Will my gas fire or gas heater work using any type of gas?

The extraction of natural gas in the UK, including fracking, is under discussion. New alternatives for UK natural gas are increasingly being sought. Demand is increasing, while production in the UK is decreasing. In the meantime, to continue meeting demand, gas will need to be imported from abroad.

In the 1970s, the UK changed from town gas, generated by coal, to natural gas from the North Sea. The composition of this G20 gas has remained the same ever since, even though some of the gas we use is imported from overseas.

You may wonder what the implications are for fuelling your gas fire. Natural gas or gas that comes from various origins is not necessarily always usable for the same appliance. 

Incidentally, this development does not mean that gas fires and gas heaters will eventually disappear. It does mean that the composition of natural gas may change in the UK.

Gas that is derived from fracking or biomass will have a different composition to the current natural gas, so DRU is preparing for all eventualities.

Well prepared for alternative gas compositions

DRU anticipates these developments when we design and manufacture our new, energy-efficient fires and heaters. All DRU gas fires have now been equipped with the VBS system (Vario Burner System) and have been approved for new types of gas. These fires can be recognised by the above symbol 'New Natural Gas'. This guarantees you many years of warmth and comfort from a beautiful gas fire. You are ready for the future with a DRU gas fire.

Which types of gas does my gas heater or gas fire use?

Are you still unsure about whether the new gas fire or heater that you have in mind is suitable for the new gas types? Or are you wondering whether your existing gas fire or heater is suitable or can be made suitable for burning other types of gas? Our official dealers are well informed about the developments in this area.

Can I run my fire or heater on propane or butane gas?

Do you have no gas connection, but still want a fire that is easy to operate and creates warmth and atmosphere in your home? Many DRU gas fires are available in versions suitable for bottled gas such as propane and butane. We do not charge an additional fee for this. 

There are, however, some extra points for attention if you want to fuel your fire with bottled gas. You need to ensure safe storage and the gas bottles must be stored with the bottle tap in the upward position. Make sure you are well informed before the installation of a fire suitable for bottled gas. This will avoid hazardous situations. Propane gas is also ideally suited for storing in large tanks.

The different types of gas at a glance

Various types of gas have already been reviewed. For clarity’s sake you will find a list of all gas types below and any special properties.

  • In the UK we use G20 – a pure form of Methane gas and G31 propane gas for appliances that are compatible with LPG.
  • In the Netherlands, we use G25.3 gas, a mixture of Methane, Nitrogen and Sulphur
  • Butane gas is sold in bottles. This type of gas is not suitable for conditions where the ambient temperature is below 5°C. Butane gas is therefore a less suitable fuel solution in a property such as a holiday home, which can cool down considerably during the winter.
  • Propane can be used up to temperatures of -42°C and is also suitable for storage in larger tanks. Most gas cylinders in the UK are filled with propane.

 

 

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