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Thankyou all for your help and advice. I am now dizzy with info. !! The links sent in by Ludwig are packed with useful tips - I cannot take the all in at once.
My lounge is exposed on 3 sides, about 25 sq m, and even tho well insulated, with two radiators, is icy...the previous owners actually fitted double glazed patio doors to divide it off from the rest of the house. . One feels that the house has been sold on just because it has been a problem.
Cost is the big issue, but the whole house would vastly benefit from sorting out this icy room, and a welcome blaze (assuming I can learn to use it) would be worth the large investment.
Jomifl - thanks for input . Also I have been considering storage heaters for the whole house for two reasons : The cost of oil plus annual boiler service/repair is about the same as electricity. The latest regulations re siting oil tanks mean that when/if the oil tank needs replacing, and therefore resiting, it would be a difficult problem to solve. I have had storage heaters and if you watch the forecast they are OK.
Ladybirder : Of course I won't ignore your remarks ! I will pursue this possibility because a fuel choice could have advantages, and visitors could lug in coal :o). Now - if anyone wants a beautiful but useless coal affect fire....