In recent years, wood-burning and multi-fuel stoves have taken a back seat, mainly because of the emissions they give off and the mess they create. Providing a clean alternative, gas fires have become increasingly popular among UK residence, particularly in Nottingham.

So why should you swap out your traditional wood-burning stove for a contemporary gas fire? The Fireplace Studio are here to explain.

Disadvantages of multi-fuel and wood-burning stoves

When a problem occurs with your wood-burning or multi-fuel stove, it can be a fairly daunting situation to be in, particularly if you’ve never owned or used one before. Here’s what could go wrong with your wood-burning stove and why:

Difficulty lighting the stove – an annoying problem during the colder months of the year, this could be down to the use of wrong materials or not preparing your space effectively before attempting to light the fire.

Problems controlling the temperature of the stove – believe it or not, a wood-burning stove can get too hot if the temperature isn’t controlled properly. The stove could run so hot that it over fires or causes serious damage to the stove itself. Often, this occurs when the fire is receiving too much oxygen, something which can be difficult to control.

Stove isn’t burning very well – a common cause for this is the use of damp fuel. It’s important that you’re using the fuel which is specified in the manual. Often, there’ll be a problem with your flue which requires professional help.

Stove is smoking – all stoves which are connected to a good, sturdy chimney will never allow smoke or fumes to fill a room, so if this is happening to you, it indicates a flue problem. Usually this is down to a lack of ventilation, as chimneys and flues will need a sufficient air supply going into the room for it to remove smoke properly. Installing an extractor hood could mitigate this problem, but it’s incredibly expensive.

A strong smell of paint – all new stoves will emit a strong paint smell upon first lighting and only occurs while the paint cures – so it shouldn’t last for more than a few days. If the smell persists, then you have a problem. In this situation, it’s best to contact the manufacturer rather than call a wood-burning stove specialist.

Glass becomes dirty and can be difficult to clean – as a wood stove burns, soot is emitted which settles on the front of your stove. If left for prolonged periods of time, it can stain the glass, thus obstructing your view of the fire. Avoid this problem entirely with the installation of a gas stove.

They can be dangerous – the act of lighting and burning a stove isn’t dangerous (when done responsibly), but the ashes are. If you rid your stove of hot, or even warm, ash every day, and leave it in a bucket until it reaches its full capacity, you could be putting both yourself and your family’s lives in danger. Firefighters across the country have been warning owners of wood-burning stoves about the threat of carbon monoxide poisoning as a result of keeping hot or warm ashes for considerable amounts of time. Instead, they should be put outside in a metal container almost straight away. Better still, pour them into cold water or even snow (weather permitting).

Advantages of gas fires

Gas fires are perfect for this time of year, and don’t pose nearly as many problems as wood-burning or multi-fuel stoves. Instead, they have many advantages, and you can benefit from them all with the installation of a gas fireplace.

Instant lighting – turn your fire on in a flash with a gas fireplace. There’s no need to fuss over lighting a fire with fuel and approved materials, instead, light a gas fire with the flick of a switch and enjoy a warm, cosy evening in no time.

Minimal mess – you won’t have to worry about ash, ambers or wood shavings floating around your home with a gas fire. Instead, you’ll be able to keep your property clean, tidy and toasty at all times, regardless of how long your fire is burning for. Sit back and relax while you watch fluttering flames without worrying about soot and smoke.

Energy efficient – if your gas fireplace comes with a glass front, the fire will quickly build up heat as a result of a quick combustion process, this ensures that you stay cosy without paying a fortune for the privilege. Balanced gas fires are the most fuel-efficient, typically being in the region of 80-85% approximately.

Easy installation – A high efficiency gas fire can be installed into an existing chimney or with its own flue system if there is no chimney available, so the installation can be completed more quickly and be less costly than wood-burning or multi-fuel stoves.

Nottingham and the Clean Air Act 1993

The city of Nottingham is subject to Smoke Control Orders under the Clean Air Act 1993. This means that only approved fuels and appliances can be used in Smoke Control Areas, otherwise known as ‘smokeless zones’.

The Clean Air Acts

These, along with Smoke Control programmes, were introduced as a result of the Great Smog of London which occurred in 1952. Since its introduction, it’s been instrumental in the reduction of smoke, particles and levels of sulphur dioxide in the atmosphere, thus improving air quality. The Clean Air Act 1993 combines the Clean Air Act 1956 and the Clean Air Act 1968, together with other related enactments.

Fines and penalties

If you commit an offence under the Clear Air Act 1993, you could be landed with a fine of up to £1000. Wood isn’t an authorised fuel, but untreated wood may be burnt in an approved appliance which is dedicated only to the burning of wood and cannot be burnt outside Smoke Control Areas.

Gas stoves at The Fireplace Studio

We have an impressive range of traditional and contemporary gas stoves. Offering the effect of a real fire, as well as providing the heat and efficiency our customers require, you’ll benefit highly from the installation of a gas fire from The Fireplace Studio.

If you don’t have a chimney, our experts will be able to install your gas fire with its own flue system. As a Gas Safe company, you’ll always have peace of mind when having your gas fireplace fitted by a member of our professional team.

If you’re on the lookout for a high-quality, stylish gas fireplace, then look no further than The Fireplace Studio. We have an extensive range of fires to choose from, so we’ll be able to provide you with a stunning focal point which will quickly become the heart of your home. For more information, you can get in touch with a member of our dedicated team or, to see all of our fireplaces first hand, visit Our Showroom.