At Fireplace Mega Deals our aim is to provide quality products from trusted manufacturers at the best discounted price possible without compromising the level of service we are proud to offer.

There are however certain important considerations which should be taken into account before placing your order as we would only wish you to make an informed choice. What follows is to be used as a general guide but should you wish to discuss any questions you may have, please do not hesitate to contact us either by e-mail or give us a call.

One of the first considerations has to be:

What type of flue (if any) exists in the intended property.
Is it a class 1? - Brick construction, a chimney breast projecting into the room or externally, terminating with a chimney stack and chimney pot. Suitable for burning solid fuel (e.g. Coal). If so, then providing all aspects are sound, swept as required and that a positive draw can be established (All products of combustion are drawn up into the chimney) then you should find any type of gas fire will be suitable as well as coal grates and of course electric inset fires.

To ensure that the intended fireplace is going to look right, a measurement of the width of the internal chimney breast needs to be noted. If the property has low ceilings check also that you will not find your chosen surround/mantelpiece overpowering. (Remember to add the height of the intended hearth to that of the surround - approx 70mm for a hearth with a standard size riser).

When choosing a gas fire - is high heat output paramount or is your requirement more towards being decorative. If you do need high efficiency then you may have to compromise on the type of fireplace you are contemplating. 

Other flues are common:
Is it a class 2? - Pre-cast flue blocks normally terminating within the roof ridge tiles or galvanised twin wall flue pipe and gas cowl. [Otherwise a Prefabricated flue (Deep Flue) could allow the space required for a deeper fire].

Slimline versions of gas fires are available designed for the pre-cast flue. These flues (originally intended for the outset gas fire) often cannot accomodate the deeper fire and we recommend that the suitablity is checked by a competent installer.

Then of course increasingly with new build properties the "no flue" at all scenario. The options are then room sealed balanced flue gas fires, where the flue is supplied as part of the fire and connects from the back of the fire and projects through an outside wall. These will have a glass panel in front of the fire bed. Open coal effect gas fires are available incorporating an electric extraction fan to draw flue gases outside. These are generally known as power flue versions. Because of the need for the electric motor, an electrical supply is also required in close proximity to the intended installation of the fire.

Most electric inset fires can be accommodated as well as freestanding versions by various methods of fitting the fireplace - (generally acheived by using the rebate within the Fireplace itself or the Fireplace Surround.

Gas Fires:-
Note : It is a legal requirement that any gas installation must be carried out by a CORGI registered gas installer.

Alongside the manual control for gas fires are slide control models that eliminate the need to reach down to the control knob to ignite or control the fire. Also switched versions that can be controlled as you would operate a light switch and then fully auto remote control for easy armchair operation.

Electric Fires:-
The latest electric fires and suites have created a strong revival offering a new generation of fuel effects and designs. Particularly for recently built properties without a flue, these are well worth considering when the property benefits from modern insulation factors which make for a warmer environment, requiring perhaps only the occasional boost of heat. The benefit of the warming glow from the fuel effect can be used independently of heat, unlike a gas fire.

In essence, only you can decide on the merits of gas or electric. If the fire is to be the only source of heating the room then a gas fire is more economical if used for longer periods.