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Welcome to The Heat Source. A cosy corner of the digital world where we kindle the flames of curiosity and ignite your passion for all things warm and inviting.
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The Best Electric Fire Buying Guide for 2026
What is an Electric Fire? An electric fire is a plug-in heating appliance that uses LED or projection technology to create realistic flame effects, with optional heat output typically between 1kW and 2kW. Unlike gas or wood fires, it requires no chimney, flue, or ventilation. Many models also include flame-only settings, allowing you to use […]
Buying Guides
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The Best Electric Fire Buying Guide for 2026
What is an Electric Fire? An electric fire is a plug-in heating appliance that uses LED or projection technology to create realistic flame effects, with optional heat output typically between 1kW and 2kW. Unlike gas or wood fires, it requires no chimney, flue, or ventilation. Many models also include flame-only settings, allowing you to use […] -
Which Gas Fire Type is Right for You? (Complete UK Guide)
Key Takeaways: Quick Answers for Your Home Stop Guessing – Find the Exact Gas Fire You Need Often, the biggest mistake homeowners make is choosing a gas fire based purely on appearance. Efficiency, flue type, and installation constraints have a far bigger impact on long-term performance and running costs. In UK homes, the right gas […] -
How Much Heat Do Bioethanol Fires Produce?
Key Points The Honest Answer Up Front Bioethanol fires do produce real heat – but they are not designed to replace your central heating. Typical heat outputs range from 1kW to 3kW, depending on the burner size and fuel capacity. Ultimately, they are best suited for providing supplementary warmth and a beautiful ambience. While gas […]
Industry Regulations
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What Does the April 2025 Energy Price Cap Mean for Gas Fire Running Costs?
With the latest energy price cap hikes scheduled for April 2025, UK households relying on gas fires for heating are rightfully concerned about rapidly escalating operating costs. The April 2025 energy price cap is set to increase the per kWh rate for direct debit gas customers by 6.99%, up 15% from January's level. This, coupled […] -
What You Need to Know About Maintaining & Servicing a Gas Fireplace
Whether you’ve got a new gas fireplace or one that’s been providing faithful service for year after year, it’s important that you not only get it serviced on a regular basis, but that you maintain and clean it too. Keep reading and the Direct Fireplaces team will tell you what you need to know about […] -
How to Dispose of or Recycle an Old Fireplace
You’ve just bought a shiny new fireplace for your home. Great! But, what do you do with your old one? Whether you’re completely dismantling an entire fireplace surround, or simply getting rid of an old fire appliance or insert, it’s important you do it the right way. So, if you want to know how to […]
Installation & Safety
Looking for expert information on how to fit a fireplace at home? You’ve come to the right place. Here at Direct Fireplaces we have a wealth of fireplace installation articles jam-packed with tips and advice to help you do a professional and safe job.
Whether you need to know how to install a gas or electric fire, or you want advice on choosing the right fireplace installer, we have plenty of essential insight thanks to our many years in the industry - and we’re adding to it all the time, so keep checking back regularly for more fireplace installation advice so you can fit a fire at home with minimum effort.
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How to Light a Bioethanol Fireplace
Key Points Safety First, Then Simplicity Lighting a bioethanol fire is straightforward – but it must be done safely. Because there is no chimney, no gas line, and no electricity, you are dealing strictly with fuel and a real flame. However, when used correctly, bioethanol fires are clean, controlled, and incredibly easy to manage. What […] -
Everything You Need to Know About Opening Up an Old Fireplace
For decades, fireplaces were boarded up in favour of central heating radiators. Today, the trend has come full circle. Homeowners are once again looking to reveal the original character of their property by opening up these hidden recesses. However, the way we use fireplaces has changed. While the look of a traditional Victorian fireplace is […] -
What Types of Fires Can You Use in a Media Wall?
A modern media wall looks incredible – but only certain fire types are safe, practical, and regulation-friendly for this setup. This guide breaks down every fire option compatible with a media wall, how to choose the right one for your home, and the key installation factors. What is a Media Wall & Why Fire Choice […]
Design Tips
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Tips for Arranging Your Furniture Around Your TV and Fireplace
Quick Summary: The Golden Rules of Layout The Modern Living Room Problem If you spend long periods relaxing in your living room, you’ve likely encountered the ultimate interior design conflict: the battle between the screen and the flame. In the past, the fireplace was the undisputed king of the living room. Today, with the rise […] -
Should You Remove Your Chimney Breast?
The chimney breast, that familiar brick projection in the rooms of many older homes, is often at the centre of a significant renovation debate. For decades, it was the heart of the house, but as central heating became the norm, many have been left dormant. Today, homeowners are increasingly asking: Should you remove your chimney […] -
Fireplace Wall Colour Ideas: Shades That Make Your Electric Fire Pop
An electric fire is so much more than a source of heat; it’s the flickering heart of the home, a focal point that brings a room together. Today’s electric fires are as much about creating ambience as they are about providing warmth, and the wall colour you choose to frame it with can completely transform […]