INDUSTRY INSIGHT
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The halcyon days of the hearth
Gas fires are currently in the throes of a revival – creating ample opportunities for installers. Here Jonathan Smith, flame technology manager for Glen Dimplex Heating & Ventilation, which includes the Valor gas fires brand, examines the growing trend for bringing back the fireplace as the centrepiece of the home – and why gas fires are proving the perfect solution
RESTORING OLD GAS POINTS BACK TO USE F
or installers looking to restore a gas point in a home, here are three simple steps to ensure a successful restoration:
• Gas checks First and foremost, installers must carry out checks to ensure the ‘soundness’ of the pipework, looking at whether the overall condition of the pipes can support gas restoration. Next, the connections will need to be leak tested to guarantee safety and that the correct pressure can be delivered to the new gas fire.
• The chimney Installers may encounter a number of obstacles during the job, which can be easily overcome. For example, the location of the old supply pipe may be under the floorboards and need to be located. Often the tell-tale signs will still be there and simply lifting a carpet near the chimney breast may reveal the access point through the floorboards. The chimney may need to be brought back into use after years of being sealed off. This should not be difficult – by using a liner, a fully functioning flue system can be installed at a relatively low cost.
• Get a quote M
ore and more households are now returning their original gas point to service and putting gas fires back at the heart of the home thanks to stylish new design features, improved controllability and flexibility of installation – and with 11 million homes in the UK that have a gas point at or very close to the original fireplace, it’s a great opportunity for installers.
Modern gas fire benefits
Unlike models popular in the 1980s and 1990s, modern gas fires have evolved to include more stylish designs, greater heat output, a host of installation choices and of course lower running costs through greater efficiency – features that simply weren’t there 20 years ago. What’s more, the latest models also include a host of features designed to
April 2018
make things easier for installers too, from optional extras like gather hoods to innovative burner assemblies which make servicing easier.
Despite the expanding market for bringing gas points back into service, Valor’s own research shows that not enough installers are taking advantage of the business opportunities presented by gas fires, including high margin installation opportunities and regular servicing jobs. More than 60% of those registered to work with gas fires have completed more than 10 jobs in the last three years – and more than 40% had turned down a gas fire job in the last 12 months. Despite this, only 52% of the Gas Safe Register are certified to work on gas fires. For enterprising installers, capitalising on the growing need for a modern and efficient home fire can undoubtedly add a viable income stream to their business.
It is also worth bearing in mind that most independent fireplace retailers are happy to undertake a survey and will recommend the work required to restore the chimney and gas supply back into use. As such, they will always recommend the work is carried out by a gas safe registered installer – presenting the perfect opportunity to become their go-to contact. Once complete, clients can choose from a wide range of fires, from standard insets to wall mounted landscape models, such as those available in the Valor range.
www.heatingandventilating.net
Installers looking to restore a gas point to a home should take take note of the above three steps
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