Your chimney will dictate what fireplace you can have and also what type of fuel you can use. If your fireplace hasn’t been used for a while, or you are thinking about knocking through a bricked-up recess, discuss your options with a specialist fireplace retailer or a chimney sweep who will be specially trained to advise you. They will also check that your fire has a flue ( a working chimney) and whether it is an original Class One or Class Two flue as this will determine whether you can have a gas or solid fuel fire.

Gas

Gas can be fitted as part of your household supply. Speak to a CORGI Registered installer for advice and never attempt to re-install a gas fire without a professional gas installer.

Electricity

If you dream of flickering flames, but don’t have a chimney, an electric fire could be the answer.

Flue

Class One Flue – Suitable for both solid fuel and most types of gas fires.

Class Two Flue – Only suitable for certain types of gas fires.

Solid fuels (smokeless, Coal, Wood and home-fire logs

Smokeless Fuel

With names such as Coalite, Homefire and Cosycoke, solid smokeless fuels are easy to use and produce up to a third more heat than bituminous coal.

Coal

Bituminous coal has been used for generations and is a very versatile fuel, however coal should not be used in Smoke Control Areas except on specifically designed appliances. Your coal merchant, chimney sweep or local council will be able to tell you if you live in a Smoke Control Area.

Wood

Many people use logs for their open fires, however it is important that the wood you use has been seasoned and dried properly. Emissions and residues from burning wood “straight from the tree” such as tar and creosote can build up within the flue and cause internal problems and the possibility of chimney fires or structural damage. Your chimney sweep will be able to advise you on the best way to store your logs.

Home Fire Logs

A new product on the market, Bryant & May Home Fire Logs are made from a compound of wood and wax. The only product able to be used in smokeless zones, Bryant & May Home Fire Logs are odourless, clean to handle and environmentally friendly. Unlike other brands, Bryant & May Home Fire Logs can be used in conjunction with other solid fuels. The uniformity of size enables easy storage.