As energy costs rise and the environment becomes a primary concern, fire - manufacturers and consumers are making a definite ‘move towards being more environmentally aware and, - as a result, the industry has to respond to these changing demands. The issues of energy efficiency and being eco friendly are very different yet often confused when choosing a new gas fire, whether it is for a home or a business Recent advances in gas fire technology, and some of the highly-designed fires now available in the marketplace, mean that it is more important than ever to check a fire's credentials to make sure that whatever is being spent sir gas is converted into as much heat as possible without wastage. This should always be made clear in a product's energy efficiency rating, no matter what the type of fuel.
Consumer confusion
More choice can mean more confusion when seeking to buy a new gas fire. So how do you get the best value from your heating options? Despite what many people may think fire and fireplaces are still extremely popular. Alternative heating systems, such as underfloor heating and wood- burning stoves, haven't hugely affected market share for fireplace manufacturers because people still want a stylish focal point in their rooms.
Flueless fires are one at the easiest and most stylish ways to reduce your CO2 emissions because they're not only 100% energy efficient, therefore producing no wastage, but they will also help to reduce gas bills. Per kilowatt hour, flueless fires cost around 4.5p to run which is about a third of a conventional fire with the same heat output.
Balanced flue fires have become increasingly popular as they are similar to the flueless fires, but with a sealed glass front. These fires don't require external room ventilation as the fire vents directly to an outside wall. Air for combustion is drawn in from outside to further increase efficiency.
Balanced flue fires require a special flue system arid offer a high efficiency rating of around 75% or greater As they operate on gas, the running costs per kW are the same as the flueless fires; however around 25% of this energy is wasted.
Efficiency boost
In the last couple of years a new style of chimney fire has started to appear on the market will the development of stylish HE or 'high efficiency' gas fires. These can be used with a conventional chimney or flue system and are very popular with house builders and those living or working in new-build properties as they fit anywhere with a class 1 or 2 chimney, are glass-fronted and room-sealed and don't need external ventilation. They are designed to save energy with ratings of 70% or higher
This new style of fire requires a chimney but can fit into old properties to improve efficiency or can be installed in new-build properties to meet stricter regulations. Around 60% of all fires sold in the UK are HE fires as they can reduce secondary heating bills by around 60% compared to using a traditional gas fire. The glass fascia also means that almost twice as much warmth is generated, winch increases efficiency and prevents draughts.
One of the key changes that CVO Fire has recognised in the modern marketplace is rise need to respond exactly to what the market demands. Instead of trying to create new trends, which some designers do still try In do, we regularly consult with interior designers, architects and house builders. Their research has revealed an increasing demand for cost effective, energy-saving fires that are easy to install, hence we respond to that in what we develop and manufacture
Design options
The marketplace is flooded with such a wide range of designs for fires and fireplaces, but it is important to consider the style of home or business you are working with. For example, modern insulated homes don’t seed over-powerimrg fires that are expensive and inefficient to run. That’s why the focus has changed to offering fires that are stylists with a lower output and cost.
Demand for more wall-mounted fires has dramatically increased in the last five years with the soaring popularity of flat-screened televisions. Clean, sleek lines remain popular as people want a simple. elegant look that combines efficiency and practicality. However, there is still a small market for glamorous fires with higher running costs, as some people as eat interested in the expense involved These are dwindling though and we believe will continue to do so.
There are six distinct design options that have grown in popularity in recent years:
1. Fire Ribbon – burner technology that is unique to CVO and offers a real flame
2. Wall mounted — thanks to the growing popularity of flat screen TVs in homes and in bars, restaurants and hotels
3. Double-sided or ‘tunnel’ fires popular with brands hotels as they fit a range of enclosures and can offer fuel efficiency if using the balanced flue option
4. Fire bowls — versatile in their style as they work with traditional surrounds, hole-in-the-wall, centre-of-room and tunnel designs
5. Hole-in-the wall — probably the most popular design, as it sails most properties
6. Fire tables - the grandest option often used by bars, hotels and restaurants
The majority of commercial and domestic customers are now looking at energy efficient fires as this is a real trend and everyone is feeling the pinch so want to reduce their gas bills. However, the look and style of fires are still very important, hence CVO Fire invests thousands of pounds in researching the ever-changing marketplace and designing and hand-making contemporary fires.
Find out more
CVO Fire has developed a new range of seven high efficiency fires, with four models already launched and three more due for launch this autumn. For more details, please visit www.cvo.co.uk
