FAQs
Heating
Which fuel types are available?
The most common fuel sources are natural gas, electric, LPG, burning logs or using bioethanol liquid fuel.
What is the difference between Natural Gas and LPG?
A natural gas supply is fed from your house, usually direct from the gas meter, sometimes known as mains gas. This will generally be the cheapest gas option. LPG (propane) is supplied in red cylinders such as for use in BBQ.
Do I need an electrical connection?
Some fires rely on electricity to power them and some rely on it to ignite them. Log burners and bioethanol can be simply lit with a remote flame.
How do you install a freestanding or portable ethanol firepit or fire table?
EcoSmart Fire’s freestanding ethanol fireplaces are designed to be placed into the desired location, secured into position, and operated immediately. We have outlined guidelines that include minimum room size requirements and clearance recommendations for flammable materials and movable objects. Ask us for a model spec of your favourite fireplace.
How much does it cost to run an ethanol fireplace?
The cost to run EcoSmart Fire’s ethanol fireplace depends on how much ethanol fuel is used and the size of the fireplace. Typically between £1 and £3 per hour.
How long will my ethanol fireplace burn?
Burn times for our ethanol fireplaces vary based on flame size and fuel capacity of the burner. EcoSmart Fire’s ethanol fireplaces will burn between 8-13 hours when full.
Are ethanol fireplace inserts easy to install?
Unlike gas fireplaces or traditional wood-burning fireplaces, our ethanol fireplace inserts require no venting, no gas line, and no electricity – eliminating the need and cost of three subcontractors. They are simply mounted into the constructed main wall framework with the appropriate opening size for the fireplace insert selected.
EcoSmart Fire’s ethanol fireplace inserts are extremely flexible and can be incorporated at any stage of your interior decorating, renovating, or building works.
Can bioethanol fireplaces be used as a primary heating source?
Yes, our bioethanol fires can produce in excess of 5kw. Most bioethanol fireplaces are designed as a decorative item whilst offering some additional, supplementary heat from a warming flame.
What to consider when using a bioethanol fireplace as a heating source?
- Heating capacity: Bioethanol fireplaces generate radiant heat, which can warm up immediate surroundings and create a cosy atmosphere.
- Supplemental use: They are most effective when used as a supplemental heat source in conjunction with other heating methods.
- Ideal for smaller spaces: Bioethanol fireplaces are well-suited for smaller rooms or well-insulated areas where they can make a noticeable difference.
How do I light a bioethanol fireplace?
It is very simple. You fill the burner box with bioethanol fuel, light our unique lighting rod and then touch this to the fuel which will instantly ignite.
Are there any emissions from a bioethanol fire?
The only emissions produced from burning bioethanol fuel are heat, water vapour, and carbon dioxide. Burning bioethanol uses oxygen from the air and emits a small amount of carbon dioxide. The amount of carbon dioxide is very small and poses no risk.
Do I need a chimney for a bioethanol fire?
No. You don’t need a chimney with a bioethanol fireplace because bioethanol fuel burns cleanly — without smoke, soot, or ash. This makes bioethanol the ideal alternative energy source for buildings that don’t have chimneys, such as flats, conservatories, and many modern homes.
Do I need a flue for a bioethanol fire?
No, bioethanol fuel burns without creating any harmful emissions. It uses a little oxygen from the room and emits heat, water vapour and a tiny amount of CO2.
Can I install a bioethanol fireplace into my existing fireplace with a chimney?
Yes, however it may be worth ‘blocking’ your chimney with a suitable material to prevent heat loss.
Which flooring should I use?
All of our bioethanol burners are safe for use on most flooring.
The burners do not require a hearth as the heat is not generated at the bottom of the fireplace but you may choose to have one.
Can I burn wood?
It’s possible to burn wood in your garden, so long as any smoke doesn’t cause a nuisance. If neighbours complain, the local authority can ask that you stop. An outside fireplace burning wood will need a factory-made chimney, but you can burn logs directly in a suitable wall fire, fire pit or fire bowl.
What are the differences between firepits, firetables and wall fires?
A fire pit is typically square or rectangular in shape and open on all sides. A fire table is also usually rectangular, open on all sides but with the tabletop overhanging the base structure. A wall fire is mounted in an enclosure, typically at seating height for maximum heating effect.
Can I use my fire indoors and outdoors?
Our bioethanol fireplaces are really the only option if you want a fire that you can use outside and also move it indoors and use it safely.
What is infrared radiant heating ?
Infrared or radiant heating technology is simply the transfer of heat from a warm object to a cooler object. HEATSCOPE® radiant heaters emit a pleasant sun-like warmth reaching the people, floors, and furniture below rather than heating the air. The result is comfortable, odourless, and silent warmth.
How do HEATSCOPE® radiant heaters compare to other outdoor electric heaters?
Other radiant heaters produce an uncomfortable, high heat and disrupt the ambience of a space with an aggressive red light. HEATSCOPE® radiant heaters produce a very modest light and a comfortable sun-like warmth. HEATSCOPE® radiant heaters are convenient and intuitive with smart-home system integration and smartphone pairing with a WiFi wall switch.
How do I install my HEATSCOPE® heater?
All infrared heaters must be installed by a licensed electrician and in accordance with the installation and instruction manual.
Outdoor Furniture
How do I decide how much furniture will fit my space?
Will it fit? The size of your garden, patio or balcony will help determine the style and type of the garden furniture you choose. If you have a large lawn or palatial patio you won’t be constrained by size. In fact, once you’ve measured the space, making sure there’s a metre clear of the table edge so people can get in and out of their chairs, it’s worth buying slightly bigger furniture than you think you’ll need, so there’s plenty of room for family and friends to sit in comfort. It’s a bit like a greenhouse – you won’t regret buying the largest one you can, as you’ll soon find yourself filling it up. However, for those of us with a small garden, patio or balcony, it might be more sensible to go for a cleverly designed, space-saving option.
What type of outdoor furniture is best for my needs?
Do you plan to host catered parties and seat guests at a patio dining set with a large dining table and armchairs? Or do you just want to hang out with friends on a big comfy couch and lounge chairs with a coffee table for a casual drink? Perhaps you simply want to enjoy the sun on a leisurely warm Summer’s Day with a cool drink by your side. Whatever the purpose, it’s a good idea to begin your planning with a list of what you want to do. Think about what pieces of furniture might be needed and how many people you want to accommodate.
How much should I expect to pay for outdoor furniture?
Once you have decided what you are going to use your new furniture for, deciding on your budget will dictate to some extent the type of furniture you decide on. The cheapest garden furniture will typically be made from plastic, steel, aluminium, and softwoods, such as pine. You can pick up a basic two-seater dining set for as little as £30. Sets made from cheaper materials such as plastic are great if you want to save money, but it won’t be as durable as better-quality materials like hardwood or concrete. Style and quality of the design and materials will mean that you may need to spend between £1500 and £15,000 depending on the area you want to create.
Do I need to cover my garden furniture?
Cheap plastic furniture does not need to be covered but may fade with exposure to sunlight. Softwood furniture will need regular maintenance if not covered. Metal and hardwood options are more expensive but will last longer.
Covering your furniture will reduce maintenance and increase your ability to use it more. Consider purchasing purpose made covers or using a permanent structure to cover your patio to make using your outdoor space as convenient as possible.