The first thing you want to decide – is the fire a primary, secondary, or occasional source of heating? Do you want a heat-busting appliance or something for looks and ambience?

If your fire is a primary heat source, you’ll need to start by knowing how much heat you will require for the space. You can work this out by calculating the cubic volume of the room and match it with the kilowatt output of the fireplace model.

You will also need to consider whether the room (or house) is fully insulated, if it has a standard ceiling height (2.4m), if the windows are double glazed and perhaps most importantly, the climate of the area you live in. All of these factors will contribute to the heat output required by the fireplace.

Escea also offers Multiroom Heat-ducting in their DX range of gas fireplaces. This advanced range gives you the option of multi-room heating, which reaches all corners of the room the fire is in, as well as other rooms in the house.

If your fire is purely about aesthetics, select a model that’s sympathetic to your design and values. If you like a traditional look, consider the Escea DFS Freestanding fireplace or if you’re installing into a character surround, see the DF range. For a linear modern style, see the DS frameless range or the DX Series, both of which are available double sided.

To ensure you get the right fire for you and your home, it’s best to visit your nearest dealer and talk through your personal requirements with them.

Find out more about choosing a gas fireplace for a new build here or find your local dealer here.

Like you would for a new build, you also need to decide if the fire is your primary, secondary or occasional heat source.

It will also depend on the extent of the renovation that you’re undertaking. For example, a simple living room renovation will involve less planning, work and cost than a major extension or structural alteration. If you’re simply undertaking a smaller renovation or home update without any major structural work, a retrofittable gas insert fireplace might suit you (and won’t cause much disruption).

Escea’s DFS730 Freestanding gas fireplace is ideal for replacing an old freestanding wood burner, whereas the DF700 is the best option for retrofitting a fireplace into an existing cavity or traditional surround.

If you’re installing a completely new fireplace and have the space to build a surround around the fire, then any of the Escea fireplaces will suit – just work out how much heat you require and a design or style that you like.

To ensure you get the right fire for you and your home, it’s best to visit your nearest dealer and talk through your specific requirements with them.

Learn more about choosing a gas fireplace for a renovation here or find your nearest dealer here.

Escea gas fires range from $4,495 to $12,995 to purchase. There are also additional costs involved like the flue kit, installation and optional accessories. Depending on the installation type, there may also be other trade costs involved like builders or tilers.

To avoid any surprises or unwanted costs, make sure you get a full quote from your local dealer and installer first.

Find your nearest Escea dealer here.

The answer depends on a number of factors, as not all gas fires are the same.

There are many different kinds on the market. The biggest difference between the inefficient and the highly efficient gas fires is the way they are flued and how they bring in (and take out) the air used for combustion.

Open fronted gas fires use the room air to burn which makes them less efficient. Sealed, glass fronted gas fires don’t need any air from your home – they draw air from outside the house in one flue, and expel the combusted air outside through another flue.  Less energy is wasted and there’s no risk of any gas smell or exhaust in the home.

This is known as a Direct Vent system and it can make a fire up to 95% efficient – compared to an open fronted fireplace at around 45%. 

Running cost is also dependent on how big the fire is (which will determine how much gas is used), how often the gas fire is used and the gas provider and supply costs.

Learn more about gas fire running costs here.