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The Fireplace & Stove Specialists

Here at ELB Fireplaces we’re experts in Fireplaces, Multifuel stoves / Log burning stoves, Electric fires and Gas fires so we can help you find the perfect addition to your home. Our fireplace showroom in Leigh is easily reachable from the whole of the northwest, including Manchester and the surrounding areas.

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31 Mar, 2025

Electric Fireplaces vs. Traditional Fires: Which is Right for Your Home?

To create a warm and inviting atmosphere in your home, few features rival the charm of a fireplace. ELB Fireplaces, a trusted provider of high-quality Electric Fireplaces and Traditional Fires, offers various options to suit every style and preference. With advancements in modern technology, however, many homeowners face the decision between electric fireplaces and traditional fires. Each option offers its advantages and drawbacks, making the best choice dependent on convenience, cost, energy efficiency, and aesthetics. In this guide, we will explore the key differences between electric fireplaces and traditional fires to help you make an informed decision.   Installation and Convenience of Electric Fireplaces vs. Traditional Fires Electric Fireplaces: If you’re looking for a hassle-free installation, an electric fireplace is the winner. Most electric fires are designed to be plug-and-play, requiring only a standard power outlet. Wall-mounted and freestanding models offer flexibility, making installation easier for an electric fire in any room. Additionally, there’s no need for a chimney, ventilation, or gas lines, making them a perfect solution for apartments, modern homes, and offices. With remote controls and programmable timers, controlling the heat and flame settings is effortless.   Traditional Fires: While a traditional wood-burning or gas fireplace is timeless and authentic, it requires more extensive installation. Wood-burning fires need a chimney and proper ventilation to prevent smoke build-up, while gas fires require a connection to a gas line. The installation process can be costly and time-consuming, especially if your home doesn’t have a chimney. If you’re after a genuine crackling flame and the scent of burning wood, the additional effort may be worth it. However, maintenance, including chimney cleaning and ash removal, can add to the long-term inconvenience. Heat Efficiency and Energy Consumption on Electric Fireplaces and Traditional Fires Electric Fireplaces: When it comes to energy efficiency, electric fireplaces excel. They convert nearly 100% of the electricity into heat, ensuring minimal energy wastage. Most electric fires come with adjustable heat settings, allowing you to control the temperature to suit your comfort. Since electric fires do not rely on burning fuel, there’s no heat loss through a chimney, making them ideal for zone heating. This can help reduce overall heating costs by allowing you to heat only the rooms in use, saving money on energy bills.   Traditional Fires: Traditional fires, while undeniably charming, are less energy efficient. Wood-burning fireplaces can lose up to 80% of the heat they produce through the chimney. Gas fires are slightly more efficient but still lose heat through ventilation systems. If you depend on a traditional fireplace as your main heat source, you might end up spending more on fuel or gas to keep a consistent temperature. For homeowners who want to reduce energy consumption and costs, an electric fireplace is a much more economical choice.   Ambience and Aesthetics of Electric Fireplaces vs. Traditional Fires Electric Fireplaces: Modern electric fireplaces have improved in replicating the visual appeal of real flames. Many models offer realistic flame effects with LED technology, allowing you to adjust brightness, colours, and even ember bed appearances. While electric fires provide impressive aesthetics, they may not fully capture the sensory experience of a traditional fire. However, they’re an option for homeowners who value a cosy atmosphere without the mess and maintenance of real fires.   Traditional Fires: For those who appreciate the authenticity of a roaring fire, a traditional wood-burning fireplace delivers an unmatched experience. The crackle of burning wood, the flicker of real flames, and the aroma of a wood fire create a sensory ambience that’s difficult to replicate. Gas fireplaces can also mimic the look of a traditional fire while offering a cleaner and more convenient alternative to wood-burning models. If ambience and authenticity are a priority, a traditional fire may be worth considering despite the additional effort required.   Safety Considerations for Electric Fireplaces and Traditional Fires  Electric Fireplaces: Safety is a factor where electric fireplaces shine. Since no actual combustion occurs, there’s no risk of carbon monoxide poisoning, smoke inhalation, or uncontrolled flames. The surface of an electric fire also remains cool to the touch, making it a safer option for homes with young children and pets. Modern models are equipped with overheat protection and automatic shut-off features, giving homeowners peace of mind. Traditional Fires: While traditional fires create a beautiful ambience, they come with increased safety risks. Wood-burning fireplaces can produce harmful pollutants and creosote build-up, leading to chimney fires if not regularly maintained. Gas fires are safer but require careful monitoring of gas lines and ventilation to prevent leaks or blockages. If safety is your top priority, electric fires offer a worry-free alternative.   Maintenance and Longevity Electric Fireplaces: Since there’s no combustion or soot, there’s no need for chimney sweeping, ash removal, or gas line inspections. The only maintenance required is occasional dusting and ensuring the electrical components remain in good condition. With a lifespan of 10-20 years, electric fireplaces offer long-term durability with little effort.   Traditional Fires: Wood-burning fireplaces require regular chimney cleaning to prevent dangerous creosote build-up. Gas fires are easier to maintain but need periodic inspections to ensure safe operation. If you’re looking for a low-maintenance heating solution, an electric fireplace is the perfect choice. Environmental Impact of Electric Fireplaces vs. Traditional Fires Electric Fireplaces: Electric fireplaces are an eco-friendly choice. Since they don’t burn fuel or release emissions, they reduce your home’s carbon footprint. Many models use energy-efficient LED technology, further lowering environmental impact. If sustainability is a priority for you, an electric fire offers a greener heating alternative.   Traditional Fires: Wood-burning fireplaces contribute to air pollution and carbon emissions, while gas fires rely on non-renewable natural gas. Although the charm of a traditional fire is appealing, its environmental impact may be a concern for eco-conscious homeowners. Electric Fireplaces or Traditional Fires: Which Is Right for Your Home? Choosing between an electric fireplace and a traditional fire is ultimately your priority. Choose an Electric Fireplace: You prefer convenience, energy efficiency, and minimal maintenance. Electric fires are ideal for modern homes where safety, cost savings, and environmental impact are key considerations. Opt for a Traditional Fire: You value authenticity, ambience, and the sensory experience of a real fire. A traditional fire may be worth the extra effort for those who appreciate the timeless charm of burning wood or gas flames. Whichever option you choose, ELB Fireplaces in Leigh offers an extensive range of electric fires and traditional fireplaces to suit every style and need. Visit our showroom or browse our online collection to find the perfect fireplace for your home.   Explore Our Range Today! Discover the warmth and elegance of electric and traditional fires with ELB Fireplaces. Whether you are upgrading your living space or adding a cosy touch to your home, we have the perfect solution.  

25 Mar, 2025

Wood Burning Stoves: A Sustainable Choice for Your Home

Wood burning stoves have become an increasingly popular addition to homes across the UK. Offering warmth and charm while promoting a sustainable lifestyle. At ELB Fireplaces, we have seen a growing demand for wood-burning stoves in Leigh and surrounding areas. For homeowners looking to reduce their carbon footprint and embrace eco-friendly heating solutions, but beyond their aesthetic appeal and environmental benefits, wood burning stoves require careful consideration. This is in order to ensure they comply with regulations and operate efficiently. If you are considering installing a stove make sure to understand the advantages, regulations, and maintenance practices. Therefore, this will help you make an informed decision while keeping your home warm and eco-conscious.   Why Choose a Wood Burning Stove? A wood burning stove is more than just a heat source—it is comfort, sustainability, and cost-effectiveness. Here is why many homeowners are opting for woodburning stoves: ✅ Sustainability and Eco-Friendliness Wood burning stoves use renewable resources as fuel, making them a more sustainable heating option, unlike fossil fuels. When sourced responsibly from sustainable forests, wood burning contributes significantly less to carbon emissions than gas or oil. Burning wood releases only the amount of carbon dioxide the tree absorbs during its lifetime, so makes it a carbon-neutral choice. ✅ Energy Efficiency and Cost Savings Modern wood-burning stoves are designed to maximise heat output while minimising waste. They can achieve up to 80% energy efficiency, meaning less fuel is needed to produce consistent warmth.  This efficiency lowers heating costs, particularly in colder months when central heating systems are overused. ✅ Aesthetic Appeal and Ambience Few things can match the cosy atmosphere created by a crackling fire. Whether you prefer a traditional or contemporary design, a woodburning stove adds a touch of timeless charm to any living space. At ELB Fireplaces, we offer a wide range of stoves to suit various home styles, ensuring that your stove provides warmth and enhances your home’s interior.   Understanding Regulations and Eco-Design Compliance With growing concerns about air quality and emissions, homeowners must choose a wood burning stove that meets the latest environmental standards. ✅ Ecodesign Regulations Since January 2022, all new wood burning stoves sold in the UK must comply with Ecodesign regulations, which set strict limits on particulate emissions, carbon monoxide, and other pollutants. These regulations aim to improve air quality while ensuring that stoves operate efficiently. At ELB Fireplaces, we only supply Ecodesign-compliant stoves that adhere to these guidelines, giving our customers peace of mind that their stove meets the highest environmental standards. ✅ DEFRA-Approved Stoves for Smoke Control Areas If you live in a smoke control area, like many parts of Greater Manchester, you must choose a DEFRA (Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs) approved stove. These stoves are designed to burn wood with minimal smoke emissions, ensuring compliance with local regulations. Our range of DEFRA-approved woodburning stoves ensures that you can enjoy the warmth of a real fire without compromising on air quality. ✅ The Importance of Proper Installation To ensure safety and compliance with building regulations, a wood burning stove must be installed by a qualified professional, such as a HETAS-registered installer. This guarantees that your stove meets the required standards and operates safely and efficiently.   Top Tips for Maintaining Your Wood Burning Stove Proper maintenance not only prolongs the life of your stove but also ensures it continues to operate efficiently and safely. Here are some key tips to keep your woodburning stove in top condition: 🔥 Regular Chimney Sweeping A clean chimney is essential for preventing the build-up of creosote, a highly flammable substance that can lead to chimney fires. It’s recommended that your chimney be swept at least once a year, preferably before the winter season. 🔥 Use Seasoned Wood for Better Efficiency Using dry, well-seasoned wood with a moisture content below 20% is crucial for efficient burning. Wet or unseasoned wood produces more smoke and deposits more creosote in the chimney. This, therefore, reduces the stove’s efficiency and heightens the risk of damage. 🔥 Check and Replace Gaskets as Needed Over time, the gaskets on your stove door can wear out, allowing air to leak in and reducing the stove’s efficiency. Inspect these regularly and replace them when necessary to maintain a tight seal. 🔥 Clean the Stove Glass and Interior To maintain your stove's appearance, regularly clean the glass using a stove glass cleaner or a homemade solution of vinegar and water. Clear away ash build-up from the firebox to prevent clogging and enhance airflow. Finding the Perfect Wood Burning Stove at ELB Fireplaces At ELB Fireplaces, we pride ourselves on providing high-quality woodburning stoves. That combines style, efficiency, and compliance with the latest environmental standards. Whether in Leigh or the surrounding areas, our expert team can help you select the perfect stove for your home, ensuring you get the best performance and aesthetics. Wide Range of Eco-Design Compliant Stoves Professional Installation by Qualified Experts Comprehensive Aftercare and Maintenance Advice   Why Leigh Homeowners Trust ELB Fireplaces With a strong local presence and a reputation for excellence ELB Fireplaces has become the go-to provider for wood burning stoves in Leigh. Our customers trust us to deliver reliable products and expert advice. Ensuring they enjoy the benefits of a warm, sustainable, and stylish home. If you are ready to embrace a wood burning stove, visit our showroom or contact us today to explore our range of eco-friendly stoves. Our knowledgeable team is on hand to guide you through the selection and installation process. Ultimately, ensuring you find the perfect fit for your home.   Final Thoughts A wood burning stove is a practical heating solution and a sustainable investment that enhances your home’s comfort and value. By choosing a Ecodesign-compliant stove, you can enjoy the warmth of a real fire while contributing to a greener future. Explore the range of stoves at ELB Fireplaces and discover how a wood-burning stove can transform your living space today.

27 Feb, 2025

The Best Ways to Upgrade Fire Surrounds in 2025

Upgrading your fireplace surrounds will not only improve your home’s safety but also enhance your living room’s visual appeal. In fact, there are many ways fireplace system adaptations can change your home’s character. These options include cast iron fire surrounds, limestone fire surrounds, marble fire surrounds, and wooden fire surrounds. So, please keep reading for the latest styles and ways ELB Fireplaces transform our most popular fireplaces with practical fireplace surrounds.   The Need for the Perfect Fireplace Surrounds Due to its prominence in your home, a fireplace surround serves as more than mere decoration. Therefore, the ideal fire and surround will set the tone for traditional and modern home decor. A well-designed fireplace surround drastically improves the overall aesthetic and even increases the value of your home. Beyond aesthetics, a fire surround's functionality is equally important. It helps frame and protect the fire, ensuring safety while contributing to the space's atmosphere. So, selecting the perfect fireplace surround is another step closer to an entirely cohesive home interior.   Cast Iron Fireplace Surrounds for a Classic Style with a Modern Edge Cast iron fireplace surrounds have long been associated with period homes but also suit contemporary interiors. Modernise a cast iron fire surround by pairing it with lighter materials, such as limestone or marble. The rich tones of cast iron fireplace surrounds stand out beautifully against softer backdrops for further depth. Alternatively, matte black transforms outdated surrounds and provides an industrial-inspired look. Patterned tiles within the fireplace surround can bolster colour and texture while blending vintage charm with modern design.   Fancy Something Timeless and Elegant? Consider Limestone Fire Surrounds! A limestone fire surround is perfect for homes that love all things minimalist and modern but like to keep their style timeless. Modernise this natural stone feature by: Textured Finishes—Carved or fluted details further the depth of the limestone fireplace surround, making it a focal point. Colour Accents—Complement the neutral tones of a fire surround with a bold backdrop, such as navy blue or deep green. This will add further contrast. Built-in Shelving – Integrating shelving around the fire and surrounding provides a truly beautiful frame for the fire.   Choose Marble Fireplace Surrounds For A Statement of Luxury A marble fireplace surround is the ultimate expression of luxury and adds a different dimension to your home environment. Specifically, the latest trend in 2025 is bold veining, striking patterns that further enhance the grandeur of the fire and surround. Above all, a marble fire surround offers living rooms and dining rooms an incomparable sense of opulence. Choose from classic white marble like Carrara or a more dramatic choice such as Calacatta or Arabescato. On the other hand, you can also opt for a minimalist mantel and fireplace surround design. Their sleek lines bring the marble’s natural beauty to the centre stage. As well as this, pairing a marble fire surround with wood or metal elements creates a balanced atmosphere for further warmth and contrast.   Wooden Fire Surrounds Can Be Both Versatile and Inviting A wooden fire surround is a fantastic option for adding warmth and character to a space. To give it a fresh update: Fluted or Reeded Designs – Textured details add dimension, thus making the wooden fireplace surround a standout feature. Bold Colours – Paint a wooden fire surround in deep tones like forest green or charcoal. This can bring a modern edge to a classic style. Floating Mantel – A floating fire surround creates a contemporary look while maintaining space for decorative touches. Looking for Something Minimalist and Contemporary? Consider Hole-in-the-Wall Fire Surrounds A hole-in-the-wall fire surround is best equipped for homeowners seeking a streamlined and space-saving design. This contemporary style of fireplace surround embraces modern fireplace technology. Linear burners are another excellent option as they can add an architectural quality to the fire and surround. These elongated flames create a mesmerising effect, especially when paired with frameless designs. Finally, this makes the fireplace surround an eye-catching feature even when the fire is not in use. Additionally, incorporating recessed shelving around the hole-in-the-wall fire surround offers complete visual appeal with heating excellence. Finally, this will create a space to store decorative items while maintaining the desired clutter-free look.   Fireplace Installation from ELB Fireplaces By incorporating these design ideas, you can transform your fireplace surround into a stylish and functional centrepiece. 2025 offers endless possibilities for upgrading your fire and surround at ELB Fireplaces Leigh. Visit our Leigh Showroom to discover your dream fireplace system. Make sure to contact our professionals to gain further insight and product information on fire surrounds.