There is no doubt that gas installers, like any trade, are working smarter and harder to win business. Many tradesmen are still reeling from the effects of the difficult economic climate we have experienced in recent years and despite signs of improvement it can still be a tough market, particularly for the self-employed. The secret for any installer is to identify opportunities for growth. Understand the gas appliance market, look for ways to add value to your service and make sure you are putting yourself in a position to meet consumer demand. Four out of every five Gas Safe engineers have completed the HTR1 module, which means they are registered to work with gas fires and wall heaters, but only a small percentage of those installed, replaced or commissioned a natural gas fire last year.

If you are not making the most of your gas fire qualification, you are missing out! When it comes to gas fires, opportunities are plentiful. Fitting, servicing and of course the added margin.

Here are 8 reasons to ‘go gas’ when choosing a centrepiece;

Appealing and efficient

Modern gas fires are unbeatable when it comes to aesthetics, they offer consistent warmth and comfort, providing the perfect centrepiece for any home, and thanks to the latest technology, their realistic flame effect comes with heat efficiencies of up to 89 % and heat outputs of up to 6.0kw.

Keep your costs low

Not only do they keep you warm on the inside and out, high efficiency gas fires are cheaper to run than their electric counterparts. Gas costs only 4p per kWh of heat compared with 7p per kWh for electricity generated off peak and an eye watering 14p per kw per hour for electricity generated at standard rate (Energy savings trust), this being the time most people are using their fires. 

Reduce your carbon footprint

Natural gas is kinder to the environment with gas emitting 0.184 kg of CO2 per kWh, and electricity emitting 0.412 kg of CO2 per kWh (Defra).

The choice is yours

From insets to outsets, living flame to radiant gas fire, traditional to contemporary, landscape to stove, the choice of aspirational gas fires is endless. Combined with their convenience, ultimate flame realism and high heat output, today’s gas fires provide affordable warmth and a stunning centrepiece for any room.

The future is gas

Gas enables us to keep energy prices low and reduce emissions; with 89% of UK households currently being heated by gas and a well trusted and valuable grid network, the future is one where gas will remain part of the energy tapestry of the future.

Safety

Modern gas fires are fitted with oxygen depletion sensors as standard, the sensors detect when oxygen in the room falls below a specified level, and automatically turns the gas fire off, protecting the homeowner from the effects of carbon monoxide.

The sensors are part of the fires internal mechanism and do not require battery replacement.

Clean and convenient

Gas is clean and convenient with no ash residue to dispose of and no odours. The majority of gas fires do not require mains electricity as they use piezo ignition or battery operated controls.

The elderly also benefit from the heat of a gas fire. During recent freezing winters, it is reassuring to know that you can rely on a gas fire. Even if your boiler breaks down due to condensate freeze, for example, you can stay safe and comfortable.

With a host of new products to suit every property and with consumers looking to save on energy bills, there has never been a better time to choose gas.

The message from HHIC is clear; be registered, be ready, be more than just boilers. And don’t miss out on the opportunities presented by gas fires.

Download our leaflet today - ‘why choose gas for your fires and stoves’. Visit: www.eua.org.uk/publications-resources/eua-publications