Heating the home requires a careful blend of cosiness and clever solutions – we hear from experts how to combine the best of both
Whether fires, stoves, range cookers or additional elements such as underfloor heating, the different means of heating a property are as diverse as the requirements of any one household – and whilst little lifts the spirit more than stepping into the warming embrace of a cosy home, giving careful forethought to efficiency, innovations and technical expertise leads to a smart selection that marries form with function, as our industry experts reveal in their insider advice.
FIRES & STOVES
Few could overlook the romantic allure of a burning flame, be it within the setting of a fire or stove. Although wood-burning sources often first come to mind, consider, too, the benefits of other options such as multi-fuel, gas and electric varieties (the latter having no need of a flue and therefore allowing greater freedom of placement across the home).
First and foremost, be aware that for fires and stoves, there are important government restrictions in place to reduce emissions and improve air quality – these will dictate what fuel can be burned and where. “Check whether you are located in a smoke-controlled zone as designated by DEFRA, and always seek the advice of a professional first, as this will guide what type of fuel and appliance can be used,” says Alix Eltringham, brand manager at Esse. Ensure that these comply with certification, emphasises Jon Butterworth, director of Arada Stoves: “All wood-burning and multi-fuel stoves must now be Ecodesign Ready as standard,” he outlines – meaning they must have a minimum 75 per cent efficiency – adding that “a qualified OFTEC installer will be able to advise on the correct laws and regulations, as this will differ depending on your home and where you live.”
The positioning of a stove is key: “Woodburning, multi-fuel and gas
