Shoparound: With the drive towards more energy-efficient houses, homeowners are getting wise to greener options when it comes to the traditional hearth.

From next year all new homes will have to have an energy efficiency rating and from 2009 this rating will apply to all homes put on the market.

There has been significant development in solid fuel and gas stoves and electric fires thanks to this growing interest in energy-efficient options, says Mark Banahan of Kem Fireplaces, in Baldoyle, Dublin 13, which opened last month.

A glass-fronted fire can be a major contributor to increasing the energy efficiency and energy rating of a home, says Banahan, particularly wood-burning stoves.

A glass-fronted wood-burning stove can be up to 80 per cent efficient compared to an open fire, which can been as low as 20 per cent efficient.

Kem Fireplaces has a good range of Waterford Stanley stoves on show at its 139sq m (1,500sq ft) showrooms.

Prices of Waterford Stanley's most popular ranges have dropped in the current sale.

The glass-fronted cast- iron 6 kilowatt Oisin stove costs €499, down from €675, and the 8 kilowatt Tara stove is €899, down from €1,175.

Many new energy-rated houses don't have chimneys but those who still want that traditional focal point in their living areas are installing wall-mounted or inset electric fires or flue-less gas units, Banahan says. Prices start at around €799.

When it comes to traditional fireplaces, buyers are looking for limestone or marble in simple clean designs. Prices at Kem Fireplaces start at €1,000 for a standard wood surround fireplace with granite inset and go up to €5,000 for a limestone or marble fireplace in a period-style or contemporary design.

The showrooms also stock fireplaces by Chesney's Fireplaces, Mid West Mantle, Kilkenny Living, Magiglo Gas Fires and Waterford Stanley, with a large range of gas and electric fires on offer.

Kem Fireplaces offers a full service from going out to clients' homes and advising on where to place a fireplace to fitting.

It also offers a custom design service for clients looking for something that little bit different.

Kem Fireplaces, 14 Baldoyle Industrial Estate, Dublin 13. Tel: 1890 535535.