When we came to replace our rarely used large open gas fire; being environmentally inclined; we looked around for an energy efficient one. We found Matchless fires offered a glass fronted gas fire with a staggering maximum efficiency of 89% (their Heat Machine CP fire).
The efficiency appears to be derived from it being glass fronted and not changing the air in the room as frequently - all the heat isn't just flying up the chimney. From their sister website they explain why they are so efficient - in easy to understand pictures!
We also found some additional benefits from the change. As our older less efficient fire had a higher kW input (but a lower kW output!) we required an air brick in our lounge. With the replacement fire being a lower kW input the Gas safe installer could replace the air brick with a 'normal' brick and plaster over the inside face. We don't have a drafty and unsightly vent in our wall any more. Also by fitting a cowl on to the chimney we helped prevent downdraught's, rain, birds and leaves from entering the chimney.
Our lounge is now a much more pleasant environment with an attractive and functional focal point, if we want to snuggle up in one room we can put the fire on knowing that it isn't costing the earth.
Other consumer issues / environmental blogs:
Cavity wall insulation
Our lounge is now a much more pleasant environment with an attractive and functional focal point, if we want to snuggle up in one room we can put the fire on knowing that it isn't costing the earth.
Other consumer issues / environmental blogs:
Cavity wall insulation
