By late January, winter fatigue sets in. The novelty of cold mornings has worn off, energy bills are arriving, and many households are asking the same question: why does our home still feel cold, even with the heating on?

In our experience, the answer is rarely “not enough heating” - it’s usually how the heat is delivered. This is where secondary heating becomes a game-changer. At Cool Heat Solution, we regularly help homeowners who assume their central heating isn’t working properly, when in reality it’s simply being asked to do too much on its own.

What Is Secondary Heating?

Secondary heating is any heat source that works alongside your main system, rather than replacing it.

Instead of forcing one system to heat every corner of the home, secondary heating:

• Targets problem areas

• Reduces cold spots

• Improves comfort where you actually spend time

• Helps heat feel more even and consistent

This approach is particularly effective in UK homes, which often have:

• Extensions added years later

• Converted lofts

• North-facing rooms

• Older insulation standards

Why Central Heating Often Leaves Cold Spots

Central heating is designed to warm air evenly — but air moves, escapes and cools quickly. Radiators are also fixed in place, meaning heat isn’t always delivered where it’s most needed.

Common problem areas include:

• Living rooms with large windows

• Home offices used all day

• Bedrooms furthest from the boiler

• Open-plan spaces where heat disperses

Turning the thermostat up usually just increases energy use — not comfort.

Log Burners: Deep, Radiant Warmth

A log burner delivers a type of heat that radiators simply can’t replicate. Radiant warmth heats surfaces, furniture and people directly, creating a sense of comfort that lasts.

In real homes, we often see log burners:

• Become the primary evening heat source

• Reduce reliance on central heating

• Warm adjoining rooms naturally

They’re especially effective in older properties where heat retention is inconsistent.

-> Explore our Log Burners

Customers often tell us their living room feels warmer at a lower temperature once a stove is installed - simply because the heat behaves differently.

Pellet Stoves: Consistent, Programmable Support Heat

For those who prefer automation, pellet stoves are an excellent secondary heat source.

They provide:

• Controlled, steady warmth

• Programmable timers

• Minimal maintenance

• Clean, efficient burning

Unlike traditional wood stoves, pellet stoves can maintain a consistent temperature throughout the day — ideal for homes where someone is in during daylight hours.

-> View our Pellet Stove Collection

Electric Fires & Panel Heaters: Flexible Support Where You Need It

In rooms where installing a stove isn’t practical, electric heating solutions work well as secondary heat.

Electric Fireplaces

• Immediate warmth

• Visual comfort and ambience

• Ideal for lounges and bedrooms

• No flue or building work

-> Browse Electric Fireplaces

Panel Heaters

• Perfect for offices and spare rooms

• Zoned heating without affecting the whole house

• Clean, silent operation

-> Discover Panel Heaters

Layered Heating: How Homes Stay Comfortably Warm

The most comfortable homes rarely rely on one system alone.

A typical layered setup might look like:

• Central heating for background warmth

• Stove or fire for evening comfort

• Electric heater for day-time workspaces

This combination reduces strain on any single system and improves overall comfort — without needing extreme thermostat settings.

When Secondary Heating Makes the Biggest Difference

Secondary heating is particularly valuable when:

• One room is used far more than others

• Heating bills feel high but comfort is low

• You don’t want major renovation work

• You want warmth during power-efficient hours

It’s about working with your home, not against it.

Planning Ahead Without Rushing

January is not always the best time to install major systems - but it is the best time to understand what’s missing.

If you’re relying heavily on temporary heaters or constantly adjusting thermostats, that’s a sign your home would benefit from:

• A stove installation

• Pellet heating

• Zoned electric heating

• Or a combination of all three

Understanding this now allows you to plan upgrades calmly rather than react under pressure next winter.

A warm home isn’t about pushing one heating system harder - it’s about delivering heat intelligently. Secondary heating creates balance, comfort and consistency - especially in UK homes where layouts and insulation vary widely.

-> Explore our full selection of Heating Solutions

Sometimes the difference between a cold house and a comfortable one isn’t more heat — it’s better heat, in the right place.