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When the chill sets in or you just want to spend a restful evening at home, fireplaces all over the world add their special ambience by spreading a warm and inviting glow. Nothing can warm the cockles of your heart like the dancing embers of a cosy fire.

Fireplaces are the most central feature of a home. Even when selling a property, people pay special attention to their fireplaces in a bid to make their homes more appealing to a buyer. The living room is the only place in the house where families gather around beckoning fireplaces to entertain guests. They are also the place where games are played, television is watched, long mother and daughter chats take place and hot chocolate and Baileys is shared etc… At Christmas time, fireplaces hone in with tradition as marshmallows and chestnuts are roasted over open fireplaces. When the stresses of life set in, a cosy fire is the perfect refuge for melting away tension and recharging the batteries.

There is no doubt that fireplaces enhance the beauty of a room so whether your home is modern or traditional, there are electric fires and gas fires to suit all needs and environments. Couple this with a range of fire place decorations and fireplaces all over the world become an individual expression of style to add even more focal point.

Psychologists say that fireplaces invoke happy emotions as they are associated with warmth, food and sociability. Those who suffer from Seasonal Affective Disorder find that their symptoms reduce dramatically when greeted by the enticing ambience of homely fireplaces as they invoke a feeling of peace and serenity.

Large vases, bouquets of flowers and candles can breathe life into old fireplaces or add that extra touch to new ones when they are not in use. Whatever you choose, remember fireplaces allow you to showcase the things that are personal to you, they are also the first thing that people see when they enter your room...

However, with so many different types of fireplaces on the market, it is difficult to choose the best type for your needs: Energy efficiency is a major factor but how do you find out which fireplaces are the most fuel efficient and safest? Read on to discover the marvels of balanced flue gas fires and flueless gas fires to answer this question and more...

To check out the energy efficiency of fireplaces, look at the EnerGuide Fireplace Efficiency Ratings which are clearly labeled on fireplaces or can be found in sales and marketing brochures. The higher the percentage rating, the more energy you can expect to save. Balanced flue gas fires and flueless gas fires are highly economical forms of heating.

So how did gas fires originate?

Gas fires stemmed from 1827 when William Murdoch introduced the concept of gas for lighting rather than candles. In response to cries from the middle classes for fireplaces which could be lighted quickly and cleanly without the dirty coal and soot from open log fireplaces, the first gas fires were manufactured. These were very basic in design but kept homes clean and warm in a jiffy! During the 20th century gas fires were popping up in many people’s homes and designers were producing more elaborate styles with glowing coals, logs, pebbles and driftwood styles. The gas fires of the 21st century are highly realistic.

Most gas fires use natural gas as their fuel source but with a fear of carbon monoxide leaks, some householders prefer electrical fireplaces. Gas leaks are highly unlikely if safety checks are carried out at regular intervals. However, this issue can now be resolved with the introduction of flueless gas fires as they use a catalytic converter to convert dangerous gases into harmless carbon dioxide and water. Flueless gas fires also incorporate an Oxygen Depletion Sensor ODS which will detect if oxygen levels are low in the room and cut the gas supply.

Statistics show that in Japan, over 40 million people use flueless gas fires. America is also catching on and over 20 million prefer flueless gas fires to conventional gas fires. The UK is very new to the concept of flueless gas fires but their unprecedented levels of safety are a great attraction. They are also easy to install as long as there is a current gas supply.

You can choose from many styles of flueless gas fires ranging from freestanding, wall hung and inset. In some cases, flueless gas fires burn so cleanly that a catalytic converter or glass front isn't even required. They are also tremendously cheap to run at an estimated cost of 3 to 5p per hour in comparison to 8 to 12p per hour with conventional gas fires. This is because flueless gas fires and balanced flue gas fires do not have any means for heat to escape as there is no flue or chimney outlet.

Are flueless gas fires easy to install?

Yes they are, in fact almost as easy as the installation of electric fires plus there is hardly any disruption to your home and the whole process can take just minutes.

Am I limited to where I can install flueless gas fires?

No, they can be stored anywhere as can balanced flue gas fires. They can also be used to heat rooms which are rarely used such as conservatories or basements.

I have heard that flueless gas fires cause condensation in the home, is this true?

No, this is a myth. Flueless gas fires are designed to work with your current heating system which will prevent moisture in your home from condensing. This moisture is then dispersed by the normal movement of air.

Are flueless gas fires reliable?

A typical example of the reliability you can expect from flueless gas fires can be found from a London restaurant where a model was installed in November 2002 and worked without any faults until the restaurant closed in April 2008. This establishment was open for at least fifteen hours per day, six days a week. Compare these figures with the average length of time such an appliance would run in a home and you can see that flueless gas fires have been known to run without any complication for nearly 25 years.

What sort of styles can I expect to find from flueless gas fires?

Anything that suits your taste ranging from contemporary designs, traditional to ultra modern. Browse through our range of flueless gas fires and balanced flue gas fires to find appliances from leading names.

I have heard that flueless gas fires can help with allergies, is this true?

It certainly is! Most flueless gas fires and balanced flue gas fires have a catalytic converter which neutralizes airborne particles and odours.

How did electric fires originate?

In the late 1800’s Michael Faraday discovered that magnets and coils of copper wire could generate electricity. This provided homeowners with the option of achieving the same beautiful effects of gas fires but with an electric appliance. Electric fires are heated in the same way as an oven and the simulated golden glow of these fires is achieved with light bulbs. An advantage of electric fires is the fact that they can be installed anywhere in the home, so if you have a small room or awkward corner that needs warming, there are many types of electric fires available and they are completely portable.

If you have an existing fireplace opening or want to replace old gas fires, electric fires are a quick and easy solution to revamping a home. Some of them have the added advantage of built-in fans, air filtration systems and built in thermostats which automatically switch off the appliance when it reaches the required heat level for your room. This means that electric fires can provide even more savings by not burning more money than is necessary. Electric fires can come complete with a decorative surround and fireplace insert to make the unit even more attractive to the eye. Unlike gas fires, electric fires do not produce real flames, they are an illusion. Many people fear that electric fires can be a costly commodity but this simply isn’t the case as electricity used from the national grid is partly produced by renewables and nuclear.

Why do electric fires seem more popular with families?

Probably because the outside of the unit always remains cold so young children cannot burn themselves.

Are gas fires or electric fires the best option?

This is a purely personal choice and both options have their distinct advantages. Electric fires are the perfect answer if your home is not already equipped for gas or you are on a tight budget. Many electric fires also have the advantage of being easy to install as you simply plug them in. Many do not need to be set in fireplaces, although there are a wide range of ready to fit surrounds and suites available to make the fire become a central theme of your home. Electric fires provide a source of heat which is 'renewable-ready'. This means that by 2010 renewable energy will not only come from wind turbines and solar power but from electricity in a bid to make Britain greener. So, not will you benefit from instant heating and beautiful warming flames, you will also do your bit to protect the environment . On top of this, electric fires have hardly any moving parts which means that they are less likely to break down, so the initial outlay for your chosen model could be a wise investment. Many householders have reported owning their electric fires for over fifteen years without any maintenance. When browsing the range of electric fires available, make sure that your chosen model has the BEAB approval which is an electrical safety mark to show that the product has been tested and is safe.

What are balanced flue gas fires?

Balanced flue gas fires offer the utmost in comfort and convenience. The flue is fitted in a horizontal or vertical line along the outside of the house and extends from the back of the gas fire all the way round. The flue uses air from outside to create the flames which is then dispersed back into this pipe or a separate pipe and into the atmosphere, thus creating a cosy and refreshing environment without the stuffiness of conventional gas fires and a friendlier bank balance. No mains electricity is used and many balanced flue gas fires allow you to adjust the heat and the flames by remote control. They come in a range of sizes and shapes and are whisper quiet. Balanced flue gas fires are the state of the art design statements of the 21st century. Designers are leading the way with compact, slim line and crisp, clean designs. Gone are the days of gas fires with glistening amber grills and dull facades. In are the sleek and minimalist designs of balanced flue gas fires. With health issues being of primary importance, it is easy to see why many householders favour balanced flue gas fires.

Can I install them myself?

Unfortunately, balanced flue gas fires cannot be installed by DIY enthusiasts as they require the services of a professional.

Which styles are setting the trend this year?

As modern house sizes decrease, the wall mounted designs are a perfect space saver. Black was the most popular choice for balanced flue gas fires towards the end of 2008 but lighter shades are starting to make a comeback.

Can I expect to pay more for balanced flue gas fires?

Surprisingly not. Browse through the Kaybee website and you will see that prices start from as little as £200 for the Dimplex range. Be Modern balanced flue gas fires start from just £300.

Does the appliance get very hot?

The only parts on balanced flue gas fires that do not get hot are the front panel and control knobs.

Do balanced flue gas fires have to be fitted in set locations?

No, they can be fitted absolutely anywhere.

Are balanced flue gas fires quieter than powered flue fires?

Yes, with balanced flue gas fires, you cannot hear the humming of the fan.

So which gas fires have taken your fancy? Whether you prefer balanced flue gas fires, or electric fires, we have the widest choice available at budgets to suit all pockets.