Bioethanol Fireplaces

Are there are any building regulations related to gel fireplaces?

Contrary to what some sellers of gel fires will have you believe, all gel or bio-ethanol fireplaces require some form of ventilation. This can be a window or room vent. Bioethanol fireplaces must be installed inline with standard building regulations for fireplaces. They must be installed in a non-combustible chamber built in a way to ensure the user cannot be injured. The installer must follow standard building regulations guidance for the materials used and ventilation etc. for your home. Any fireplace must be constructed of a non-combustible material. If in doubt contact building control at your local council.

Are bioethanol fireplaces safe?

Bio fireplaces have been available in the USA for over 20 years and are growing in popularity in the UK and Europe. The fires are designed to be as safe as possible, stable and secure. Normal Health and Safety is required as normal when dealing with a naked flame and flammable liquids. Our fires have been designed to a high standard and have been tested for safety and durability. It cannot be stressed enough that when buying a bioethanol fireplace the saying “you get what you pay for” applies. Our fires are designed to last a long time. Obviously like all open flamed fires, caution has to be exercised especially where young children and elderly people are in the vicinity. To ensure your safety, you should only use liquid fuel designed for bioethanol fireplaces. No other chemical or substance should be placed in the burner. Bio fireplaces should never be moved when hot or lit. Bioethanol fires should never be refilled when lit or hot. Special care needs to be taken in handling and storing the bioethanol fuel bottles. The fire should only be lit in a well ventilated but a draft free environment.

What’s the difference between Gel and Bioethanol fuel?

Gel is a syrup like substance, and is dangerous to use indoors or in a bioethanol fireplace. All of our bioethanol fires and stoves are designed for use with our liquid bioethanol fuel.

Will a bioethanol fireplace cause condensation on my windows?

All naked flames produce some moisture and water vapour when burnt. The quantity produced by bio-fuel is very small however there are many factors in a home which cause condensation and these should be identified. The fire must be used in a room which has adequate ventilation like a window or air vent.

• Factors which cause condensation in rooms are:
  • Poor Quality Bio-Fuel.
  • Poor Ventilation within the room.
  • Low ambient room temperature due to not using a primary heat source.
  • Cooking and Bathing without sufficient ventilation.
  • Putting Clothes on radiators to dry.

Is there any smoke or smell?

Under normal usage, with good quality bio-ethanol all the liquid bioethanol fireplaces we sell have been made to a high standard and will not produce any smoke or smell. It cannot be stressed enough about the quality of the fuel. This has a great effect on the flame, smoke and smell. It is advised to purchase good quality bio-ethanol as the fuel is the most critical factor when operating this type of fire. Never use “gel fuel” indoors as it gives off harmful emissions. Never use gel fuel in a fire designed for bioethanol fuel.

How do I install my bioethanol fireplace?

Always read the installation instructions before installing and using a bio-fuel fire. With some models a builder will be required to construct a non-combustible chamber in which to house the gel fire burner. Installation instructions are included with the fire.