Hole in the wall gas fire: a guide - Grand Designs Magazine

Hole-in-the-wall gas fires: a guide

You can’t beat a hole-in-the-wall gas fire for a fuss-free focal point

Promotional Feature By Caroline Rodrigues |

Choose a new gas fire and you can expect a large format for maximum impact and options for surrounds and backs. Impressively broad, the latest shapes give an enviable view of the flame effects, and can be fitted as a hole-in-the-wall gas fire for a chic, contemporary look.

The Infinity 780FL large format gas fire from Charlton & Jenrick has black mirror glass firebox liners for a sleek effect, a sleek glass front to prevent heat loss and a mixed log fuel bed, giving a realistic flame picture. As an alternative, a herringbone brick liner adds an element of tradition.

What controls can I expect?

No need to get up from the sofa to turn the heat up or down, since the latest fires are easy to programme and adjust. The Infinity 780FL comes with a programmable thermostatic room temperature control, an optional day timer setting and a radio-frequency remote control. The controls use mains electricity so there’s no battery to replace.

Which gas fire type can I have?

It’s not just the fire, but the flue that dictates which fire will suit your home. A conventional flue gas fire, either open-fronted or glass-fronted, needs a brick chimney or metal pipe to take away the exhaust gases. These fires also draw their air supply from the room, and some need additional ventilation. The Infinity 780FL large format gas fire from Charlton & Jenrick is a conventional flue fire that needs no additional ventilation.

hole in the wall gas fire: a guide

The Infinity 780FL conventional flue gas fire with herringbone brick liners and Edgemond limestone surround, from Charlton & Jenrick

Are there alternatives?

A balanced flue gas fire, sealed and glass-fronted, must be fitted on an outside wall. Its flue takes in air from outside and expels exhaust air. There are also flueless gas fires, which burn cleanly, avoiding the need for a flue, though they do need good ventilation, and LPG fires which can be used if you are not on mains gas.

How do I achieve a hole-in-the-wall effect?

If you want that contemporary, uncluttered look, a frameless insert fire is ideal. For a hole-in-the-wall fire with a flue such as the Infinity 780FL gas fire from Charlton & Jenrick the installer will break into the chimney and fit a lintel to support the weight of the bricks above. The area beneath the fire is bricked up. Some hole in the wall fires need a hearth beneath.

What about a more traditional look?

Most designs fit into a standard fireplace opening. The fitting is straightforward since the hearth and flue don’t usually need much alteration, though it’s important to get the chimney lining checked. The Infinity 780FL gas fire fits a Class 1 or Class 2 chimney and 5″ flue and can be fitted with various surrounds, for a contemporary or country look.

gas fire with black mirror glass liners against a white wall

The Infinity 780FL conventional flue gas fire with black mirror glass liners and logs fuel bed, from Charlton & Jenrick

Energy issues

These days, it pays to keep an eye on energy usage. The Infinity 780FL gas fire has a 7.6KW input and 5.6KW output, with an efficiency rating of 82%. If you are buying or building a new home, the SAP (Standard Assessment Procedure) rating will be important. This measures the energy and environmental performance of buildings to ensure they meet Building Regulations, and underpins the EPC (Energy Performance Certificate).

And if you’re upgrading a gas fire in an existing home, you can gain around 25-30% efficiency by moving across from an open-front gas appliance to a glass-front model like the Infinity 780 FL. Plus, since the Infinity 780 FL is Hydrogen mix ready, it will also run on this cleaner, greener gas – which is being touted as the future fuel of the EU – without any upgrades.

Blending up to 20% hydrogen into the gas grid with 80% existing natural gas could save up to 6 million tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions every year. This will over the coming years help Britain cut its carbon emissions and work towards the Government Net Zero target without affecting how gas appliances are used.

Staying safe

You’ll need the advice of a Gas Safe registered engineer to select the right appliance and to install it. After that, your fire will need a regular service, usually once a year. Stay alert for any signs the fire is unsafe, including the smell of gas, signs of scorching or soot, a yellow pilot light, and any symptoms such as headaches, nausea and dizziness, which could indicate carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning. Make sure you have a CO alarm to put your mind at rest.

Contact the experts at Charlton & Jenrick on 01952 200 444 or via the website for advice on the fires that are right for you.

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