Gas fire and HRV

Bobbiblu

Hi All,

We're finally getting close to making a start on our self build. I think (probably most naively) we've more or less gotten our heads around the major details but one thing we're unsure of is whether or not it's possible to use a wall mounted flueless gas fire safely with a mhrv system in an air tight house or if there are any special considerations to be taken into account.
We were thinking of having one (possibly two) solely for aesthetic reasons, but are open to persuasion if there's a better alternative or if it's impractical, as the air tightness and mhrv are non-negotiable. If we need an external air intake or something, we can allow for it now before we start the foundations. Anyway, just wondering what others have done/would do in this position....

le meas,
Bob

Do-more

I have a somewhat similar situation SWMBO wants a fireplace for aesthetic reasons.

So to avoid the cost, cold bridges and heat loss that building a chimney would entail I'm probably going to go for a bio ethanol fireplace.

These are all approved for flueless installation and the advertising bumf says that they produce the same amount of carbon monoxide as burning 4 candles so they should be safe.

I've visited a number of showrooms and the only big difference I have found is that some of the poorer quality bio ethanol fuels burn with a smell like you would get from a gas fire such as a Super Ser. But the best quality purest fuels seem to burn without smell whatsoever. You'll need to test some different brands of fuel to find what suits you. In any case the HRV should be effective in removing the smell from the house.

I'm looking at buying the burner only and building it into our own setting, I've found a huge selection of equipment and accessories on ebay.de at good prices, just do a search for Bio Ethanol Kamin

Bobbiblu

Do-more wrote: »

I have a somewhat similar situation SWMBO wants a fireplace for aesthetic reasons.

So to avoid the cost, cold bridges and heat loss that building a chimney would entail I'm probably going to go for a bio ethanol fireplace.

These are all approved for flueless installation and the advertising bumf says that they produce the same amount of carbon monoxide as burning 4 candles so they should be safe.

I've visited a number of showrooms and the only big difference I have found is that some of the poorer quality bio ethanol fuels burn with a smell like you would get from a gas fire such as a Super Ser. But the best quality purest fuels seem to burn without smell whatsoever. You'll need to test some different brands of fuel to find what suits you. In any case the HRV should be effective in removing the smell from the house.

I'm looking at buying the burner only and building it into our own setting, I've found a huge selection of equipment and accessories on ebay.de at good prices, just do a search for Bio Ethanol Kamin

Hi Do-more,

Thanks so much for taking the time to reply. I've ran this by my OH and we both agree a bio ethanol fire will most probably be a better idea for us than a gas fire, as realistically, we'll only use the 'fire' very, very occasionally and as the bio ethanol arrangement doesn't need any special provisions that gives us plenty of time to choose the ones we want.
I really like the look of some of the kamin on ebay.de which you suggested I take a look at so thanks for that tip! If you have another few mins would you mind recommending a few show rooms to visit? pm if necessary (I'm never sure about proper protocol!).

Thanks once again,
Bob

Do-more

I'm afraid I can't help with the showrooms as I am in Sweden.

All I can suggest is you try Google.

Bobbiblu

Do-more wrote: »

I'm afraid I can't help with the showrooms as I am in Sweden.

All I can suggest is you try Google.

Ahhhh :rolleyes: love Sweden so jealous.com. Was just trying to find a short cut as I have a list of showrooms from google but didn't want to drag three wee ones around showrooms that were under par weekend after weekend. Never mind, we'll just take a deep breath and carry on

Tack!