for letting the consumer have some real choice.

Paragon

Paragon offer a wide range of quality products with innovative technology and design ideas, Paragon also aim to allow the customer to choose how they want their fire to look and how they want it to run. Paragon have created several different types of fire such as open fronted gas fires, electric fires, hole in the wall gas fires and also high efficiency fires.

Some of Paragon’s open fronted gas fires such as the Paragon One and the 2000 Plus come with a range of different trims so that you can customise the fire to suit the surroundings, along with the trim you can also choose the fret from a lot of different styles and finishes. Both the Paragon Oneand the 2000 Plus have a high maximum heat output of 4.2kW and an efficiency of 60% making them one of the most powerful Paragon fires available. The 2000 Plus is also available with the ‘Turbo’ option that is a powerflue for the Paragon range, the powerflue fire is designed for anyone who doesn’t have a chimney or flue as the fumes are removed horizontally through the external wall.

The Paragon Symphony and the Paragon Quartet are two of the best examples of high efficiency fire that Paragon has available. They have both been contemporary styled and are hole in the wall gas fires so they will look good in any surrounding. These glass fronted high efficiency fires produce a maximum heat output of 4.2kW (Symphony) and an efficiency of 84%!!

Paragon have created a range of electric fires that have some of the innovative flame effects on the market, combined with contemporary designs and a range of options make them some of the best electric fires available. The Paragon Medi andAmara are the two best electric fires that Paragon currently have available because of their simple contemporary style with unique backlight function. These fires produce a maximum heat output of 1.5kW and would look good in any home and surrounding.

Paragon fires are only available as showroom exclusives and would not be able to be purchased online; a recommended showroom would be the Fireplace Megastore who have a number of Paragon fires on display.