Converting gas fire to open fire/stove?

Cherrycola

What is involved in converting a gas fire to either an open fire or stove?

Ive done a quick search but cant find all the answers i need.

We're in rented accomodation with gas heating and a gas fire. The gas fire is due to be repaired, we havent needed to use it since we moved in, but with the weather getting colder it would be nice to have a fire, however we are aware of the costs of running a gas fire, and not getting much heat from it anyway. So im putting off having it repaired so i cant use it!

So, if i thought it wouldnt be a hugely expensive job, id look at having the gas fire changed to a open fire or stove, and cover the costs involved myself, as i cant see the landlord willingly opting to do it, but he's normally fine with any changes we want to make to the place as he's trying to sell it anyway.

Are we looking at having to do something to the chimney before we could have an open fire or stove?
Is putting in a stove less work than an open fire.

Im completely clueless as we've never had gas, so i dont know how it all works.

We would really love to be able to have a fire in the room we use most, and save on gas bills by not having to turn the heating on, or using a gas fire.

Any suggestions would be appreciated.

Thanks.

nophd08

Cherrycola wrote: »

What is involved in converting a gas fire to either an open fire or stove?

Ive done a quick search but cant find all the answers i need.

We're in rented accomodation with gas heating and a gas fire. The gas fire is due to be repaired, we havent needed to use it since we moved in, but with the weather getting colder it would be nice to have a fire, however we are aware of the costs of running a gas fire, and not getting much heat from it anyway. So im putting off having it repaired so i cant use it!

So, if i thought it wouldnt be a hugely expensive job, id look at having the gas fire changed to a open fire or stove, and cover the costs involved myself, as i cant see the landlord willingly opting to do it, but he's normally fine with any changes we want to make to the place as he's trying to sell it anyway.

Are we looking at having to do something to the chimney before we could have an open fire or stove?
Is putting in a stove less work than an open fire.

Im completely clueless as we've never had gas, so i dont know how it all works.

We would really love to be able to have a fire in the room we use most, and save on gas bills by not having to turn the heating on, or using a gas fire.

Any suggestions would be appreciated.

Thanks.

I done same 3 years ago but tackled it myself. Its not a big job provided you have an open chimney. Probably about 1 days work. You need a different fireback, ie, the surround behind the coals, should cost about E30 - E40. I think you can buy them in two halves so will save fireplace having to be removed from wall when fitting. Obviously... you need to get gas disconnected.
BUT....If I was doing it all again I would install a stove because an open fire is extremely inefficient.
You need to get a competent installer to price job but you are probably restricted since its rented accomodation.
Hope this helps.:)