If you were to walk through the doors of our Chingford showroom and ask us this very question, we’d start by guiding you through a broad range of products because ultimately, each will have its own features and benefits. Whether you’re looking to upgrade your home with its first fireplace or replace an existing fire that’s a little worse for wear, you’ll likely already know many of the big advantages of gas and electricity. Some of those headlines may be that today’s modern gas fires deliver real flames, excellent heat efficiency, easy controls and the ability to make a room warm and fast! Compare that with electric fires and some of those big wins would be low running costs, a stress-free installation, minimal maintenance, portability (depending on the model) and improved safety (mainly because there’s no combustion involved).
The Right Questions Result in the Best Decision
You could probably spend a whole day weighing up the pros and cons, however, it’s important to keep in mind that the best choice depends on your needs, lifestyle, budget and circumstances. Is your top priority adding character and authenticity to your home with a real flame, or would you rather choose the most cost-effective solution that will require less maintenance over time?
You also have to consider how your needs may change in the future. Any fire, fireplace or stove is going to be more than a focal point in your living room, it’s a means of adding charm, quality and value to your home, therefore, if you plan to sell your property in the coming years how crucial is it to ensure every project you complete before now and then elevates your home’s wow factor and property price? We can’t answer all of these questions on your behalf, however, we can guide you through some of the key considerations, whilst allowing you to explore the products we have on show, not just on our website, but in our London fireplace showroom.
Are You Looking for Authenticity and Real Flames?
Sometimes, you just can’t beat a real flame right? That natural, cosy warmth, the flames dancing away gently as you hear the sound of raindrops trickly down your windows on a chilly winter’s evening. That kind of dreamy ambience is seriously hard to top, and that’s one of the reasons why gas fires remain highly popular. Also, gas fires are closer to traditional wood burning stoves regarding heat output than electric fires.
That’s not to say that electric fires are lacking in the flame department. There are many electric fire manufacturers who are capable of delivering an ultra-high-definition flame effect, with some including 4K LCD cinematic flames. Okay, it may not be ‘real’ but you can’t get much closer with some of today’s top models.
Do You Need Easy Installation and Low Maintenance?
At Something Different, we take pride in delivering smooth and stress-free installations for our customers, no matter the fire they decide on. Many people believe that electric fires are the best in most cases because you literally plug them in and they’re super easy to install. That’s true in many cases, however, it’s important to keep in mind that an installation can be complex for other reasons. For example, electric media wall fires can feature integrated shelving, bespoke cabinetry, ambient lighting or additional wiring for surround sound which warrant a more intricate setup.
That said, gas fires require proper ventilation to safely exhaust fumes. This often means installing a flue or ensuring an existing chimney is in good working order. The need for precise ventilation can complicate the installation process, especially in homes not originally designed for a gas fireplace. Fortunately, our team are highly skilled in carrying out installations for all types of fires, fireaplces and stoves, no matter the fuel type. If you’d like to learn more about us and how we can help you, please don’t hesitate to send us a message here.
What Are Your Budget Considerations?
It’s important to consider the initial costs of the fire and the installation as well as the running costs of gas and electric fires moving forward. Whether you’re looking to create a blissful ambience all year round whilst keeping costs to a minimum, or want to add the ‘wow’ factor to your home with a luxurious fire that delivers excellent heat and stunning flames without adding too much on top of your current monthly bills, there are many options to consider when it comes to each fuel type.
With gas fires, there are of course added safety inspections and more maintenance, however, a single gas fire can be cheaper to use than your central heating, purely because gas has its own source. For example, with electric fires, the electricity itself can be generated from a huge range of primary energy sources, whether that’s fossil fuels (coal, natural gas, oil), nuclear power or renewable energy sources (hydropower, wind, solar, biomass, geothermal). The efficiency and cost of generating this electricity can of course vary, as we’ve seen with the energy price hikes in recent years, so this impacts the overall cost-effectiveness of using electric fires or electric central heating systems. Generally, gas fires will typically cost around 5 pence per KW to run – which when compared to electric may cost around 15p per KW. Considering its high fuel efficiency and speed at heating a large room, this makes a gas fire extremely cost-effective.
Whilst it’s important to find a solution that in turn can lessen heating costs, it does of course depend on how often you plan to use your fire as a heat source, such as whether you’re more focused on that ambience and aesthetic appeal, or prefer a highly economical heating solution for many years to come.
Is Safety Your Top Priority?
As a general rule, many people would argue that electric fires are safer than gas because there’s no combustion involved. Straight off the bat, you remove the risk of gas leaks or carbon monoxide poisoning. Here at Something Different, we’ve carried out surveys for a diverse range of homeowners and businesses across London, Hertfordshire, Essex, East London and North London, and we’ve seen some poor electrical and gas installations carried out by other businesses, and we’ve come to deliver the solution. Ultimately, the safety of either type of fire depends largely on proper installation, regular maintenance and adherence to the latest safety guidelines. If safety combined with minimal maintenance tops the priority list for you, an electric fire may be a wise addition to your home. However, with careful management and awareness, a gas fire can also be a safe and effective choice.
Are You Concerned About Environmental Impact?
We understand just how vital it is to make eco-friendly choices for your home, especially when you’re choosing a fire or stove. When paired with renewable energy sources, such as solar, wind or hydropower, an electric fire can be a green choice that not only helps minimise your carbon footprint but saves you money in the long run. That said, there are many modern gas fires that are up to 86% energy efficient, and some flueless gas fires are 100% efficient because all the heat generated by the fire is released directly into the room (rather than being lost up a chimney). Whilst it’s generally going to be greener to have an electric fire than gas, the true environmental impact depends on your electricity supply and of course, the exact product(s) you decide on. If you need some help narrowing down the solution that’s right for you, please don’t hesitate to send us a message or pop into our showroom.
Electric fires do not produce direct emissions, unlike gas fires that burn fossil fuels and release carbon dioxide and other pollutants into the atmosphere. This means that the immediate use of electric fires is already cleaner. However, the true environmental benefits of electric fires come into play when you consider the source of the electricity used.
By choosing to power your electric fire with renewable energy sources such as wind, solar, or hydropower, you can further minimise your environmental impact. These renewable sources generate electricity without emitting greenhouse gases, making them a sustainable option for eco-conscious consumers.
How Much Heat Do You Need?
There are many electric fires that have ‘no heat’ settings, and this is because, for some, it’s simply not about heat at all. With central heating and an abundance of insulation, modern homes are generally quite cosy spaces all year round. That said, some people will not just want the beautiful flames in the background with central heating on the go, they’ll want to combine both elements. Many modern electric fires deliver a 1-2kW of heat output whilst there are high efficiency gas fires on the market providing 4kW and an incredible 86% efficiency.
The right choice for you will depend on the size of your room and how you heat your home. Consider whether your space has draughts, the level of insulation, and your overall heating needs. By evaluating these factors, you can ensure that you select the most suitable fire to keep your home warm and inviting.
Are You Ready to Make an Informed Decision?
Visit our Chingford showroom for expert advice and the chance to see live displays, and get a feel for the quality, heat and gorgeous flames. With over 40 years of experience behind us, we take pride in being your go-to destination for all types of gas and electric fires. We provide the very best quality traditional and contemporary solutions, making it easy to find the perfect focal point for your home. Our friendly showroom staff will listen to your requirements, give advice and guide you through the many options we offer. If you have some photographs handy (if you have an existing fire and want it replaced), we can, of course, offer a more accurate assessment.