Conventional gas fires are open-fronted fireplace and inset into a standard sized chimney. The fire draws air from inside your living room to create the flames and the by-product gases escape up the chimney.  Of course, these fires look good but they’re not very good for the air quality in your home because the fire is constantly ’stealing’ air to keep on burning.

Flueless gas fires, on the other hand, are, as the name sugggests, designed to work without any flue at all.  Generally they use catalytic converters to convert the noxious gases into harmless vapour, which is then allowed into the room.

Balanced flue gas fires use an system allows the products of burning to pass out through the wall directly behind the fire while at the same time drawing in the air needed for combustion via the same route.  This type of fire is usually glass fronted and the appliance is completely sealed off from the room.

Power flue gas fires transport combustion products to the outside of the house by means of a fan at the rear of the appliance.

If you want to buy a new fire but are unsure about what type of chimney you have (if any), the quick rule of thumb is that homes built before the late 1960’s tend to have what is  known as a Class 1 chimney, which is the typical brick built chimney.  Homes built after that time could have a Class 2 flue or a Class 2 pre-cast flue. The pictures should help you decide exactly what chimney you have but it is vital that you are certain what type of chimney you have before choosing your gas fire.

Technology continued to develop rapidly over the years, and in 1966, the first Valor gas fire, the Valor Radiant, was released for sale. Just 10 years later, the first Valor living flame gas fire burst onto the market, closely imitating a real coal fire. With their amazing new gas fire, the company strengthened its position at the forefront of the gas fire market.

Since the turn of this century, Valor has kept abreast of the increasing demand for innovative heating products, and the current Valor gas fire range reflects this. There are the traditional favourites, inspired by period styles from bygone eras, and such a fire is the Valor Spanish Basket fire. In smart black and chrome, this basket fire will look cosy and stylish in any home.

The Valor Eminence contemporary fire features a log fuel bed, and will bring a modern yet cosy look to any home. It is available in the contemporary colours of silver and black and is also powered by remote control, meaning you can turn up or down from the comfort of the sofa! For the ultimate in modernity and sophistication, check out the Valor Visia gas fire. This hang-on-the-wall landscape design has a striking black and white fascia and a pebble fuel bed, and is also operated by remote control.

The wide range of Valor gas fires can be viewed on the Valor website. Whether you require a hole-in the-wall fire, a hang-on-the-wall version, or a freestanding model, there is a Valor gas fire to suit all tastes. Fires feature coal, pebble and logs fuel beds, may be glass or open fronted, and come in colours such as chrome, brass and black.

In addition to manufacturing gas fires, Valor has been manufacturing electric fires for several years. By keeping up with innovation and supplying quality models at fair prices, Valor has established itself in recent years as one of the biggest electric fire manufacturers. Today, Valor is a huge company and one of the largest fire manufacturers in the world. Recently, the company has joined forces with Newmond plc and Baxi, meaning Valor will surely be at the forefront of the heating industry for many years to come.

Today, there are many quality gas fire manufacturers, amongst them Baxi, Cannon and Valor gas fires. There are many styles of gas fire to suit all tastes, from the most traditional to the ultra modern. Living flame gas fires are particularly popular, as they provide the homely, cosy ambience associated with a real log fire. Such technology has advanced considerably, so much so that sometimes it is difficult to tell the difference between a solid fuel and gas fire.

The contemporary family has very high standards, in terms of interior design and home appliances, and the gas fire industry does not disappoint. Sleek plasma gas fires look at home in the flashiest of properties, and families without chimneys (such as those living in some types of new build) can still have a beautiful gas fire in their homes, thanks to the flueless and balanced flue gas fires. These simply need fitting to an outside wall.

Traditional gas fires evoke the same feelings as the roaring log fire, and look at home in any property – although they are usually to be found in period homes. People looking for a contemporary gas fire really are spoilt for choice, and the hole-in-the-wall fire seems to be the most popular choice. This is probably because they free up floor space, look very neat, and do not require a mantel or surround. Instead, such fires feature a trim in modern materials such as stone, marble or stainless steel.