gas fireplace

Gas fires are becoming increasingly popular in New Zealand and it’s easy to see why. They provide an energy efficient way to heat your home that looks great. The latest technology in gas fire research and development means the latest models on the market are highly efficient and there is a model to suit every home, style and budget.  With that in mind, here is everything you need to know about gas fires.  Types of gas fires There are several different types of gas fires suited to different homes and heating requirements.  Freestanding gas fires are easy to install and suit homes where you have limited space for your fire. The flue is exposed and installed through your roof.  Insert fires are a great solution if your home has an existing fireplace you’d like to replace. The new gas fire insert slides into the space and the new flue system will be added. This type of installation will keep your upfront costs lower, especially if you use the original surround.  Inbuilt gas fires are very ambitious. You build a surround around the fire, this encloses the fireplace and the flue. These are wide, sleek and frameless and suit any style home.  Gas fireplace flueing The type of flue will determine where a gas fire can be installed. Natural draft systems are often referred to as a standard flue system. This type of flue draws the air for combustion from the room and expels combusted gases to the outside via a vertical flue. There is a requirement for adequate ventilation in the room with this system as the air for combustion is drawn from the room, it needs to be replenished. This type of flue must terminate vertically though the roof.  Power flue systems have a sealed combustion chamber with a fan that draws air for combustion from the outside, through the outer flue and expels combusted gases to the outside through the inner flue. This system does not take oxygen or heated air from the room for combustion. The flues are smaller in size and can terminate vertically or horizontally. That means this type of gas fire can be installed in almost any living or working space, including bedrooms. These fires maintain the air quality for a healthy breathing environment.  Direct vent flue systems, like the power flue, also has a sealed combustion chamber, but uses natural draft to draw air from the outside and expel combustion gases to the outside. These units have a larger flue as it uses natural drafts to move air and gases. This system also maintains the air quality and can terminate vertically or horizontally.  Gas Fireplace Heat Output The bigger the fireplace, the more heat gets produced. You want to find the right size gas fireplace to heat up your space, which means the right kWs for your space. As a guide, you will need roughly 1kW of heat per 10 square metres. This equation works well for a new home, but not so well for an old drafty villa with high ceilings. Layout is another factor that needs to be considered, if your dining room is next to your living room a great option would be a double-sided fireplace. Not only does this configuration look great, but it also splits the heat between the two spaces.  Gas Fire Efficiency  People think gas fires come with a high running cost, but this is one of the biggest misconceptions about gas fires. Contrary to popular belief, gas (especially natural gas) is one of the cheapest forms of energy available. You will need an energy efficient model to go with it.  Make sure you look out for the star rating of the gas fireplace, the more stars, the more energy efficient the appliance. Glass fronted gas fires are also more efficient because the unit is sealed and warm air from the room can’t escape back up the chimney. An efficient flue system such as the direct vent flue or the power flue will also make the unit a lot more efficient.  Choosing the right gas fire The following factors all play a very important role in choosing the right gas fire for your home: Geographical location: Where you live in New Zealand determines the size of the warm zone your gas fire makes. In the colder areas that zone is a lot smaller than the warmer areas and the air temperature will be colder Room size will determine the size of your gas fire, as  the heating area will need to cover the whole room Heat loss factors include: No ceiling or wall insulation; no carpets on the floors; no curtains; window area >15sqm; ceiling height >2.4m; and building on poles or piles. Functionality vs. aesthetics is something else that needs to be considered. The size and look of the gas fire and where it is likely to be installed Location of where the gas fire will be installed is important as each gas fire will have a clearance and suitability requirements to be considered.  Advantages  No need to buy, chop or store firewood Energy savings No cleaning Easy to operate Warmer Stylish  Excellent range of safety features Disadvantages The cost of installing a gas fireplace may be higher than other heating options You will need a gas connection, if you do not use one already this may be added costs to an already expensive installation If you’re interested in installing a gas fireplace or you’d like a bit more information, give us a call on 0800 758 623. We can discuss your options with you and offer a range of suitable options for installation get in touch with us today. We can also give you advice in which manufacturers and models are more efficient and suitable for your family home.

Are you looking at upgrading the heating system in your home? Considering your options? Perhaps you’re wondering if changing to a gas fire will save you money. While the installation costs may be a little bit higher than the other heating solutions, the running costs will definitely save you money in the long run.  Gas fires are a popular heating option in New Zealand, they offer the visual appeal of a real fire combined with high efficiency, a large amount of heat and modern convenience. Not only do gas fires look great, they provide glowing warmth and the ambiance of a real fires at the push of a button. Gas Fireplace technology has advanced significantly in the last 20 years, gas fireplaces today look a lot better and function a lot more efficiently today. With the advance in technology comes with many more design options to suit each home.  There are several ways in which a gas fire can save you money 1. Type of fireplace: There are three basic types of installation types; freestanding, inserts and inbuilt.  Freestanding fireplaces work well when you have limited space and are easy to install, saving you on installation costs. The flue is exposed and the gas fitter installs it through the roof. Insert fireplaces slide the new gas fire into the existing fireplace you’d like to replace. This is great for homes that already have an existing fireplace, this will help you keep installation costs down. Inbuilt gas fireplaces are the most ambitious type, as you build the surround around the fire. These are sleek and contemporary, but may cost more to install.  2. Heat output: Bigger fireplaces produce more heat, so it’s important to match the size of your fireplace to the size of your room. If your room is too big for the size of the fireplace, the gas fire won’t produce enough heat for the room. If the room is too small for the fireplace, the gas fire will produce too much heat for your room. The right size gas fire ensures you don’t spend too much to heat up your home. As a guide, you need 10 KW of heat per 10 square metres, while this equation is simple you also need to factor in the insulation of your home and glazing of your windows. Layout can also save you money, if your dining room is next to your living room, you may consider a double-sided fireplace. Not only does this style look amazing, it splits the heat between two spaces.  3. Efficiency:  The most common misconception about gas fires is that they are expensive to run. Natural gas is the cheapest form of energy, and installing an efficient gas fire to go with it can save you money in the long run. Things to look for in more efficient gas fires: Star rating: lookout for a high star rating, the higher the rating, the more efficient the unit Glass-fronted fireplace: these are sealed units and are more efficient than an open-fronted unit. This means the warm air from the room can’t escape up the chimney Flue system/chimney: look for “direct vent systems” where the gas fires use a fan to bring air from outside into the firebox and expel the exhausts back out. These systems can make the gas fire 95% more efficient than an open-fronted gas fire 4. Budget: Work out your budget before you start the project. Having a budget for the unit, installation costs and finishes will help you manage the project a lot better.  It’s important to keep in mind that not all gas fires are designed and manufactured equally, there are a number of factors that influence how much gas is used to run the appliance. There are inefficient gas fires that cost a lot to run, and then there are advanced gas fireplaces that will surprise you with how little they cost to run.  Gas Fire Maintenance Most notably, the best way to ensure your fireplace is running at the maximum efficiency is to service the fireplace regularly. Manufacturers’ guidelines suggest anywhere from once a year to once every two years. A service by a licensed gasfitter ensures your gas fire is still within the warranty and all the parts are still running at the recommended levels. It allows you to preemptively replace parts before they compromise the unit’s efficiency too much. This will definitely save you money in the long run. Gas Fire in New Zealand Geographical area is an important factor to consider when looking at the size of your unit. Due to the diverse nature of New Zealand’s geography, the country has been divided into 3 zones: warm, mild and cool. The zones determine the heating area of the individual units, meaning your unit size will depend on the size of your room and the location of your home. Rinnai Gas Fire Rinnai New Zealand design and manufacture the market-leading gas fires that are the most efficient and cost-effective, it’s hard to beat a Rinnai gas fire. Their range of gas fires ranges in efficiency from 77% to 86% when running on high. The natural gas running costs for running the appliances on low range from $0.32 to $0.67 per hour. If run on high, the running costs vary between $0.82 to $1.21 per hour.  Gas Fire Installation by Regency Plumbing At Regency plumbing, we offer the full package to install your gas fire. We can build the surround, fit the fire, complete the electrical work and connect your TV. This will save you time and money, as you won’t need to engage with multiple trades to install your fireplace. We will also give you a quote for the entire project with no hidden costs. We are the recommended installers of most brands, including Rinnai, Real Fires, Heat N GLO and Regency.   

Gas fires make an excellent addition to any home, they provide a comfortable atmosphere you can feel cosy in. They allow you to enjoy the warmth of flickering flames, without the responsibilities of maintaining firewood or coal. Modern gas fires are clean, efficient and easy to use.  As with all other gas appliances, there is always risk involved with using gas fires. You can minimise the risk by using the appliance according to the manufacturers specifications and being mindful of the safety features that come with your appliance. Bigger is not always better when it comes to gas fireplaces. A gas fireplace must fit the room of installation. The installer should know that the gas fireplace needs to be matched to the size of the room. Only licensed gas fitters can install, adjust, maintain and service gas fires. Ensure your installer talks you through the use and care of the appliance, and that you understand the instructions.  Every person who manufactures, sells, or installs a gas appliance must ensure that the gas appliance and fittings are safe, this applies to new and used appliances. Gas fires have become a lot safer over the last 20 years, with precautions built into the units to stop dangerous situations from occurring. One such feature is the oxygen depletion sensor, its designed to shut off the unit when a low amount of oxygen is detected in the room. If your fireplace does not have enough oxygen to complete combustion, carbon monoxide (CO) will be created. The oxygen depletion sensor prevents this from happening. Most gas fires also have a security measure on the ignition unit, whether the appliance has a direct ignition, an igniter or a pilot flame.  Gas Fire Maintenance Regular maintenance also improves the safety of your gas fire. A yearly check-up ensures the connections are tight and clean, the spark ignition functions correctly, and the fireplace itself is free of residue and debris that can build up during normal burning operations. Cleaning the fan also helps to improve air circulation, prevents clogging and provides a warm flow of air.  Glass Front Gas Fire Gas fireplaces with a glass front can be hazardous due to the temperature of the glass. The gas fireplace can create a heat output that is a significant burn hazard for adults, children and pets. Some manufacturers provide a double glass heat barrier that has a cool area between the two panels of glass to keep the temperature of the external panel down. You can lower the risk of these incidents by following some gas fireplace safety tips: – Use your fireplace for short periods of time, such as hours, not days – Do not leave the fireplace unattended  – Turn your fireplace off when its not in use – Keep pets and children at least 1 metre away  – Always provide adult supervision To ensure you operate your gas fire safely, here are some more safety tips to keep in mind: Do not allow children to play with the heater or adjust the controls Turn gas fires off when unattended and when you go to bed Do not cover or place articles in or on the gas fire  Keep flammable items at least one metre from the gas fire, this includes furniture, drapes, books and boxes Window coverings that can be windblown into the gas fireplace should be restrained Gas fires should only be used in rooms with adequate ventilation Do not use or store flammable liquids or aerosols near a gas fire Never attempt to disassemble or service the appliance yourself Do not modify the appliance yourself  Do not operate the gas fire if any part of the appliance is damaged The fire must not be located immediately below a power socket outlet If you can smell gas or you suspect a gas leak, do not operative the gas fire until a gas fitter can completed a safety check. You should also do the following: Open your doors and windows to let air in Ensure all gas appliances are turned off Turn off gas at your mains where possible Do not turn lights on or off and avoid using other electrical switches and appliances  Do not smoke or light a match Extinguish any other naked flames Do not try to investigate the problem or fix a leaky/faulty appliance yourself At Regency Plumbing, we supply and install Rinnai gas fires. Rinnai is a very reputable brand, they design and manufacture the highest quality gas fires in New Zealand. Rinnai’s gas fires come with a range of safety features. Rinnai Gas Fire Safety Features:  Flame failure sensing system. The appliance turns off the gas supply in the event of thermal failure Power failure. In the event of a power failure, while the gas fire is in operation the fan will stop, but the gas valves remain open and continue to heat the appliance. The overheat safety feature may then kick in and shut off the gas to protect the appliance.  Electrical fuse. Electrical circuits are protected by a fuse. Pressure relief valve. The valve automatically relieves excess pressure to prevent overpressure in the system Overheat safety switch. When the heater gets too hot during operation, the overheat switch turns the gas off automatically and allows the heater to restart once it’s cooled down Air temperature sensor Overcurrent fuse Spark detector  If you’re thinking about getting a gas fireplace but you have some safety concerns, get in touch with us today. We can help you decide which model is best for your needs and discuss any safety concerns you may have. We also have a licensed gasfitter to install, service and maintain your gas fireplace.

If you’re weighing up your home heating options and you’ve decided to install a gas fire, there are some things you need to know before you proceed with your installation. We’ll cover the basics of what you need to know before you install your gas fire unit to cover all your bases.   1. Size matters The size of your unit matters, bigger units produce more heat. If the unit is too big for the room, the gas fire will produce too much heat. If the unit you’re installing is too small for the room you’re trying to heat, the gas fire will not produce enough heat. This means the room will not be heated and it will cost you more money to run the gas fire.   2. Location The geographical location of your house within New Zealand will impact the size of the gas fire required to heat your room. New Zealand is divided into three zones: warm, mild and cool. In the warm zone, gas fires have a heating area of 77 to 130 square metres. In the mild zone, gas fires have a heating area of 68 to 114 square metres. In the cool zone, gas fires have a heating area of 50 to 84 square metres. The cooler the incoming air in colder regions, the harder the gas fire needs to work to heat up a room. You need to consult with individual manufacturers to ensure your selected unit can meet your heating requirements in the geographical location. 3. Heat loss Heat loss is inevitable, but there are some factors that impact heat loss the most. The main heat loss factors include: no or minimal ceiling/wall insulation no carpets on the floor no curtains window area >15 square metres  ceiling height higher than 2.4 metres building on poles or piles These factors affect the heat loss to varying degrees, no or minimal ceiling insulation and a lack of curtains are the two biggest contributors to heat loss. 4. Functionality vs. aesthetics You’ll need to consider if you’d like to prioritise one over the other. Are you going for a certain gas fireplace look? Where is it likely to be installed? There are a variety of aesthetic options available on the market that look great and make an excellent addition to every room. You need to balance that with your functionality requirements. What size is the room you are trying to heat? Are there any heat loss factors that need to be considered?  5. Installation  The installation of a gas fireplace is complex and may require the input of several trades to ensure the finish is up to industry standard. You will need someone to build the surround, install the gas fireplace, a licenced gasfitter to ensure the fittings are connected correctly and an electrician to run the electrical wires to the fireplace and a TV if located above your fireplace. Finding a company that can do all of the above will save you time and money when it comes to installing the appliance. It also prevents any hidden costs from cropping up during the build/project. You need to make sure all the tradespeople are licenced, this means the gas fireplace will remain under the manufacturer’s warranty. Regency Plumbing is a licenced gasfitter in Auckland  6. Running costs Upfront installation costs and the ongoing running costs need to be considered side-by-side. While the upfront costs may be a little higher, depending on your chosen model, running costs can be kept low by choosing an energy-efficient model. The efficiency of gas fireplace varies greatly between manufacturers and models. Not all fireplaces are designed equally, so make sure the model you’ve selected is the most efficient unit suited to your needs.  7. Flue types There are three main types of flues. The type of flue will have an impact on where you can install the gas fireplace.  – The natural draft flue draws air from the room and expels the exhaust gases through the vertical flue to the outside. Adequate ventilation is key. – The power flue has a sealed combustion chamber with a fan that draws air for combustion from the outside and expels combusted gases to the outside. This means they maintain air quality and can be installed in any room.  – The direct vent flue uses a natural draft to draw air from outside and expel the combustion gases to the outside. This maintains the air quality of the room.  8. Gas fireplace type There are three main types of gas fireplaces you can choose from.  – Freestanding fires work well if you have limited space and are easy to install. The flue is exposed and is installed through the roof – Insert fires are fitted inside an existing fireplace and the flue system is added. You can keep costs down by keeping the existing surround – Inbuilt gas fires are the more ambitious type, you build the surround around the fire, creating an enclosure for the wall fireplace and the flue.  9. Heat output Heat output of your gas fireplace is extremely important, this has a direct impact on your units efficiency and running costs. As a rough guide, you’ll need 1kW of heat per 10 square metres. Some units are more efficient than others due to the flue type and geographical location. Ultimately this is a balancing act of deciding what is most important to you when it comes to your heating requirements.  10. Manufacturers There are a range of gas fire manufacturers in New Zealand, however, it is important to note that not all gas fires are designed and manufactured equally. It’s important to do your homework when it comes to efficiency, heat output, warranty, servicing and aesthetics vs functionality. Some of the major manufacturers we work with to install in your home is Rinnai, Real fires, Regency and Heat N GLO. If you’d like a consultation on your options for a gas fireplace, get in touch with us today. We can discuss your requirements and put together a plan for your installation. We can […]

Gas Fireplace Installation Cost Gas fireplaces are a sophisticated and energy-efficient way to heat a room in your home. Gas Fireplaces are easier to install than wood-burning options, cost less to run and are significantly easier to maintain. This makes a gas fireplace an excellent option for homeowners who would like to retrofit a fireplace into a room that doesn’t currently have one. Gas fireplaces are becoming increasingly popular due to their many positive features and advantages, they also have a few disadvantages. Both need to be considered carefully before making your decision. The advantages include a wide range of finish options and a fireplace to suit every room; they produce real flames; they are low maintenance; they are energy efficient; and are easy to install and no chimney is needed. The disadvantages include the glass doors becoming very hot; a carbon monoxide risk with gas; it does not sound or smell like a wood fire, and some models may deplete oxygen. There are several factors that influence the cost of installation listed here, they need to be considered carefully. Saving on the cost of installation means you might be able to buy a better unit. Finishes There are many options for finishes to your fireplace, these will affect the cost of the unit and price of installation. The surround is what makes the fireplace part of the room, options include tile, brick, wood and stone. Ventilation Gas fireplaces also come with two different ventilation options, these will also affect the cost of the unit and installation. The first type is a direct-vent fireplace, which requires that the fireplace is located on an outside wall to allow for a chimney. This allows the byproducts of burning gas to exit naturally, and fresh air is brought in with very little risk of carbon monoxide poisoning. Ventless models can be installed anywhere, as they do not have a chimney to vent outside. This model can deplete the room of oxygen but has a safety function to turn the fire off if this happens. Gas supply A gas line installation may be an additional cost if you do not have an existing connection to the house and do not currently use gas for cooking or heating water. When it comes to running costs for the fireplace, LPG is more expensive than natural gas. Labour The specialised work involved in installation means labour to install a gas fireplace will be high, it requires a gas fitter, electrician or builder (depending on the installation). The ventilation of the gas fireplace will also determine the cost of labour as the direct-vent option requires a chimney installation. Maintenance The maintenance requirements also determine the ongoing running costs of a gas fireplace. Other than minimal inspections and cleaning, no major maintenance is required. This keeps the running costs of a gas fire low and limited to gas usage. It’s important to settle on your budget prior to installing a gas fireplace, taking great care to consider the factors listed here carefully. Look for a retailer who can project manage the entire build from purchase to installation, this will save you time and money. If you have a tight budget, buy the best fire you can and compromise on the installation, a high-quality fireplace will last a lot longer and save you money long term. You can always change or add finished down the line as money becomes available. Gas fires have come a long way, they now support more features such as versatile installation options; intelligent smartphone control; high performance with ambience and sophistication; and energy-efficient. Some retailers who  provide a project management service offer design consultancy services such as colour and finishes consults; furniture sourcing and design; soft furnishings; and window treatments. These services allow you to save money and blend the gas fireplace into your existing room seamlessly. Regency Plumbing has decades of experience installing Rinnai Gas fireplaces and we recommend the Rinnai Evolve 952. It can be installed in almost any room and can heat rooms up to 125 square metres. It’s operated via remote control and has a heat output of 2.4kW – 8.1kW. It has a staggering energy efficiency rating of 86% which makes it’s running costs anywhere from $0.46 – $1.57 per hour for LPG, or $0.36 – $1.21 per hour for natural gas. Regency plumbing is currently offering to install the Rinnai Evolve 952 for just $8,687 which includes the gas fire, fascia, direct flue kit and all the gasfitting and electrical work. Get in touch with us to take advantage of this amazing offer.