<b><b>As greater energy efficiency in houses brings a new dimension to the meaning of all round heat, Andrew Leech finds that we still cannot do without the hearth</b></b><br><b>It seems we are a nation of fire lovers and although modern central heating systems in today&amp;’s highly efficient homes provide a comfortable environment, we all need that &amp;“little extra&amp;” whether or not it is functional or merely focal. Consequently &amp;“add-on&amp;” heating arrangements are big business, so too are hearths and surrounds even though they may only frame an illusion.</b><br><b>Baxi Fires Division is a prolific producers of additional heating appliances, probably because it has under its firebox some of the top names such as Valor, Wonderfire and Mors&amp;¯. Phil Milnes who is in charge of national sales in the new build housing sector, explains: &amp;“The current split between gas and electric fire installations in the housebuilder sector is almost 80% gas and 20% electric. Valor launched its electric fires collection back in 1999 and is constantly working to improve the flame effect using modern technology and innovation, because in general the demand for electric fires is on the increase. </b><br><b>&amp;“The most significant benefit of electric fires is the ease of installation. But gas …