Upgrading an Old Gas Fireplace: What Perth Homeowners Should Know

Many Perth homeowners find themselves with an old gas fireplace that has been the focal point of their living room for decades. When these units start playing up or stop working altogether, replacing them with a modern gas fireplace often makes far more sense than persisting with an ageing system. Today’s gas fireplaces are a different technology altogether, offering better flame realism, improved efficiency and features that simply weren’t available when the original unit was installed.

Why Perth homeowners are upgrading. 

Changing regulations and the desire for a more efficient heating solution are driving many homeowners to replace old gas units. This is because older heaters often fall short of current Western Australian safety and efficiency standards. A modern gas fireplace resolves both problems while giving the room a fresh, updated look.

The industry sees a five to seven year cycle of new styles and technology, and the current generation of gas fireplaces represents a significant step forward in both realism and performance.

The Coke and Pepsi of the industry. 

In the world of gas fireplaces, Jetmaster and Heat & Glo are often viewed as the “Coke and Pepsi” of the industry: two leading brands that define the standard for the market. People often search for one and leave with the other, because both represent the pinnacle of quality. We carry both ranges, so our clients can leave with a high level of craftsmanship regardless of which name they arrived asking for.

Genuine heat and a better energy rating. 

Modern gas balanced flue units are designed to heat a room effectively while meeting Western Australian energy efficiency standards, something many ageing units may not be able to match. Because they’re sealed combustion systems rather than relying on an open chimney, they also avoid the heat loss associated with older flue designs.

Professional removal of your old unit. 

A successful upgrade begins with the safe, technical removal of the existing unit. Gas lines need to be correctly decommissioned, capped or reconnected by a qualified technician to meet Western Australian safety standards, and this is a step that must not be handled by uncertified installers. Our own gas plumber manages the process from removal through to installation and commissioning of your new unit, so the technical complexities are handled properly and your home stays safe.

Why modern flames don’t look like a cheap heater. 

The primary barrier for renovators upgrading an old gas fireplace is often the perceived realism of the flame. Modern gas fireplace technology has overcome this through specialised engineering, with high-end units now featuring hand-painted log sets, glowing embers and adjustable flame settings that replicate the authentic glow of a traditional fire.

These units offer several advantages for modern living:

Customisable fuel beds. 

Choose between traditional logs, coals or contemporary crystals to match your interior style.

Variable flame settings. 

Adjust the brightness and flame height to suit the time of day.

Balanced flue efficiency. 

These sealed units are both safer and more efficient than older open-flue designs, and can be positioned with far more flexibility around the home.

Long-term support and maintenance. 

Even the newest gas fireplace is a sophisticated appliance that benefits from regular attention. We remain available to help with manufacturer warranty queries during the first two years of your fireplace’s life and can provide direct feedback to manufacturers if any issues arise. We recommend a periodic maintenance check to keep your gas fireplace operating safely and to manufacturer standards.

Future-proof your Perth home. 

As gas regulations evolve, a modern gas fireplace is a future-proof investment for Western Australian homes, offering genuine warmth, improved efficiency and the ambience people naturally gravitate to.

If you have an old or non-functional gas heater currently taking up space, now is a great time to consider an upgrade. We provide the expertise needed to bring your vision to life safely and effectively.

We invite you to visit our showroom at 277 Lord Street, Perth, to experience the realism of our range in person. Our experts are available to provide you with a personalised quote and discuss the best options for your specific space.

Contact Fireplace Corner today to discuss upgrading your gas fireplace or speak with a fireplace expert about your next project.