There's a new breed of 'zombie' making itself known in the heating industry - and gas fires manufacturer Valor is looking for help in hunting them down.

Hot on the heels of zombie boilers, Valor is on the hunt for zombie gas fires; appliances using outdated technology that refuse to die.


It is all part of a campaign to highlight the missed opportunities when homeowners and private landlords stick with outdated gas fires. Valor calculates that upgrading from a decorative gas fire to a modern Valor gas fire could save homeowners more than £150 per year in running costs, while providing greater comfort, improved control and a safer appliance.


If you've worked on a Valor or Robinson Willey gas fire that is 20 years old or more, let Valor know - and you could win prizes for you and your customer.


One nominating installer chosen at random will claim a zombie apocalypse experience for them and four friends worth £500 – while their customer will be presented with a new gas fire from the Valor collection, worth up to £500 RRP.


Valor estimates that there could be four million gas fires more than 20 years old still in operation in UK homes. That means four million households could be missing out on benefits including greater control over the flame output, a choice of controls, enhanced testing and safety, installation flexibility and a far wider choice of designs.


What's more, switching from a typical 1980s decorative gas fire with 25% efficiency to a new Valor Homeflame full depth gas fire with 85% efficiency could save £157 per year based on a standard variable tariff (direct debit)* – not to mention increased heat output for improved comfort in the living room.


Tracey Falshaw, marketing manager for Valor, said: "There is a real opportunity for gas registered installers to drive business through the upgrade of ageing decorative gas fires from the 1980s and 1990s.


"We know from the experience of the boiler industry that a large number of homeowners and private landlords are willing to stick with outdated gas appliances simply because they are still working – but that's not good enough.


"Even if we put to one side all of the style, choice, safety, control and performance benefits of modern gas fires, your customers are paying more than they need to run their appliance – and by telling them that, you could be creating profitable installation opportunities."


To enter the competition, simply email your name and telephone number with a photograph and details of the Valor or Robinson Willey gas fire you have worked on (including model number and date of installation). Put "I found a zombie!" in your email's subject line and send the details to zombies@valor.co.uk.


Entries close on Friday 16 June and one entrant will be chosen at random. The installer will win a zombie apocalypse experience for five people and their customer will be given a Valor gas of their choice worth up to £500 RRP. (installation not included).


For full terms and conditions visit www.valor.co.uk.