The most conventional way to heat the rooms would be to use a radiator system. But this is by no means your only option. You could incorporate underfloor, trench or skirting heating. These last three options are most appropriate with rooms with limited wall space, for example, areas with lots of glass and open-plan spaces. Open-plan living results in less dividing walls, which is likely to mean that you’ll want to devote the little remaining wall space you’re left with to furniture or shelves, rather than filling them with cumbersome radiators. So, it makes sense in this case to choose a floor or skirting-based system rather than a conventional radiator system. Underfloor heating works by heating the whole of the floor area at an even temperature (lower than a conventional radiator system), which then rises to heat the room. There are two systems – one runs with electricity via cabling the other with hot water via pipes. A water-based system can be used throughout the house. Alternatively you may prefer to use it with a conventional radiator system, if, for example, you wanted radiators in the bedroom and underfloor heating in the main living rooms. An electric system can similarly be used for a whole house or run independently of your main heating system for specific rooms. Trench heating and skirting heating are not as commonplace in homes as underfloor heating, but both are increasing in popularity. With both systems the heating element can be water-based or electrical. With trench systems the heating element is run in trenches beneath the floor with a grille on top. They are often cited just in front of large expanses of glass areas, such as walls or patio doors. Meanwhile, skirting heating works by pipes – the heating element – being hidden in especially made skirting boards. In terms of set up costs for a whole house, a radiator system is the cheapest, then, in order of least expensive first, underfloor, skirting and trench heating. But your fuel bills could be less with a floor-based system because they should be more economical to run. For underfloor heating, try David Robbens UFH System (www.underfloorheating.co.uk, 01424 851111) or Devi (www.de-vi.co.uk, 0845 434 9991). For skirting or trench heating contact Heatfi t (www.heatfi t.co.uk, 0121 604 1514) or Strada Associates (www.stradarad.co.uk, 01332 343 664).