Gas Fireplace FAQs: Safety, Installation & Tips
No, our indoor gas fireplace range is flueless. These units are designed to burn gas so efficiently that they do not require a chimney or external venting when following our room size guidelines. This makes them ideal for modern homes or apartments where installing a traditional chimney is structurally impossible or too expensive. It also means 100% of the heat stays inside your room rather than escaping up a flue.
According to South African National Standards (SANS 10087-1), flueless gas appliances are not permitted in bedrooms or bathrooms due to safety concerns and ventilation requirements. We recommend installing our fireplaces in well-ventilated, open-plan living areas, dining rooms, or enclosed patios to ensure both comfort and safety.
Chad-O-Chef fireplaces can be configured for either LPG (bottled gas) or Natural Gas (mains gas). It is important to specify your gas type when ordering, as the fireplaces are calibrated differently for each. LPG is common for most South African households using cylinders, while Natural Gas is typically found in specific suburbs with piped gas infrastructure (like Egoli Gas).
Our fireplaces are designed for efficiency. On average, a standard Chad-O-Chef fireplace consumes between 0.4kg and 0.8kg of LPG per hour on its highest setting. By utilizing the adjustable heat settings or remote-control features, you can significantly reduce consumption once the room has reached your desired temperature.
While we use high-grade stainless steel, we recommend a simple “wipe down” before the winter season begins. Dust and lint can settle on the burners and decorative stones during summer, which may cause a slight odour when first lit. A quick clean with a soft cloth and a dedicated stainless-steel cleaner will keep the unit looking pristine and ensure a clean, blue flame.
For a more detailed guide on cleaning your stainless steel, see the page: Chad-O-Chef’s Care & Maintenance Guide for Stainless Steel.
We recommend an annual service by a registered gas practitioner, preferably before the winter season begins. A standard service includes cleaning the burner ports, checking the gas pressure, and ensuring all gas fittings and safety sensors are functioning correctly. Regular maintenance not only extends the life of your stainless-steel fireplace but also ensures it operates at peak fuel efficiency. Request a service & we will reccomend a suitable professional.
Chad-O-Chef products are available through a national dealer network across South Africa & Neighbouring countries. To find a showroom where you can view our fireplace and braai ranges in person, visit our dealer page. Choosing a knowledgeable dealer ensures you receive expert advice tailored to your homes specific installation requirements and municipal bylaws.
The cost of installation varies depending on the complexity of the gas line run. On average, a standard installation by a registered gas practitioner ranges from R2,500 to R5,500, excluding the cost of the fireplace unit, gas bottles and the copper piping. Factors such as the distance from the gas cylinders to the unit and the type of wall construction will influence the final quote. We always recommend getting a site inspection from a certified installer before beginning work.
While indoor fireplaces are designed for internal use, they can be installed in enclosed patios provided there is sufficient permanent ventilation. However, for outdoor areas you will want to look at our dedicated Firepit ranges. These are specifically engineered to withstand environmental exposure in South Africa’s diverse climate.
A reputable supplier should offer more than just a product; they should provide technical expertise and long-term support. Look for suppliers who:
- Are established South African manufacturers with available spare parts.
- Can refer you to SAQCC Gas registered installers.
- Provide comprehensive warranties on their stainless-steel components and burners.
- Offer units that carry the LPGSA Safe Appliance mark.
- Have a good after-sales reputation.
Yes, modern gas fireplaces are incredibly safe when installed correctly. All Chad-O-Chef units are equipped with an Oxygen Depletion Sensor (ODS) that monitors the room’s oxygen levels and shuts the unit down if levels drop below a safe threshold, ensuring total peace of mind for your family.
Carbon Monoxide is a colourless, odourless gas produced by the incomplete burning of fuels like wood, charcoal, or gas. While it is a common household hazard in poorly maintained appliances, Chad-O-Chef fireplaces are engineered specifically to reduce this.
Our flueless fireplaces use advanced, clean-burning technology that meets strict SABS standards. When your unit is installed by a qualified professional and used with the required ventilation, it is as safe for your indoor air quality as any other modern household appliance. In fact, LPG burns significantly cleaner than traditional wood fires.
Choosing the correctly sized fireplace is essential for both your comfort and the efficiency of the unit. A fireplace that is too small won’t heat the room effectively, while one that is too large can make a space uncomfortably hot and use more gas than necessary.
To find the perfect fit, you need to calculate both the floor area (m²) and the total volume of the room (m³).
Step 1: Calculate the Square Meters (m²)
To find the floor area, measure the length and width of your room in meters.
Length x Width = Area (m²)
Example: A room that is 10m long and 8m wide is 80m².
Step 2: Calculate the Cubic Meters (m³)
Since heat rises and fills the entire space, gas fireplaces are primarily rated by the volume of air they can heat. To find this, multiply your area by the height of your ceiling.
Area (m²) x Ceiling Height (m) = Volume (m³)
Example: If that 80m² room has a ceiling height of 2.7m, the total volume is 216m³.
Why does the m³ matter?
For safety and performance, every flueless gas fireplace has a Minimum Room Size requirement. This ensures there is enough natural oxygen in the room for the fireplace to operate perfectly alongside its Oxygen Depletion Sensor (ODS).
Pro-Tip for Open Plan Living: If your lounge, dining room, and kitchen are all one open space, you should calculate the total combined volume of those areas, as the heat will move freely between them. This volume may include 50% of adjoining rooms connected by permanent openings exceeding 1.5m² in floor size, but not rooms separated by a closable door.