A popular question being asked right now is will installing a wood burning stove help save on rising energy costs.
With many people facing the prospect of fuel poverty this Winter many are considering alternative ways to heat their homes.
Whilst burning wood on a wood burning stove is cheaper than traditional gas or electric there is the upfront installation costs to consider and legislation regards types of fuel that can be burnt and how energy efficient your stove is.
How much does it cost to install a wood burning stove?
There is no 'average' price for installing a wood burning stove due to many factors such as the cost of the stove itself, the type of property it is being installed into and the location.
Log burners can vary in price from around £500 to upwards of £5000 for luxury designs.
Installation costs depend on the age of your building and whether there is an existing chimney.
On average, an install with Intelligent Chimney Solutions Ltd can cost around £1800 with a pre-existing chimney, and upwards of £2200 should a flue system need to be installed.
How much does it cost to run a wood burning stove?
Once a wood burning stove has been installed, the cost of running it is cheaper compared to gas and electric prices, especially with the current energy price rises.
According the Energy Saving Trust, a wood burning stove can cut a homes heating bill by up to 10%.
Andy Hill, of the Stove Industry Alliance (a UK trade association promoting the benefits of wood-burning stoves), told the Telegraph: "With rising fuel costs, wood-burning becomes ever more cost-effective and our members are reporting increased demand for wood fuel supplies as concern grows about the financial impact on families of the energy price rises."
"Using an eco-design wood-burning stove comfortably heats the room in which it is situated, while also warming the whole home, reducing our reliance on gas, electricity and oil for heating and offering an effective way of reducing home energy bills this winter."
The SIA estimate a wood burning stove will typically use 3.5 cubic meter of wood from mid October to mid April used in the evenings and at weekends. With a cubic meter of kiln dried logs costing between £120 to £140, this makes the average heating bill for the colder months at between £420 to £490.
Having your stove regularly serviced each year will help prolong the life of your stove as well as keep it running efficiently.
What are the downsides of wood burning stoves?
The ongoing eco debate about how energy efficient or not wood burning stoves are puts many people off. A 2020 study by the University of Sheffield warned regular use of some wood burners, for four hours, caused the amount of harmful particulate matter in homes to triple.
The burning of wood creates tiny particulates called PM2.5 and PM10 - which can also cause heart and lung problems.
Ensuring you have your stove professionally fitted by a HETAS approved installer, such as Intelligent Chimney Solutions Ltd, ensures the latest regulations are followed and your install is a safe as possible. By choosing an eco design/clearskies rated stove you have the assurance that you are choosing a low emission and low carbon heating solution for your home. As well as burning the correct, dried wood for your stove.
As well as being a beautiful focal point for your room, a wood burning stove can help save you money in the long term too!
For further help and advice on choosing a wood burning stove read our other articles at News & Advice blog or browse our website www.intelligentchimneysolutions.co.uk
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