Is it worth replacing an old gas fire?

Yes, if your current gas fire is open-fronted, draughty, inefficient, or no longer heating the room properly. A modern high-efficiency gas fire can give you better heat retention while keeping the authentic flame effect of gas.

Should I switch from a gas fire to an electric fire?

Switching to electric makes sense if you are renovating, building a media wall, removing an old chimney, or want a low-maintenance fireplace with year-round flame effects. However, if you rely on your fire for powerful daily heat, upgrading to a high-efficiency gas fire may be the better option.

Are electric fires cheaper to run than gas fires?

Not always. Electric fires are 100% efficient at the point of use, but electricity usually costs more per kWh than gas. Electric can be cost-effective for short bursts of zone heating, while a high-efficiency gas fire is often better for heating larger rooms for longer periods.

Can I replace a gas fire with an electric fire?

Yes, but your existing gas fire must first be safely disconnected and removed by a Gas Safe registered engineer. Once the gas supply is capped off, an electric fire can usually be installed more flexibly, depending on the model and fireplace opening.

Do I need a chimney for an electric fire?

No. Electric fires do not need a chimney, flue, or gas supply. This makes them a strong option for flat walls, media walls, new-build homes, and properties where the existing chimney is blocked, unused, or unsuitable.

Is a high-efficiency gas fire better than electric?

It depends on how you use your fire. A high-efficiency gas fire is usually better if you want strong, room-filling heat and already have a suitable chimney or flue. Electric is often better if you want design flexibility, easier installation, and flame effects without heat.

Can you put a gas fire in a media wall?

Yes, but it requires careful planning. Gas fires produce more intense heat and need suitable ventilation, clearances, and professional installation. For most media wall projects, electric fires are the simpler and more popular choice.

Are high-efficiency gas fires worth it?

Yes — if you use your fire regularly, a high-efficiency model delivers more usable heat into your room, making it a more effective and worthwhile heating choice.

What is considered a high-efficiency gas fire?

A high-efficiency gas fire typically has a rating of 75% or higher, meaning most of the heat it produces is retained in your room rather than lost up the flue.

Do high-efficiency gas fires heat a room better?

Yes — because they retain more heat, high-efficiency models provide stronger, more consistent warmth compared to standard-efficiency fires.

What does up to 86% efficiency actually mean?

It means that under ideal conditions, up to 86% of the heat generated stays in your room. Real-world performance may vary slightly, but it still indicates a high-performing, heat-retaining fire.

Is it worth upgrading from a standard gas fire?

If you want your fire to act as a genuine heat source rather than just a feature, upgrading to a high-efficiency model is usually the better long-term choice.

Do high-efficiency gas fires reduce running costs?

They can improve value by making better use of the gas you are already paying for — delivering more heat into your room instead of losing it through the chimney.

Are high-efficiency gas fires only for modern homes?

No — high-efficiency models are available in a wide range of styles, making them suitable for both contemporary and traditional interiors.

When is a high-efficiency gas fire not necessary?

If the fire is only used occasionally or mainly for visual appeal, a standard-efficiency model may be sufficient.

Is it always cheaper to heat one room instead of the whole house?

No — not always. Heating one room is usually cheaper only when you lower your central heating and use a cost-effective heat source in the room you are actually using. If the boiler is still running as normal, or you are using an expensive electric heater for long periods, the savings can disappear quickly.

What is the cheapest way to heat one room in the UK?

For homes connected to the gas grid, a high-efficiency gas fire is often one of the most cost-effective ways to heat a main living space for several hours at a time. Gas is much cheaper per kWh than electricity, which makes a big difference for regular evening use.

Should I turn my central heating off completely if I am only using one room?

No. It is usually better to keep your central heating at a low background temperature rather than switching it off completely. Letting the rest of the house get too cold can increase the risk of condensation, damp, and mould, which can be more expensive to deal with in the long run.

Are electric fires cheaper to run than gas fires?

Not usually for long periods of heating. Electric fires are convenient and efficient at the point of use, but electricity costs much more per kWh than mains gas in the UK. That means electric heating can become noticeably more expensive when used for several hours every day.

When does heating one room stop being cost-effective?

Heating one room becomes less cost-effective when you leave the central heating on high, heat multiple rooms anyway, use an expensive appliance for too long, or try to warm a poorly insulated room that loses heat quickly. In those situations, the cost advantage of zonal heating can shrink or disappear altogether.

Can zonal heating help lower heating bills in winter?

Yes, zonal heating can help reduce heating bills when used properly. The idea is to keep the rest of the home at a lower background temperature while using a suitable heat source to warm the room you spend the most time in. The key is doing it deliberately, rather than just adding extra heat on top of your normal central heating use.

Are contemporary gas fires efficient?

Yes—many modern contemporary gas fires, particularly glass-fronted models, are highly efficient. In fact, some achieve efficiency ratings of over 80%, meaning more heat stays in your room rather than escaping up the chimney.

Do I need a chimney for a contemporary gas fire?

Not always. While some inset and conventional flue gas fires use an existing chimney, there are also balanced flue and flueless gas fires designed for homes without one. This makes contemporary gas fires suitable for new builds, extensions, and apartments.

What is the difference between glass-fronted and open-fronted gas fires?

Glass-fronted gas fires are sealed units that retain heat more effectively, making them more efficient. Open-fronted gas fires tend to lose more heat up the chimney but can offer a more traditional look.

Can you install a TV above a contemporary gas fire?

In many cases, yes—but it depends on the fire’s heat output and installation requirements. Hole-in-the-wall and glass-fronted gas fires are often used in media walls, but it’s important to follow manufacturer guidelines and ensure proper clearance.

Are flueless gas fires safe?

Yes—flueless gas fires are safe when installed and used correctly. They use a catalytic converter to clean emissions, but they do require adequate room ventilation and are best suited to appropriately sized spaces.

What is the best type of contemporary gas fire for a modern home?

For many modern homes, glass-fronted gas fires offer the best balance of style, efficiency, and performance. However, the right choice depends on your space, whether you have a chimney, and the look you want to achieve.

Joanna Humphreys, Author at Direct Fireplaces

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