Woodburners: Good for your health, wealth, security and sustainablity

Although the worst of the energy crisis seems to have passed, relying on “on-grid” gas and electric heating sources has become far less favourable for homeowners. More and more homeowners are turning to wood burning stoves as a practical and efficient solution for heating their homes completely independently of national infrastructure. Data from the Stove Industry Association (SIA) shows a 40% increase in the sales of wood burning stoves in 2022 compared to the previous year, (and interestingly a corresponding 2.7% decrease in air pollution from domestic wood fuel over the same period). Highlighting their popularity among cost-conscious and environmentally aware consumers. If you’re considering upgrading to a modern wood burning stove, here are some compelling reasons to make the switch.

• Significant Cost Savings

Switching to a modern wood burning stove is a smart move for anyone looking to cut down on heating costs. Wood logs are now the cheapest domestic heating fuel, costing households 74% less per kilowatt-hour (kWh) than electric heating and 21% less than gas heating. Compared to an air source heat pump, a modern wood burning stove costs 29% less to run. In short, using a modern stove offers substantial savings on energy bills.

Moreover, these stoves are designed for efficiency. An Ecodesign compliant stove requires only 5 logs to produce 4kW of heat over a 5-hour period, while an open fire would need 16 logs to produce the same amount of heat. This represents a 69% reduction in fuel usage, meaning you get more heat for less wood, further stretching your budget.

• Lower Your Carbon Footprint

Beyond the immediate cost savings, wood burning stoves also contribute to a greener planet. Kiln-dried wood fuel has the lowest carbon intensity of any domestic heating fuel. Wood logs are 87% less carbon-intensive than gas, 88% less than electricity, and 74% less than an air source heat pump. And if you air or barn season your own wood, this has an even lower carbon footprint. By switching to a modern wood burning stove, you can dramatically reduce your home's carbon footprint.

• Reduce Harmful Emissions

Modern wood burning stoves are precision-engineered to minimize emissions. An Ecodesign compliant stove emits up to 90% less particulates than an open fire and up to 80% less than older, basic stove models. This makes them a much cleaner option for home heating, contributing to improved air quality both indoors and out. If all 1.7 million UK homes currently using solid fuel for heating switched to modern, Ecodesign compliant stoves, the impact on air quality would be significant.

• Wellbeing Benefits

Lighting your stove can serve as a powerful transition from the stresses of the day, marking a clear boundary between work and rest. This simple act can evolve into a calming ritual, preparing your body and mind for relaxation. The significance of fire in this role is well-documented throughout history. Research has shown that the presence of hearths and campfires can lower arterial blood pressure and alleviate the cognitive demands of social interactions through the soothing effects of fireside relaxation.

This psycological study highlights this:

"Results indicated consistent blood pressure decreases in the fire-with-sound condition, particularly with a longer duration of stimulus, and enhancing effects of absorption and prosociality. Findings confirm that hearth and campfires induce relaxation as part of a multisensory, absorptive, and social experience." (Lynn, 2014)

• Achieve Greater Energy Efficiency

Most modern wood burning stoves achieve an efficiency of over 80%, meaning that more than 80% of the fuel used is converted into heat. In comparison, an open fire only achieves around 25% efficiency. This means you’re getting far more heat for the same amount of fuel, making a new stove a much more efficient way to keep your home warm. The high energy efficiency rating of modern stoves, typically A+ or A, makes them a top choice for homeowners looking to reduce their energy consumption and costs.

• Enhance Your Energy Security

A modern wood burning stove offers a sense of energy security that other heating options simply can't match. With power cuts becoming more common during poor winter weather, having a wood burning stove provides a reliable secondary heating source. Not only can this keep you warm and provide hot food and a constant stream of cups of tea when the electricity goes out, but it also helps to relieve pressure on the energy grid and reduces reliance on fossil fuels like oil and gas.

• Join the Movement Toward Cleaner Air

The SIA reports that despite the increase in stove sales, domestic emissions have come down thanks to the use of modern, Ecodesign compliant stoves. Replacing older models and open fires with these more efficient stoves can play a crucial role in improving air quality and reducing environmental impact. Many of these new stoves are ClearSkies certified, meaning they meet or exceed the stringent standards for emissions and efficiency set by the UK's Ecodesign regulation.

• Upgrade Today and Reap the Benefits

With substantial cost savings, reduced carbon emissions, enhanced wellbeing, improved air quality, and greater energy security, upgrading to a modern wood burning stove is a decision that pays off in more ways than one. As demand continues to rise, now is the perfect time to invest in a stove that offers both economic and environmental benefits. Join the thousands of homeowners who have already made the switch and experience the warmth, comfort, and savings for yourself.