Wherever you’re based in the UK, when you take a good hard look at the houses that line the streets, and their style in particular, you can see that homes have evolved to meet our ever-shifting needs, lifestyles and aspirations. From the sturdy, tall brick chimneys of period homes – a hallmark of a ‘Class 1’ chimney system – to the sleeker, more modern developments that might only accommodate a ‘Class 2’ flue or no chimney at all, the architectural tweaks reflect the changing ways we live and heat our homes.
Whilst it’s now commonplace to see new housing developments with no chimneys at all, some people argue new houses in the UK lack charm without any interesting features or perhaps fail to standout at all on an estate that’s rather out-of-the-box. A recent report by the Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB), stated that 41 per cent of British people surveyed thought newly built properties ‘lacked character’, however, the words ‘never judge a book by the cover’ can ring true to some extent because even if you have a modern home without a chimney, you can inject plenty of personality. Whether you’re looking to heat your home in a more cost-effective, environmentally friendly manner, or wish to add style and produce the perfect cosy ambience, there are many chimneyless fireplaces to consider, no matter the era of your house. In short, yes, you can have a fireplace without a chimney, and here are just a few of the possibilities available to you.
Electric Fires
Another fantastic way to heat your room efficiently, all whilst creating a dreamy ambience as you gaze at the dancing flames, is with an electric fire or stove. You could argue an electric fire represents the pinnacle of convenience, especially for homes that lack a chimney. With advancements in technology, the range of options available is more expansive than ever, including media wall fires, which can be geared towards comfort and entertainment. No chimney? No problem, you have full creative freedom. You can have a recessed electric media wall fire and television, shelving to the side, built-in speakers or a soundbar. Inset and cassette electric fires are also very popular, being incredibly easy to install, requiring little to no maintenance whilst they can be operated with just your smartphone if need be.
Today, we’re also seeing leading stove manufacturers producing high-quality freestanding electric stoves, so you can choose a more traditional or contemporary look with beautiful dancing flames that are incredibly realistic, with an extensive range of colour options. Whether you’re looking to install an electric fire in your living room, bedroom, kitchen, snug or home office, all you need is a standard electric socket. At Something Different, we take to the time to get to know our customers, their vision and ideas – often starting with a chat in our showroom – before guiding them through the most suitable products for their needs. If electric sounds like the best route for you, please don’t hesitate to drop us a line here, or better yet, swing by and see us in person.
Balanced Flue Fires
While balanced flue fires and stoves come with a much higher initial cost than electric and flueless gas fires and stoves, both in terms of the unit and installation, they can present a valuable long-term investment. Unlike conventional gas stoves, balanced flue systems require an external wall for venting but offer significant advantages in terms of efficiency and heat output. This makes them particularly suitable for well-insulated homes where energy conservation is key. The initial financial outlay and the need for professional installation can be seen as major cons, however, the low running costs and the high level of efficiency make balanced flue fires an attractive option for some homeowners. Balanced flue fires use a horizontal pipe to vent directly outside. An electricity supply is not required, and all balanced flue gas fires are glass-fronted. They are primarily designed to fit into rooms with no chimney, however, many people with conventional class 1 chimney fires choose to convert to a balanced flue.
Can I add a traditional log burner to my no-chimney home?
We get it, for some homeowners, the allure of a crackling log burner or a versatile multi-fuel stove is undeniable, even if they do not have a chimney. At the same time, the reality of installing such a system can be daunting. The significant expense, not just of the stove itself but also installing a suitable flue system, can be prohibitive. Furthermore, there are the considerations of fuel storage and ongoing maintenance, but despite these downsides, the interest in eco stoves, especially in urban areas like London, reflects a growing desire for sustainable heating options. Installing a traditional log burner or a multi-fuel stove in a home without an existing chimney is possible through the use of a twin wall flue system. This system acts as an artificial chimney, giving you the benefits of a real fire. However, it’s important to note that the installation can be complex and expensive, requiring significant work to meet building regulations and safety standards.
How do I choose the perfect chimney-free fireplace?
Above, we’ve detailed some of the most popular options available, but the very best starting point is always going to be visiting your local fireplace showroom, where you can see them working up close, and get a real feel for the quality, heat output, sizing and features. We can only speak for ourselves, but at Something Different, our showroom boasts over 150 fireplaces, stoves and fires on display. You can also see our offering at a glance by checking out our gallery of images from the pages in our main menu, including electric hole-in-the-wall fires, media walls, cassette fires, freestanding stoves, 16″ inset fires, flat wall solutions, cast iron inserts & combinations and so much more. If you’d like to learn more about the options available to you, wish to speak to our team about your no-chimney home and the kind of fireplace that will best suit your needs, please don’t hesitate to send us a message or call us on 020 8529 1010.
