Gas fires are extremely energy efficient because they can be switched off at the touch of a button

‘One click and we’re off‘ is the gas fire’s trump card, plus it’s cleaner in terms of maintenance (no cleaning out the grate, no biannual visit from a chimney sweep). A gas fire must be installed by a fitter who is CORGI registered (Confederation of Registered Gas Installers), and for safety reasons you should have your fire checked once a year. You may be able to use an existing chimney for the gas flue (your fitter can advise you), if not it doubles 
the overall cost.