If you are looking for a cleaner, safer and more eco-friendly alternative to wood fires, then bioethanol fuel fires are a great option. Ethanol fires achieve the same amount of heat as regular wood fires but without the smoke, soot and ash that wood produces. Also, they do not require a chimney allowing you to use them anywhere in your home. So, what are bio ethanol fires and how do they work? What are the benefits of bioethanol, and is it a better option than gas or wood? Let us look at these questions in more detail below.

What Are Bioethanol Fuel Fires?

Bioethanol fires are notable in that they use ethanol fuel instead of wood for burning. Ethanol is an alcohol-based fuel made from fermenting sugar and starch products like cereal crops. It is a clean, renewable resource that when burned produces no smoke, fumes or toxic chemicals. For this reason bioethanol fires do not need a chimney, flue or vent and you can set them up in any place you need. As such, they are a great low maintenance alternative to traditional wood and gas based fires.

How Do Bioethanol Fuel Fires Work?

Bioethanol fires comprise a few parts: the main body, accessories and decorations, and the burner for holding the fuel. Ethanol fires are easy to use: first, pour the ethanol fuel into the burner. Once added, light the fuel with a long gas lighter or similar tool. Once lit, you can control the size of the flame by opening or closing the burner lid. Some more recent models allow you to automatically control the flame with advanced computer systems. The fire should last 4-5 hours, but you can top it up with fuel to last longer (after 10-15 minutes so the fuel has cooled). To extinguish the fire, just close the lid of the burner.

What Are The Bioethanol Benefits?

• Ethanol fuel is completely eco-safe. It is made entirely from plant products and does not produce any toxic chemicals.
• You need no gas or electricity to run it. The fire is run entirely on bio fuel so you will need no mains energy sources, cutting down on costs.
• Since you do not require any chimneys or flues, it is easy to install bioethanol fires in any location you need them.
• With no limits on placement or design, these fires can come in any modern style you prefer for your room.
• They can heat any size of room efficiently, and you can adjust them to create as much heat as you need.

Are Bioethanol Fuel Fires Better Than Wood or Gas?

Bioethanol fuel fires have several advantages over traditional stoves that use wood and gas. For a start, they are much safer to use, both for yourself and for the environment. The fuel produces no toxic emissions: only water, steam and a small amount of carbon dioxide. A bioethanol fire can be set up in any location, making it much more efficient than wood or gas stoves. Finally, no electricity or gas is needed, making it a much more cost effective way to heat your home.

RFC Services

At RFC Services we provide a wide range of stoves and fireplace accessories for your home. To find out more about our range of bio ethanol fireplace products, contact our friendly team online or via phone today.

There are several benefits to owning real flame gas fires, but will they add more value to your home compared to other stove and fireplace options? How much would you expect to pay and how effective are they at heating your home? Here are some gas fire benefits you should consider.

1. Continuous Heat

Perhaps the biggest of the gas fire benefits is its ability to provide ongoing continuous heat throughout the home. There’s no need to keep tending to it: your gas fire will keep running and will keep your home warm for as long as you need it to.

2. Less Maintenance

Real flame gas fires do not need firewood or other fuel sources to operate: just a steady supply of gas. This means you do not have the mess and hassle involved with feeding the fire and cleaning ash and soot as with traditional stoves.

3. Saves Money

With a gas fire you can easily heat the areas in your home that need warmth the most. This can help save on heating costs in the long term. In addition, gas fires are cheaper to install compared to traditional wood fires.

4. Easy to Use

You can turn on real flame gas fires with a simple button press or switch and instantly receive heat. Many come with remote controls and timers for easier operation. In addition, you can install some gas fires where you do not have a chimney.

5. Stylish

You can find gas fires in a huge variety of styles and designs to fit your home décor. Some models will come with traditional designs to emulate classic wood fires while others are sleeker with more modern styling. Whatever your preferred look there is a model just right for you.

6. Eco Friendly

Real flame gas fires release less fumes into the air compared to wood fireplaces. Therefore, their long term usage is much safer for the environment. This makes them a better choice for those looking to cut emissions.

7. More Warmth

Gas fires are more efficient at heating your home compared to open wood fires. At least 75% of gas energy is given as heat compared to up to 30% for open wood fires.

8. Child and Pet Safe

If you have children or pets then you want to ensure your fire is safe. Gas fires should not produce any toxic fumes or open flames (if glass fronted), reducing the risk of injury. A fire guard is always recommended.

9. Easy to Install

Gas fires are relatively easy to install and may not require any major renovation or construction. This makes them a much more affordable option for installation compared to traditional wood fireplaces. Just set your gas fire up wherever you need it and turn it on for instant warmth.

10. Improves Value

By adding a gas fire to your home you can increase its value. Not only is it an appealing addition for potential buyers based on comfort and convenience, but with plenty of stylish models available you can even further increase the value.

RFC Services

Here at RFC Services we have a wide range of gas fires and stoves for your home. To view our range of gas stoves we encourage you to get in touch with us today.

If you are looking for an efficient, low cost and overall effective choice for heating your home, then contemporary electric fires are a great option. Modern electric fires can be easy to install and maintain and will last for a long time. Here are some of the main benefits that come with contemporary electric fires.

1. No Toxic Fumes

The heating element of an electric fire is a fan heater. This means that no toxic fumes or smoke will penetrate your home. Overall, contemporary electric fires are a safer alternative for the whole family.

2. Low Maintenance

Traditional wood fires create ash and smoke and require regular cleaning. Since contemporary electric fires do not need to burn any fuel very little maintenance is required. Just a vacuum around the heating element to keep house dust at bay.

3. Low Installation Costs

Many fireplaces can cost a lot of money to install due to all the components needed. The only thing electric fireplaces need to run is access to a suitable power source. No need to worry about installing chimneys or flues: all you need to work out is the type of electric fire that will best suit your needs.

4. More Energy Efficient

One of the greatest benefits of contemporary electric fires is that they can heat up a room quickly and effectively. This is called supplemental heating and is a much more efficient way to heat the home without driving up energy bills.

5. Long Lasting

One of the downsides with traditional heaters is that they succumb to rust and corrosion over time, becoming less reliable. Electric fires can last a long time without these issues and can still work as good as new even after many years of use.

6. Easy to Install

For most contemporary electric fires you only need to plug it into a power source in order for it to work. Unlike traditional fires there is no need to knock down walls or remodel the room. Also, they can be installed anywhere you need them so long as they have access to power.

7. Many Design Choices

Electric fires have many options for designs and features available. From small heaters that are useful for compact spaces to traditional-looking fireplace designs suitable for grand homes, there is a design out there just right for you.

8. Better Safety

Traditional fires come with a host of potential hazards: from toxic fumes to hot surfaces that can cause serious burns. Electric fires feature built-in safety features that ensure even children can use them without the risk of harm.

9. Year Round Heating

For traditional fires usage tends to be restricted to certain times of the year dictated by the weather. Since electric fires use no consumables you can safely use them to heat your home at any time of the year.

10. Environmentally Friendly

In addition to toxic fumes, wood and gas fires can release harmful chemicals into the atmosphere. Since electric fires produce no polluting chemicals they are much safer for the environment overall.

RFC Services

Here at RFC Services we supply a wide range of electric fires from brands such as Dimplex, Evonics, Elgin & Hall, Stovax, Gazco, ACR, Ekofires and Broseley. To enquire about your own electric fireplace installation visit us online or speak with our friendly team by phone today.

If the fireplace is the heart of the home, choosing the right fireside accessories is essential. Even the most beautiful fireplace and hearth can be spoiled if the things that surround it look out of place.

In recent years, there has been a resurgence of interest in the fireplace as a focal point. So much so, that it’s now a key feature of many interior designs. But how do you choose the right fireplace companion set, and what materials would best suit your fireplace?

Here at RFC Services, we’ve been helping customers to make the most of their fireplaces for over 20 years. Hugely experienced in the supply and installation of all types of fires, we’re here to offer assistance and advice. Whether you’re accessorising a new fire or giving an existing one a makeover, we can help.

Why do we need accessories?

Fireplace accessories have been an essential part of our homes for hundreds of years. When cooking was done over the fire, you needed the right tools to make sure the temperature was constant. And as was the fashion in the past, if you had to have tools, they might as well look stylish.

That tradition has continued, and although we no longer cook over the fire, we still need to be able to control it. We also need to keep our homes and our families safe from harm. Decorative fire screens, fenders and implements for opening stove doors are still indispensable tools.

Choosing the right fireside accessories

Whether you chose iron, brass or copper fireside accessories will depend on your personal taste. But, it’s always a good idea to pick something that will suit the style of your fire. For example, a fireplace companion set in black would naturally complement a black wood burner or stove. If you like to mix contemporary with traditional, there’s nothing wrong with that, either.

Aside from the decorative aspect, it’s also advisable to think about the function of your fireside accessories. Tools such as tongs, a poker and a shovel will be essential items for an open fire or wood burner. And if there are children or pets in the house, an effective fire screen should be top of your list.

Styles and finishes

The good news is, fireside accessories are available in a huge range of styles and finishes. From stylish copper fireside accessories to rustic iron tools, the choice is entirely yours. A traditional style for a traditional setting is not a rule, but it’s often a good place to start. Equally, if Art Deco is your thing, don’t be afraid to experiment.

RFC Services

Here at RFC Services, we don’t just install beautiful fires and stoves. We also supply everything you need to bring them to life, including fireside accessories and fuel. We offer a stunning range of companion sets, fire guards and log baskets to suit every style of home. For more information or helpful advice, get in touch with our friendly team today to discuss your needs.

If you are thinking of buying a wood burning stove, there are a few factors you need to consider. Is your home well suited for accommodating a log burner, and can it warm the entire layout effectively? How efficient would a log burner need to be when it comes to fuel usage vs heat generated? How much maintenance will it require? In this guide, we will look at these questions so you can decide on the best wood burning stove for your home.

1. Storage Space

You will need a lot of space to store fuel for your wood burning stove. An average size stove will use between 1 to 1.25 tonnes of wood a year; therefore, this will help you to calculate how much storage space you will need. It is important to set aside a space where the logs will be safe from moisture or rain. In addition, as buying logs in bulk is the most cost effective way of buying fuel, make sure you have a space that is easily accessible for deliveries.

2. Heating Area

Wood burning stoves are great for heating up a specific room or area in the house. However, if you want to heat up other rooms, or even the whole house, you might need some kind of central heating system. For example, a small wood burning stove connected to a biomass boiler can generate heat for the entire home. So, it is a good idea to explore central heating options if you plan on heating your whole home. Unfortunately we do not offer a full central heating service.

3. Fuel Efficiency

In order to have an effective wood burning stove, you will need it to generate enough heat for the amount of fuel you burn. You will also want to have a relatively low impact on the environment. Avoid fuel sources like coal or wet logs that can generate harmful pollutants. new legislation means that you shouldn’t be able to buy wet logs or house coal. In addition, improved insulation in the home can help reduce the amount of fuel you need to burn to stay warm.

4. Regular Maintenance

Another factor to consider before deciding to purchase a small wood burning stove is how often you will need to maintain it. When in use, log burners take a little preparation to light, followed by continued re-fuelling to keep it burning. The best thing about burning dry wood is that you do not need to clean out the stove after every fire. Wood even burns better on a bed of ash. You will need to have your chimney cleaned once or twice a year as well as having your burner serviced. You should carefully consider all these factors before purchasing a wood burner.

5. Other Features

Each wood burning stove will come with a range of features that you need to consider. Some will have removable ash pans for easier cleaning, others have differing methods of controlling the heat output. It is recommended that you check the features of various log burners to see which ones will work best for you.

RFC Services

Here at RFC Services we have a wide range of heating solutions suitable for your home. To find out more about our range of wood burners, contact our friendly team online or via phone today.

More Information

For more information on wood burning stoves do read some of our other articles about wood burning stoves: How to Clean Wood Burner Glass: Keep your Stove Glowing and Installing a Wood Burning Stove in An Existing Fireplace.

There are several reasons why you should invest in an electric log burner for your home. For a start, they are easy to use and can create heat with just the touch of a button. Electric stoves require very little maintenance, are cost-effective and can be installed in any location you need. In addition, they do not produce any toxic fumes and are much more eco-friendly than regular log burners. So, what other reasons are there for investing in an electric log burner? Here are some of the main electric stove benefits you should consider.

ACR Neo Electric Stove

1. Convenient

With traditional log burners and stoves, you often had to go through a lengthy process to start a fire and then keep it burning. Electric log burners give you the right amount of heat instantly with the press of a button. Some of our fireplaces even have Bluetooth functionality, so you can operate them from your mobile device from any location.

2. Low Maintenance

Because electric stoves eliminate the work needed to run traditional wood stoves, they are much easier to keep clean and maintain. Without the need for chopping wood or cleaning soot and ash out of chimneys, you can relax and enjoy the warmth of your stove. Other than changing the bulb when needed and wiping down the front screen, your stove is virtually maintenance-free.

3. Eco-Safe

One of the key electric stove benefits is that they do not produce any harmful smoke or fumes. Since no natural resources are used other than a small amount of electricity, electric burners are much more efficient to use. For the most carbon-neutral fire, electric burners are the best option available.

4. Low Cost

Not only are electric log burners more affordable than wood, coal or gas, they also heat your home more effectively. This will help to reduce energy costs, saving you money in the long term. Where traditional heating methods tend to lose much of their heat, electric burners waste little of their energy and cost much less to run.

5. Versatile

Many traditional stoves need costly and disruptive installations such as chimneys, flues and gas lines to work. Electric stoves only need to be placed near an electrical outlet, meaning they can be set up and used anywhere you need. Just plug it in and turn it on for instant heat.

6. Safe

As electric burners do not use wood or other resources to create heat, there is little risk of fire or inhaling smoke. Electric heaters are much safer to operate and have built-in features that will shut it off should any faults occur.

7. Stylish

Electric burners allow for a greater level of customisation compared to traditional stoves, and the design possibilities are limitless. They will make a great focal point in any room, improving the comfort and look of your living space.

Using RFC Services

At RFC Services, we supply a wide range of high-quality electric log burners for your home, business or any premises. To find out more about our range of electric fireplaces, visit us online or speak with our friendly team via phone. For the best quality electric burners for your home, contact RFC Services today.

As winter approaches our thoughts often turn to new fireplaces, and how much an update could improve our living room. For instance, picturing Christmas decorations and cosy homes often centre around the fireplace, with stockings, tinsel, a warm glow and content friends and family.

The type of fireplace you have may make a difference. If it is time for you to upgrade, a key element to consider is the finish, from rustic wood to elegant marble. You will need to think about style, which should blend in with your existing décor. Choosing your fireplace carefully can define your living space and bring that desired warm glow to the winter months.

Let us Help You Choose the Perfect Fireplace For You

There is a wealth of expert advice available online when it comes to fireplace inspiration. However, If you already have ideas for your fireplace remodel, industry professionals like RFC Services can help you bring them to life in the best way possible.

Look at your living room and ask yourself what statement it makes about you and your home. Is it elegant or industrial, shabby chic or clean and contemporary? Whatever the style, your fireplace should reflect the look you are trying to convey.

Your choice of fireplace designs will be influenced by the age and appearance of your home itself. For an elegant house with high ceiling you might choose a design in marble to reflect that period look. Alternatively, you could create a contrast with something more bold and modern.

For a less spacious new build, your fireplace design ideas may focus more on contemporary style and function. Clean wood, concrete or exposed brick are all options you could discuss with a specialist in fireplace design at RFC Services.

Contemporary Fireplace Design and Modern Living

In recent years there has been a shift away from traditional fireplace design ideas, leaving the way open for fresh concepts. You may still prefer a conventional fireplace with a mantelpiece, but there are now many more options to consider.

Fireplace designs are becoming increasingly less rigid, with greater opportunities to create something different. Even if you love your fire surrounding and don’t want to lose it, you are free to change what goes inside it. A traditional fireplace with a contemporary industrial style wood burner in it can be a bold and attractive feature.

Gas and Electric Fires

There was a time when every fireplace was home to a real open fire, simply because there was no other choice. For many, the desire for a real fire was driven by the often inferior appearance of gas and electric fires at the time, but things have changed. In other words, many of the gas and electric fires currently on the market are attractive, functional and beautifully designed.

Gas fires are a popular option because they provide real flames without the inconvenience of having to store coal or wood. But electric fires have also advanced significantly. They can be used to create stunning effects in the right setting. The flexibility these appliances offer has also widened the range of choice when it comes to fireplace design ideas.

From simple and contemporary styles to grand designs using exposed brickwork, anything is possible. Not surprisingly, modern fireplace designers are making the most of these new opportunities, creating striking design concepts for their customers.

At RFC Services we like to get to know our customers, and are happy to sit down and discuss their ideas with them. When we understand what it is you’re looking for, our aim is to provide the best and most cost effective solution for your fireplace.

Contact us or call in and talk to us, and let us help you achieve your vision. We have an accessible car park and central location.

COVID-19 prevention measures

• One customer/family at a time in the showroom.
• Sanitiser available and mask required.
• 2M distancing.
• We clean all possible contact points in between visitors.

There is nothing better than enjoying the natural environment in the company of a crackling fire. The good news is that there are numerous outdoor fireplaces to select if you are hoping to add a touch of comfort and class to your home. What are some common fireplace options, what advantages does each have to offer, and why are many homeowners now choosing bio ethanol designs? These are all interesting questions to consider if you hope to make an informed decision when choosing the best outdoor fireplace.

Some Common Outdoor Fireplace Design Ideas

You will first need to take into account where the fireplace will be located. For example, those who wish to create a more centralised atmosphere may benefit from a free-standing container-style design. You could also select an outdoor stove that is embedded within an existing wall (common if a deck or patio is found adjacent to your home).

What Nearby Elements Should be Included?

Comfort is king in terms of your fireplace options. Of course, be sure to take into account the design of the fireplace itself so that it blends with the nearby environment. A number of quality fireplace products can also be included so that nothing is left to chance. Here are some examples:

• Child-proof safety screens
• A hearth tidy
• Various pokers
• A fireplace bellow

These elements can all be included within the existing design in order to create a stunning ambience.

What Types of Fuel Sources Should be Considered?

There is no doubt that outdoor wood burning fireplaces are known for their traditional appeal. Some of the latest models have been designed to greatly reduce the amount of grey smoke emitted from the fire bowl when compared with traditional fire pits. Come and see them in our showroom,

An excellent alternative involves the use of bio ethanol. Not only is this fuel source extremely efficient, but it is a carbon-neutral means to keep warm while enjoying the outdoors. A bio ethanol fireplace will provide you with a host of design options, so the installation process is straightforward.

Other Benefits of Outdoor Bio Ethanol Hearths

These fireplaces are designed to offer you a safer burn and a greater control over the fire itself. A fire powered by bio ethanol is nearly identical to a traditional gas fire. Free-standing and L-shaped designs are both available, so flexibility is never an issue.

RFC Services is pleased to offer numerous outdoor ‘new wave’ fire pits and bio ethanol fireplaces manufactured by Planika; one of the most respected names in the business. If you would like to learn more about your outdoor fireplace design options or to appreciate the line of products that we supply, please take a moment to contact a customer service specialist at your convenience.

Fireplaces have always represented the hearth of a traditional English home. There are now numerous fireplace options at your disposal and some of these will depend upon personal heating preferences. However, it is also important to point out that fireplaces and related fireplace products will soon to be subject to a new set of legislative guidelines. Let’s look at what these regulations mean in terms of traditional home heating methods as well as whether it is better to choose a stove or a fireplace.

What Do the Guidelines Have to Say?

A new type of legislation is set to come into effect in 2022, known as “Ecodesign 2022”. Stoves will need to adhere to strict regulations in order to be approved for sale. The Ecodesign legislation is the stove industry’s response to the DEFRA clean air strategy. The ultimate intention involves reducing greenhouse gas emissions. This brings us to the next question. Would a traditional wood burning stove or a fireplace be the wisest option if you are looking to lower the carbon footprint of your home? Are gas-powered units more efficient?

Stove or Fireplace? Which Makes the Most Sense?

In order to determine whether a stove or fireplace is the best solution, we will look at three important factors:

• Efficiency
• Safety
• Environmental friendliness

When it comes to efficiency, a wood burning unit is the most effective. This arises from the simple fact that 90% of the heat associated with a fireplace can be lost through its chimney.

When referring to safety, both heating solutions should be considered. While most fireplaces come equipped with mesh grates, sparks may still accidentally leave the hearth. Furthermore, dangerous gases may accumulate if the chimney flue becomes blocked. While these are not as concerning with wood-burning stoves, it is always possible to be scalded by their hot surfaces (particularly if children are present).

Environmental friendliness is a final variable. Due to the fact that wood-burning stoves tend to be more efficient, they are generally considered to be the best choice if you are concerned about the environment. However, certain types of wood placed within a fireplace are also capable of hugely lowering the carbon footprint of your home.

Why Gas Could be the Best Solution When Compared to a Stove or Fireplace

There are advantages and drawbacks associated with each of the options mentioned above. This is why many homeowners are now choosing quality gas stoves. Here are some of the benefits which you can expect to enjoy:

• These stoves are extremely low-maintenance solutions.
• They are able to evenly heat a room.
• You will no longer need to be concerned about stockpiling wood.
• You can choose from a wide array designs.

Please get in contact with our team at RFC Services if you have any questions or need helpful advice on the best option for your home.

With the lockdown coming at one of our busiest times of the year it is of no surprise to find that we have quite a backlog of installations to undertake. But don’t let that stop you from coming to see us or getting us out to help you decide on your new fireplace. Be assured we are working hard to catch up so that by the time Autumn comes we should be back to normal. Make your decisions now so you are ready for the chilly evenings.