DRU Gas Fire Replacement & Smart Heating Upgrade
Project Overview
As part of the wider heating improvement programme at St Andrew’s Church, six ageing DRU gas fires were replaced with modern, energy-efficient heating appliances. The existing units had become unreliable, costly to operate, and increasingly difficult to control, resulting in inconsistent comfort levels and unnecessary energy consumption.
This upgrade was designed to improve heating performance, reduce running costs, enhance user control, and support the church’s long-term sustainability goals.
Scope of Works
Safe Removal of Existing Appliances
A comprehensive safety-first approach was adopted to remove the outdated gas fires:
Gas supplies safely isolated and pressure tested in accordance with Gas Safe regulations.
Existing appliances, pipework connections, and associated components carefully disconnected.
Units removed without impacting the church’s historic interior.
All redundant equipment responsibly disposed of in line with environmental standards.
Installation of Six New DRU ART 08-2 Gas Fires
Six modern DRU ART 08-2 gas-fired heaters were supplied and installed, selected for their:
High thermal efficiency
Reduced emissions and cleaner combustion
Improved flame presentation and aesthetics
Long-term reliability and lower maintenance requirements
Each location was surveyed to confirm flue suitability, heat output requirements, and installation compatibility before commissioning and performance testing.
Smart Heating Controls
Two Hive smart controllers were installed to provide:
Remote heating management via smartphone app
Flexible scheduling and temperature control
Reduced energy wastage and operating costs
Greater visibility of system performance and usage
In-House Gas & Electrical Installation
All works were completed by our qualified in-house engineers, including:
✔ Gas pipework modifications and upgrades
✔ New valves, fittings, and safety components
✔ Electrical supplies and control wiring
✔ Full testing, commissioning, and compliance certification
Finishing & Making Good
To preserve the character of the church, all installation areas were professionally finished, including:
✔ Repair and reinstatement of wall surfaces
✔ Sealing and finishing around appliance frames
✔ Thorough cleaning of all work areas
✔ Careful integration with the existing interior aesthetic
Project Outcome
The completed upgrade has delivered significant benefits for St Andrew’s Church:
✔ Reliable and consistent localised heating
✔ Improved energy efficiency and lower operating costs
✔ Enhanced user control through Hive smart technology
✔ Compliance with current gas safety standards
✔ Modern, attractive appliances that complement the church interior
Result
The new DRU heating system provides dependable, efficient, and easily managed heating throughout the church, improving comfort for the congregation while supporting long-term sustainability and cost reduction objectives.
