On 8 Jan 2016 at 12:49pm Old Boiler wrote:
For the living room (no radiator, but south facing and warmest room of the house) would you have either an open fire or wood/multi fuel burner?
On 8 Jan 2016 at 12:52pm Xplorer1 wrote:
A wood burner is way more efficient, and safer (sparks, cinders etc, and no risk CO poisoning.
On 8 Jan 2016 at 2:22pm Earl of Lewes wrote:
With an open fire, a lot of the heat disappears up the chimney, plus there's evidence to suggest a link between cancer and open wood fires - inhaling various carcinogenic substances. I bought a multifuel stove four years ago and it's been a godsend. But beware, even the tiny ones give out loads of heat, so care should be taken when choosing the size.
On 8 Jan 2016 at 2:31pm Ben wrote:
Carbon monoxide is just as risky with a wood burner. Always have a carbon monoxide detector alarm near to the fireplace. Your installer must install a detector to pass the regs actually. It won't give you any probsif properly installed, which usually involves a chimney liner and birdcage chimney cap. Budget £1500 for install and up to £1000 for a stove
On 8 Jan 2016 at 2:34pm sfsg wrote:
Burner unless it's only for occasional use. Installation costs might be more than the burner though as you will need chimney lining to be safe.
Worth it if you have free fuel like me.
On 8 Jan 2016 at 4:34pm John Smith wrote:
Wood burner every time. Mine is a small one - 3.5kw, I think - and it heats pretty much the whole house. In a very cold snap you can close the door and just heat the room (which is 20'x20' so not small!). They're incredibly efficient, so the fuel burns right down to ash which makes it child's play to keep clean. It's also really easy to light. An open fire creates a lot of draughts too; the wood burner simply doesn't once it's up and running.
On 8 Jan 2016 at 4:42pm Ducatipete wrote:
At home I have what is called an open convector which is very good. On my canal boat I have a multi fuel stove which feels very safe at night. A useful addition is an Eco fan which sits on top of the stove and works by the heat generated.
On 8 Jan 2016 at 4:46pm Old Boiler wrote:
Thanks for replies although I probably have my heart set on an open fire 
I can sit and stare at flames for hours and find it very calming, not sure you get the same with a wood burner?
I don't necessarily need it as a main source of heat as I have a small house with GCH. The potential draft is my main concern, but I think you can buy temporary balloons to shove up chimney when it's not in use. I realize wood burners are far more efficient....
On 8 Jan 2016 at 5:08pm Smoke free zone ? wrote:
Where you live ? If so you'll have to use smokeless fuel and it doesn't flame so nicely.
On 8 Jan 2016 at 5:58pm John Smith wrote:
I'd have said the same, Old Boiler. I do in fact have an open fire in the sitting room but I rarely use it because it's messy and it's a faff to get it burning well. The burner on the other hand is a breeze to clean and light, and it really does look lovely too. All you miss really is the crackling of the flames (and the draught, of course - don't forget the draught when your open fire is burning!)
On 8 Jan 2016 at 7:36pm Celine wrote:
I have both and would agree the wood burner is much more efficient. But there is nothing like an open fire. The whole feel of the house changes when the open fire is going. We don't have a television because we sit and look at the fire. It is so soothing. Almost mesmerising.
On 8 Jan 2016 at 8:45pm Old Boiler wrote:
I live on the edge of town (Malling) so I presume not in a Smoke free zone?
On 9 Jan 2016 at 9:56am berrnie wrote:
If you want on open fire with a wood burner, leave the door open!