Removing gas fire with open fire

Interesting info Celia and also thanks to Freddy for the costings.

We have an open fire which I would like to make more effecient, which is why I keep coming back to check everyones experience on this thread. Open fires are not effecient but they do cheer you up just sitting and watching the flames. Have to say I'm none too keen on those boxy cast iron black boxes that sit in a fire place where you can't see the flames. On another forum people recommend a 'Clearview' stove which seems to me the best the best of both worlds. It has a large glass front that doesn't get all smoked up so you still seem the nice flames. Trouble is they are expensive, and people say that the cheaper woodburners/multi-fuel enclosures are no-where near as good.

 

That looks good Freddy - nice big glass front. Thanks for the link :thumb:

 

You know what? I reckon that's exactly what my fire engineer chap would call a hot box! It's hot and box shaped afterall?
Anyhoo, despite all concerns to the inefficiency, I want an open fire coz I like the smell, the crackle and the ambience of it (Incidentally, figures on the efficiency vary dependant on who derived them, some reports have decided 10% efficient, other would declare 50%, but either way its a moot point to me!)

I've done more research and decided that I'll either install a clay fireback with cast iron insert or use firebricks and a basket. Apparently the chimney (flue) was fine as is.

 

You may need a smaller 'throat' or maybe a better fireback to throw the heat forward rather than up.