Removing a Gas Fire

Cost of Removing a Gas Fire

The average cost of removing a gas fire is £60 to £90, while to remove a hearth costs about £250 to £500, and removing a chimney lands about £1100 to £1600.

Among the factors for the cost of removing a gas fire, there are:

• Ease of access
• Type and size of fire
• Materials used for removal
• Location of property

Gas Fire Removal Prices

While the price of removing a gas fire is relatively cheap, the costs can soon add up if you're no longer having the hearth or plan on removing the chimney stack itself at the same time.

It's worth noting that waste removal expenses can vary as some contractors/companies will simply include this as part of their overall cost.

However, if you were to hire a rubbish removal team, you’d be looking at paying about £80 to £150 for a removal. As for the cost of hiring a skip, this may land somewhere between £100 and £500.

Labour Costs and Time Frames

Gas safety engineers tend to charge about £100 to £150 per hour and in most cases, labour fees will make up the majority of the cost when removing a gas fire, along with any waste removal expenses that may apply.

The factors that would increase the removal of gas fire cost of labour and work duration are:

• Ease of access
• State of the work area
• Size and type of gas fire
• Materials used for removal

As for the work itself, it will take anywhere from two to eight hours to have a gas fire removed. As for the work duration, you can expect this task to take between two and eight hours.

When it comes to supply costs, these may not apply unless you plan to buy and install a new gas fire at the same time as removing the old one.

Additional Costs

There are a range of added jobs that you may choose to pay for along with removing a gas fire. Let’s take a closer look at some prominent examples.

Removing Gas Pipes

The cost of removing gas pipes varies depending on the complexity of the pipework and accessibility but generally ranges from £100 to £300.

After removing a gas fire, the work involves an engineer safely capping off or remove any leftover gas pipes to ensure there aren't any gas leaks and the work meets current safety standards.

In the event of removing a gas supply from the property altogether, this is likely to come as a separate job.

Installing an Electric Fire

The installation of an electric fire to replace your previous gas one can range from £300 to £1,000, factoring in the cost of the unit itself and any electrical work needed as well as hiring a qualified electrician.

Although, generally speaking, electric fires are easier to install since no gas or flue is needed so the chances are it may be as simple as installing a new power socket.

Gas Safety Certificate

While a Gas Safety Certificate is legally required for landlords, other homeowners may also be interested in having this cert, such as if you’re planning to sell your property.

It costs about £60 to £90 to receive a property inspection and gas safety certificate.

This job involves inspecting a property before a cert is handed over. The following steps are involved:

1. Check an appliance for gas tightness
2. Looking at the pressure of standing and working gas
3. Comparing the gas pressure/burner pressure with the manufacturers plate
4. Ensure that the provision of all required ventilation is up to standard
5. Taking a look at the flue flow to make certain that combustible products are removed
6. Checking that safety devices work as they should
7. Checking for misuse of gas terms or devices

Issues may, however, be highlighted that you’ll need to pay a certified professional to fix.

Installing a Gas Cooker

You may wish to install a gas cooker, in which case the supply & fitting will cost around £300 to £600.

If you have already purchased a gas cooker and just want a professional to install it for you, then you’re looking at paying about £75 to £100

However, specific regulations would apply and it is also essential that a qualified Gas Safe registered engineer installs a gas cooker, rather than trying to get it cheaper by hiring a handyman.

Cost Affecting Factors of Removing a Gas Fire

As with any trades work, there are a range of cost factors that can shape the overall price of removing a gas fire. Here are some common factors.

Type/Size of Gas Fire

The size and type of gas fire is relevant since this will affect how long it takes to remove the gas fire and perhaps the cost of supplies used for removal. The longer the work lasts, the higher labour costs will inevitably be.

Work Area and Ease of Access

As for the work area itself, this is important given that the more accessible and easier the work area is to work with the gas fire is (or the other fittings that are being removed), the quicker, and therefore likely cheaper, the job will be.

Property Location

As for where you live, this is relevant since labour prices differ across the UK. Prices tend to be higher in the southeast of England (London being among the dearest), while costs are generally lower in places like northern England, Scotland, and Northern Ireland.

This is an important consideration since labour prices can vary substantially. The reason that labour prices differ is because labourers face different living costs depending on the region.

What Does Removing a Gas Fire Entail?

Let’s now discuss the steps involved in getting rid of a gas fire.

1. Find a Contractor

First and foremost, you’ll need to hire a gas safety registered engineer to undertake the work. You could find an individual contractor or a company.

It is worth obtaining three quotes for gas fire removal or/and asking your friends and family members for some suggestions. It’s also best to get some references before choosing a contractor/company.

With these steps, you can improve your chances of getting good bang for your buck.

2. Removing the Gas Fire

Again, this part must be undertaken by a certified professional and the work involves the following:

• Shutting off the gas supply at the main valves, eliminating the risk of a gas leak.
• Remove the trim and mantel surrounding the gas fire.
• It's then disconnected from the gas line once accessible.
• Then the gas fire inserts are removed from the fireplace.
• Seal the wall and pipe openings
• Ensure the remaining gas pipes are safely capped

Of course, the exact nature of the process can vary. The above description is generally what takes place but it will depend on the gas fire in question, the individual hired (and their specific approach), and whether any additional work is needed.

3. Clean Up and Waste Removal

If any waste removal is needed, this will take place once the gas fire has been removed and the area sealed up. Either way, the area will need to be cleaned up before the job is entirely complete.

Can You Remove A Gas Fire DIY?

As mentioned previously, this is a job that can only be undertaken by a gas safety registered engineer. Aside from its illegality, removing a gas fire DIY can risk fire and the inhalation of dangerous gases.

• Legal Consequences - DIY removal of a gas fire is illegal and as such can also invalidate your home insurance, leading to further issues.
• Gas Leaks and Fire Risks - Incorrect handling of the gas supply can cause flammable leaks, which can lead to fires or even gas explosions.
• Carbon Monoxide Poisoning - Improper disconnection or ventilation can potentially release carbon monoxide, leading to severe health risks.

Ultimately, it is definitely not recommended to try removing a gas fire yourself, unless you are confident you are legally qualified to do so.

Building Regulations and Planning Permission for Gas Fire Removal

Once a professional undertakes the work there are no building regulations to adhere to, although if you are a landlord and plan to maintain some gas works, then you need to apply for a gas safety certificate.

In terms of planning permission, approval would only be needed in particular circumstances such as if you live in a listed building.

If you have any doubts regarding building regulations or planning permission, it's best to contact your local council. More information can be found on the Planning Portal, which applies to those resident in England and Wales. However, if you’re based in Scotland or Northern Ireland, the rules may differ.

How to Find & Hire a Gas Fire Removal Specialist

Finding the right person for the job is obviously an important consideration if you want to get solid value for money. It goes without saying since you’d need to hire a gas safety registered engineer; you can more than expect a great quality of service but there’s a few ways to make sure you’re not only getting optimal quality but a good price.

As mentioned earlier, a gas safety registered engineer is likely to charge around £100 to £150 an hour.

When hiring a professional, you may want to consider these questions:

• What sort of qualifications do they have? And are they gas safety registered?
• What experience do they have? (ask for some references)
• How about accreditation?
• Does the contractor/company offer any insurance?

To become a gas safety registered engineer, an individual must:

• Undertake an ACS training and assessment
• Undertake on-site gas work
• Get a CCN1 qualification
• Register as a Gas Safe engineer

You can confirm that a person is a gas safety registered engineer by using the Gas Safe Register website, which is exactly what it says on the tin.

FAQs

Sources

https://www.direct-fireplaces.com/resources/gas-fire-vs-central-heating-which-should-you-use/
https://amberglowfireplaces.co.uk/faqs/glass-fronted-gas-fires-efficient-open-fronted-ones/