As I write, the multi-million pound Christmas TV ads have just been unveiled and we’re snowballing our way well and truly into that most festive of times: heating season. If you’re anything like me, you spend the start of it fretting about (a) how long you can avoid actually turning on your heating before you fall out with the family forever, and (b) why you didn’t get round to those upgrades you promised yourself you’d do in the summer.
So it’s a happy coincidence that, this month, we’ve got plenty of practical advice for those of you looking to make changes to your heating setup. On page 62, Emily Smith gives an overview of the latest smart home tech – including options for improving the performance of your central heating. Meanwhile, over on page 69 Sofia Delgado investigates London mayor Sadiq Khan’s recent criticism of woodburning stoves and asks whether they can still be eco-friendly. On page 79, Nigel Griffiths sets out what you need to know about heating strategies for renovation projects, while for selfbuilders Tim Doherty explains the whys and wherefores of thermal mass on page 95.