Case study: Three balanced flue gas fires in one Southport home

 

A customer from Southport came to our Aintree showroom with a specific technical challenge: they were looking for heating appliances for three separate rooms, but the property had no working brick chimneys.

As a traditional chimney-based installation wasn’t an option, we needed to learn more about the home’s layout, the available positions on the outside wall, and the kinds of fireplace designs the homeowner preferred.

From here, we recommended three completely different balanced flue gas appliances.

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Why balanced flue gas fires were the right choice

In many Southport homes and new builds, chimneys are becoming increasingly rare. But balanced flue gas fires are completely room-sealed, meaning they use a twin-wall pipe to pull combustion air from the outside and vent exhaust gases back out through an external wall.

Our balanced flue range is designed specifically for homes without chimney access. In our showroom, you can browse through a great range of alternatives, including hole-in-the-wall fires, feature fires built into false chimney breasts and gas stoves for external walls.

The three styles chosen for this home

We didn’t want to repeat the same design across the household – instead, we worked with the customer to select three showroom-exclusive brands that showcased the design versatility of balanced flue technology: 

1. A balanced flue gas stove

In the first living space, we installed a gas stove set against a textured split-slate chamber. With this, the homeowner benefited from the look of a traditional log-burner and the high efficiency of modern gas stove technology (plus, instant, remote-operated control). 

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2. An inset balanced flue fire

For the second room, the customer chose a DRU fire. This inset, minimalist design offers a wider view of the flames with a clean, built-in look, but still keeps floor space completely clear. 

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3. A more traditional balanced flue gas fire

To prove that balanced flue fires can still be traditional, we installed a Kohlangaz fire. Complete with an Art Nouveau floral tile set and a cast-iron finish, this Victorian-style fire was an excellent choice.

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Preparation and planning

The process began with a visit to our Aintree showroom. As the homeowner wanted three completely different fires, it was important to set up an in-person discussion with the team to see what would work best in each room, and a big part of this was our live, in-person displays.

Browsing over 200 live fireplaces made it easier for the customer to compare styles, sizes, flame patterns and finishes in person before making a final decision. Ultimately, the right choice came down to the data. The customer was able to bring in their initial measurements, including photos of their external walls. With this information, our sales team were able to identify the most technically feasible balanced flue models.

Installation

Balanced flue fires are definitely flexible, but we made sure the homeowner was clear on a few facts prior to installation:

  • Glass-fronted only: Balanced flue technology only works with glass-fronted fires.
  • Venting requirements: You’ll need a suitable outside wall or roof space where the flue can exit the property.
  • Professional fitting: As these are room-sealed appliances, installation must be carried out by a Gas Safe professional.

Safety is our non-negotiable priority, so all three units were installed by our team of Gas Safe-registered fitters.

Global 55XT BF Cavity Balanced flue Gas fire

The result

The result is a great example of how balanced flue appliances can be adapted to different room styles. The homeowner ended up with a Victorian-style fire, a freestanding stove and a space-saving inset fire, all while overcoming the challenge of having no working chimneys.

Thanks to our experienced sales team and Gas Registered fitters, the customer was delighted with the finished installations.

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Considering a balanced flue gas fire for your home?

Is your home built without a traditional brick-and-mortar chimney? You might have recently bought a new-build home, live in a high-rise apartment, a bungalow, or a block of flats, and are looking for a high-efficiency heating solution.

Pay a visit to our Aintree showroom, and see how we can help you find the perfect fire. When you visit, bring along some images of where you want your fire installed and any measurements that might be useful for our helpful sales team!

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