Why Dimension
Making The Right Choice
There are so many different styles, ranges and types of fire that choosing which one is right for you can be rather overwhelming. As a leader in the UK fireplace market Valor are keen to ensure that our customers understand our range and hope this guide will help explain what makes Dimension fires so unique.
Why Choose Electric?
Gas is the traditional source of fuel for domestic fires. Gas fires have been the preferred option due to availability of fuel supply, the prevalence of chimneys within homes, running cost and appearance. Gas fires offer high heat outputs, and with historically low gas prices were economical to run.
However, in recent years electric fires have become more and more popular. The rise in popularity is in some part due to new build houses and high rise flats/ apartments not having chimneys or flues, resulting in difficulties in specifying and installing traditional gas fires. In addition, the number of homes with central heating installed is greater than ever so fires are used as a top up during cold spells or as a design feature rather than a primary heat source, as a result high heat outputs have become less important. Furthermore, the cost of gas has risen faster than the cost of electricity, meaning running a gas fire is less economical but is still slightly cheaper than running an electric fire for the same heat outputs. Electric fires however enable the flame effect to be used without heat, therefore facilitating all year round usage.
Until now, the main drawback with electric fires has been the failure to unite the flame effect and fuel effect to create the combined effect of a real fire. More often the fuel effect merely sits in front of a flame effect picture, thus creating an unconvincing experience.
This has all changed though, with the introduction of the Valor Dimension range.
The Dimension Technology
We took time to discover exactly what consumers need from an electric fire. Research indicated there are three main indicators for real fire: glow, so that the fire communicates warmth; flame effect, both for authentic colour and believable movement; and fuel effect depth – We call these our ‘triggers of realism’. And although we know our electric fires are not real, we would like to think they are, so using our ‘Triggers of Realism’, we have given the Valor Dimension all the key elements of a real fire. A unique offering in the market place.
Using patented, cutting edge technology, we have created a convincing flame effect that is part of a visually real fuelbed. The impression of depth is comparable to deep-bed fires– even though the fire itself is a highly practical unit that can fit into most fireplaces.
The Dimension Effect
Valor Dimension fires offer an unrivalled degree of realism, with all the warmth, comfort and visual appeal of a real fire and all the benefits of electric. It’s almost impossible to believe that something so slim and compact can look so completely lifelike.
Glow
The colours – deep oranges, red and yellow – are incredibly realistic and naturally associated with an established real fire.
Flame effect
The gentle flickering flames emanate from the heart of the fuel effect, deep within the fire itself. They work in conjunction with the fuelbed to build the impression of an established real fire.
Depth
Valor Dimension fires give the impression of having amazing depth, just like a real fire. Focal depth is nearly double the fire’s actual depth, delivering an utterly realistic fire while remaining slim enough to suit electric installations.
The Range
Glossary
Fuel effect –
the simulated fuel of a fire, normally Coal, Pebble or Log.
Heat output –
the kW value that you can expect to achieve from a fire. The higher the kW output the warmer a fire will feel.
Fuel supply –
the method used to operate a fire. Most common are Natural Gas and Electricity, although fires can also run on Liquid Petroleum Gas and Solid fuels such as Wood, Coal or peat.
Fire place opening –
the section in the chimney where a fire would be situated. Often it will create a recess from the room to allow the working of the fire to be hidden from view. Do not worry if you do not have a fireplace opening, using our handy spacer kits you can install a dimension fire against a flat wall.
Efficiency –
the efficiency of the fire will tell you how much of the energy you are putting in to a fire is being converted into useable heat. For an electric fire you will typically be using 2.kW of electricity for 2.0kW of heat output, so the fire is 100% efficient at point of use. The efficiency of a gas fire is lower, however this is balanced through the lower fuel costs.
Flame effect –
the illuminated picture on electric fires designed to create an effect of real flames.
Chimney / Flue –
a passage way, normally made of brick or metal, that carries waste combustion products from the appliance to the exterior of the building.
