While you do need council consent for a wood burner, consent is not required for a gas fire. 

Instead of being consented by the local council, gas fires are certified by the gas fitters themselves. The gas fitters are trained for their role and they take full responsibility for the installation process. Because the process for installing a gas fire is prescribed by the Gas Code, the council sees no reason to become involved. While the gas fire installation, unlike a wood fire installation, doesn’t require council consent, the process is still very closely monitored. Once a gasfitter has installed your gas fire, they will issue you with a Code of Compliance certificate for the work.

You can find more about New Zealand gas fitters at the Plumbers, Gasfitters and Drainlayers Board website here.

In Australia, please check with your local government authority as regulations may differ depending which state you live in.

Learn more about gas fireplaces and council consents here.

Unless it is an electric fireplace, your indoor fireplace, whether its gas, wood, open or closed fronted, must have a flue.

You’ll notice that most fireplaces you see on the market require a vertical flue. Escea flexible flue system and Direct Vent Power Flue technology however gives you complete design freedom when it comes to the design and install of your gas fireplace – the flue can run through the walls, ceiling or even under the floor.

The key is in the externally mounted fan at the end of the flue which removes the fire’s exhaust air and pushes fresh air from outside for combustion. This fluing system is what enables the flues to be run underfloor or through the ceiling with a vertical or horizontal termination.

Learn more about Direct Vent Gas Fireplace technology here.

Yes. Escea offers two options for replacing an old wood burner. If the wood burner is freestanding, you can easily replace this with a freestanding gas fireplace (Escea DFS730). The flue can be run vertically just like the old wood burner, or out a wall if required. The DFS730 doesn’t require a hearth either so you don’t need to worry about leaving space for this.

If you are replacing an inbuilt wood burner, you can replace and retrofit this with an Escea DF700. The DF700 ideal for this purpose, especially if you have an existing cavity and fireplace surround that you want to keep.

The sleek design and smaller dimensions of the DF Series mean it will fit into most existing décor too.

Learn more about retrofitting a fireplace here.

It’s difficult to say because installation costs will vary significantly depending on a number of factors.

If you are retrofitting an existing fireplace with a DF model, installation should be quite straightforward. Especially if you are keeping the existing surround and don’t need to build any structures around the fire, a gas fitter or plumber can simply do the install for you (usually only taking 1-2 days).

If it’s a larger renovation or new build, cost will be higher and installation will take a little longer.

For example, the installation of a DX requires heat ducting installed throughout the home whereas a DL, DS, of DF is simply vented through the front of the fireplace then directly outside.

Cost will depend on the complexity of the install too – is it a multi storey building? Is the fire single or double sided? Do you require a structure to be built around the fire? What material is the fire going to be cladded with? 

We recommend you talk this through with your local Escea dealer so you can get a better understanding of what’s involved in the installation process and an accurate quote based on your personal requirements.

Find your nearest dealer here.

A new gas fireplace must be installed and a code of compliance certificate issued by a registered gasfitter or plumber. The risks of having someone install a gas fireplace that’s not suitably qualified or registered is unsafe, and may result in a faulty install.

Make sure you check that the installer is fully qualified and registered.

Find your nearest service agent here.

Just as you would regularly service your car, you need to get your fireplace checked regularly by a registered gas fitter or plumber too. It’s highly recommended that you service your fireplace every year.  This will not only prolong the life of your gas fireplace, but also ensure your home and family is kept safe and warm too.

Find your nearest service agent here.

You don’t need an architect to install a gas fireplace, however if the installation requires the design and build of an enclosure or has a complex flue system, you will need to engage someone that’s qualified to help.

For most straightforward retrofit installations that have an existing cavity, you shouldn’t require an architect or draughtsperson. For multi-level buildings, renovations and new builds, you will need to engage an architect or draughtsperson to ensure the fireplace meets all installation requirements and building codes.

Escea offers a free Architectural Advisory service to help you or your design team with any installation questions you might have.

Learn more about the Architectural Advisory team or contact them here.