How hot is a gas fire?

Gas fires are renowned for their radiant heat. With adjustable temperature settings and timeless designs, they’re the perfect appliance for year-round use. 

The efficiency of these modern, gas-powered suites has improved dramatically over the last decade, chiefly due to environmental concerns and manufacturing advancements. But how do eco-friendly gas fires work? 

Gas stoves use natural or propane gas to generate warmth. Lighting the pilot flame starts the combusting process by igniting the gas, which can then be radiated into the room or convected using built-in blowers. 

The power of these suites is impressive, but how hot is a gas fire? 

DRU Maestro 75 Tunnel Eco Wave Balanced Flue gas fire

How hot is a gas fire?

Truly, this question has no general answer: fires of different designs and sizes have varying outputs. How old the fire is, it’s manufacturer and internal components all play an important role in determining the level of heat it can generate. 

What factors affect the heat output of a gas fire? 

There are several central elements to a gas fire’s temperature: 

1. Type of fuel 

Natural gas and propane (LPG), two of the most common fuel types for gas fires, have varying energy contents.

In its liquid form, burning propane generally produces more energy than natural gas, which may lead to a higher heat output. However, this may not always be the case. Homeowners must also consider the size and efficiency rating of a suite. 

2. Gas pressure 

A professional installer will need to assess your gas pressure to ensure the fire is operating at the correct heat output. Instances where gas pressure is too high can negatively affect your flame’s stability, leading to unsafe operation. 

If your gas pressure is too low, your appliance won’t produce enough heat and will generate much smaller flames. 

3. BTU 

A BTU (British Thermal Unit) is a measurement used to describe the heat output of a gas appliance.

All manufacturers will include the BTU of their products in their installation guides, with smaller models in the thousands and others in the tens of thousands. 

A gas fire with more BTUs will generate more heat, meaning homeowners can choose how hot they want their fire to burn based on the room and heating requirements. 

4. Design considerations

How effectively your gas fire produces heat can also depend on the arrangement of internal and external components. Elements like the heat exchanger, fibreglass and the shape and size of the combustion chamber can impact how hot your fire burns. 

Gazco Riva2 600HL Edge Gas Fire

Are gas stoves safe? 

Yes, modern gas stoves are designed to be safe for use in the home. Gas fireplaces are always considered safe when they are correctly installed by a gas-safe registered fitter, maintained, and used in accordance with the manufacturer's guidelines. These guidelines are within the installation information which is always included with all our gas fires and gas stoves. 

The inclusion of safety devices like Oxygen Depletion Sensors (ODS) and Flame Supervision Devices (FSD) adds to their safety profile. The primary function of an ODS is to detect the level of oxygen in the room. 

If the oxygen level drops below a safe threshold, which can happen if combustion gases are not adequately vented, the ODS automatically shuts off the gas supply to the fireplace, preventing the risk of carbon monoxide buildup. 

Oxygen depletion sensors are particularly crucial in flueless gas fires where proper ventilation is essential. Another essential feature is the Flame Supervision Device (FSD), which works by monitoring the flame of a gas burner. 

If the flame is accidentally extinguished, the FSD shuts off the gas supply to prevent unburned gas from being released into the room, which could pose a risk of explosion or carbon monoxide poisoning. 

What colour should my flames be on a gas fire? 

While we may associate red, yellow and orange with fireplaces, the ideal colour for a flame in a gas appliance is predominantly blue: this hue indicates complete and efficient combustion of the natural gas or propane. 

A steady, consistent blue flame (without excessive wavering or flickering) is a sign that the gas is reacting properly to the oxygen. 

Gazco Riva2 750HL Evoke Glass Gas Fire

Choose Fires2U for premium gas fireplaces!

Modern gas fires are the result of developing environmental practices and plenty of manufacturing know-how. Whether you’re in the market for one of our high-efficiency gas fires, gas stoves, or LPG fires, these premium appliances offer extraordinary heat outputs. 

Best of all, you can adjust their temperature during the summer months. Don’t miss out on the latest technology from esteemed brands like DRU, Crystal Fires and Flavel; instead, contact us and find your perfect gas fire or stove today.