The Heat of the Moment

As the colder season approaches, now is the time to think about updating your heating system. Below are some recommendations from local heating experts about how to  keep your home both cosy and contemporary.

Woodburners are more or less de rigueur if you have space and a chimney. They come in all shapes and sizes: slimline, tiny, elegant, chunky and funky. West Country Stoves in Aveton Gifford supplies a range called Chilli Penguin with a clean burn system that gives a high performance – efficiency ratings are among the highest currently available in the UK. Penguins are made to order, from the compact 2.5 to 3kW Chilli Billie all the way up to a magnificent 8kW output from the mighty Penguin 8. “There’s even a Hungry Penguin with an oven, and a choice of coloured Penguins to match your home decor,” says West Country Stoves owner Sam Bell.

Windy Smithy near Cullompton also makes a brilliant assortment of efficient, lightweight woodburners, ideal for caravans, boats and yurts. The smallest stove is Wendy, with a 2kW maximum output, and for larger spaces, including log cabins and summerhouses, there’s Arthur, providing a generous 6kW max. Windy Smithy also stocks a helpful book about choosing, fuelling, fitting and using your woodburner: It’s all about the Firewood in Britain. 

Firewood is not something to skimp on. Poor quality logs do not burn well and clog up your flue. “Dry, seasoned logs are by far the best, so look for a good local supplier who will give you the right mix for your burner,” says Tom Bell from East Devon Firewood in Exmouth, which offers mixed loads of hard wood and soft wood for the best possible burn. Its timber comes from a sustainable source, giving you peace of mind as you relax in front of your toasty fire. If you are more ecologically minded, try their biologs, made from recycled sawdust. 

For a dash of style, what could be finer than a stunning inset stove? Rangemoors in Winkleigh is celebrating its 40th birthday this year and the showroom is packed with the best and latest models. For a multi-fuel inset fire, Rangemoors stocks the Town & Country Rosedale, a smart, contemporary stove with a big curved glass front for a great view of the flames. In addition to the radiant heat, a convection system brings warm air out through the vents above the door, giving a total heat output of 5kW. 

If you have a gas supply, the Stovax Studio Slimline model, available in a modern white stone option, with glass bead fuel effects or logs and brick effect lining, could be just what you’re looking for.  

Whether you choose a woodburner, gas or open fire, giving your fireplace a makeover can totally change the ambience of a room. Fireworld in Torquay and Exeter boasts the largest display of fireplaces in the South West, from natural stone, such as the Venezia (manufactured in honed Persiano Limestone with a beautiful hand-carved fluted leg design) to real wood, as seen in a more traditional Imperial Oak surround. Fireworld can also make a bespoke fireplace to your own specification. In addition, it stocks a range of chimineas to help make the most of the late summer evenings outdoors.

If you have always fancied the cosy sensation of underfloor heating but didn’t think you could fit it retrospectively, it could be worth looking at Nu-Heat’s low-profile system, LoPro10. This is a warm-water system rather than electric mat – Nu-Heat estimates running costs when LoPro10 runs off a gas boiler to be about a third less than an electric system. The product heats up a home quicker than traditional underfloor heating systems and can be run in a similar way to a radiator system. Nu-Heat can put you in touch with a local installer. Bear in mind it is generally only suitable for well-insulated homes and extensions.

Infra-red panel heaters are an excellent solution for adding a touch of warmth to a small space, such as a bathroom. Annie Austen from the Stove Centre in South Molton describes the heat as “like being on the ski slopes on a sunny day, where the temperature is cold but the sun gives a lovely warm feeling on your skin”. The infra-red energy bounces around, apparently, until it gets absorbed by our bodies. Available as white or mirrored panels, these are energy-efficient heaters without the need for boilers, pipes or radiators. These heaters can be used in other parts of the house too, and are wonderful for draughty spots. 

However you decide to update your heating, you can be sure that our knowledgeable suppliers in Devon will help you select exactly the right sort to keep your home warm and snug this winter.