The balanced flue system is the technology
behind most DRU gas fires and gas wall heaters. DRU engineers
from the Netherlands invented the system in the 1930s.
It has since become the industry standard for high efficiency
and performance. Many companies have copied the original
system, but none have been able to match the superior
standards that are the hallmark of DRU products.
So what is the balanced flue system and how
does it benefit your home or workplace?
Comfortable and efficient
Most conventional gas fires have an open-fronted
fireplace that is inset into a standard sized chimney.
The air that the fire uses to create its flames is drawn
from inside your living room and waste products are expelled
up the chimney. (See drawing 1)
So while this kind of
fire may be pleasing to the eye, it may not be so kind
to your breathing or your bank balance! It requires
constant ventilation to keep it burning (ever heard
the saying ‘It’s
stuffy in here’?). And because of this it consumes
more energy and fuel than you can reasonably afford.
In contrast, a balanced flue gas fire is
room-sealed using a glass front. It has a sophisticated
flue that uses natural convection to draw the air from
outside the building for combustion and expels it back
to the outside through a separate compartment of the
flue. (See drawing 2)
So there is no loss of comfort and minimal
fuel consumption. And because the fire is not open at
the front it is much safer to use.
No chimney – no
problem
DRU balanced flue fires and wall heaters
can be installed with or without a conventional chimney.
If there is no chimney in your home, the
flue can be fitted through an outside wall or through
the roof. It is possible for the flue to be 4 metres
long horizontally or 10 metres high vertically. So you
have a great deal of flexibility when deciding where
to locate your fire.
If, on the other hand, you would like to
have all the advantages of balanced flue technology,
combined with the aesthetic appeal of a traditional chimney,
this can be done! All you will need is a special flue
liner installed in your chimney, using the chimney shaft
to replicate the balanced flue effect.
A further advantage of
this is that your fire can be installed in the classic
way, using a fire surround to look like a traditional
fireplace. Alternatively it can be mounted further
up the chimneybreast as a ‘hole-in-the-wall’ or ‘hanging’ fire.
Either way, you will enjoy the combination
of a beautiful fire that uses modern, efficient technology
to bring you endless comfort and pleasure.
DRU is approved according
to the latest ISO 9002 quality accreditation regulations.
In addition, all DRU products are CE approved and subject
to annual inspection by BSI.
