gas to open fire?

[markhague]

Hi I have a 1950's house that at present has a gas living flame 40 watt fire-with fake coals. It doesn't kick out nay heat as the room is so large and has no other heat source in there.
I am wanting to know if it is possible wihtout extensive work to change this into an open fire?
I have been on the phone all morning and been told different things. The plumber who has done work on the fire etc previously cannot fit me in for 2 weeks but says it should be no problem-just a case of capping off and putting a grate in will cost £40-50 However when gathering other quotes a few folk have said this is wrong as the chimney flu will have to be extended and it could end up being in the hundreds for this work any advice greatly appreciate dit's bloody freezing and I refuse to use this fire as last year the gas bill was so high-the heat goes straight up chimney instead of into room!

 

[adrianfs1]

hi matey, im not a gas fitter by any means, but i enquired years ago about something very similar and was told it would need a flue because there could be cracks in the chimney that allow fumes to penetrate into bedrooms. dont know the ins and outs but personnally i would feel safer any way with a flue.

 

[justlead1]

Hi. It sounds like the guy who can sort it out in a week or two it the best bet. Once the gas is capped of it is a question of checking the flues integrity. Smoke test and visual inspection would be a good start.

 

[Billy Bob Bob]

i agree with justlead,you cant condemn the flue without smoke testing and checking it also carrying out a spillage test on the existing fire would throw up any flue pull issues

 

[tamz]

As long as it is the original chimney and has not been reduced in height it should be fine. Get it smoke tested and checked as Justlead said. Generally in a 1950's house there should be no problems.

Btw you will never get much heat off a 40 watt fire. More heat off the telly

 

[easyt]

Are you sure its 40 watt ? When I lived in a shared house as a student 35 yeas ago I had a 150watt light bulb that was left on day and night during winter in my small box bedroom. Kept the chill off. 40 watt. My f*rts are warmer