Wood-burning stoves have seen a resurgence in popularity in recent years. With rising energy prices and a greater focus on reducing our carbon footprint, many homeowners are turning to wood as a renewable and carbon-neutral way to heat their homes.

Installing a wood-burning stove can provide several benefits beyond simply providing warmth. Here, we’ll look at how a wood burner can save money on energy bills, add value to your property, and provide other advantages over conventional heating systems.

How a wood stove can reduce your heating costs

For many homes, heating accounts for over half of the annual energy bill. With gas and electricity prices continuing to rise, this share only increases. Wood, on the other hand, is a freely available and renewable fuel source. While you must pay for seasoned logs, these are far cheaper than other heating fuels.

On average, a wood-burning stove can reduce your annual heating costs by around 10-25%. The exact savings will depend on factors like the size of your home, your existing heating system, and local fuel prices. However, in most cases, you can expect to cut your heating bills significantly by supplementing with a wood burner.

Not only is wood a cheaper fuel source, but wood-burning stoves are also more efficient at converting fuel to heat. Modern log burners convert over 80% of the wood’s energy into heat, compared to 60-70% for a gas boiler. This greater efficiency means you get more heat for your money.

With the rising cost of fossil fuels, installing a wood stove now can help insulate you from future price hikes. While gas and electricity prices fluctuate, the price of seasoned wood remains relatively stable. A wood-burning stove is a wise investment that can provide free or cheap heating for years.

Adding value by increasing your home’s appeal

As well as saving on bills, a wood-burning stove can actually increase the value of your property. According to statistics from 2019, many buyers are willing to pay over £11,000 more for a property with a wood-burning stove.

There are a few reasons for this added appeal. Firstly, a wood-burning stove is an attractive feature that creates a cosy focal point in a room. The flickering flames and radiating warmth make an appealing ambience home buyers love.

A wood burner also suggests that a property is efficient and economical. With rising energy costs, buyers want to know their bills will be affordable. A stove signals low heating expenses in winter.

Read more: How to Save Money On Your Energy Bill

Finally, a wood-burning stove increases a property’s appeal by providing heating flexibility. Buyers love the ability to heat the home even during a power outage. The self-sufficient nature of wood burners provides peace of mind.

Whether you install a contemporary stove or restoration piece, it can enhance your home’s desirability and sale price. Speak to local estate agents to get an estimate of how much value a stove could add. Often, the installation cost can be recouped upon selling.

Other benefits of wood-burning stoves

Beyond monetary savings, wood-burning stoves provide many other benefits:

  • Independence: You aren’t reliant on utilities to stay warm. This provides security against supply disruptions and price fluctuations.
  • Low maintenance: Modern wood-burning stoves require little maintenance besides periodic chimney sweeping. They are generally longer-lasting than conventional boilers.
  • Heat control: Wood stoves provide direct control over your heat output. You can easily regulate the temperature for the room (or even the entire house, with a large enough stove).
  • Ambience: The glow and aroma from a wood-burning stove create a cosy atmosphere perfect for relaxing evenings.
  • Air quality: Modern stoves burn very cleanly and efficiently. They release far less smoke and particulates than older stoves.
  • Sustainability: Using wood supports small forestry producers. Managed forests are continually replanted, making wood a sustainable choice.

Choosing the right wood-burning stove

If you’ve decided a wood burner could suit your home, the next step is choosing the perfect model. There are a few factors to consider when selecting a stove:

Stove size

The stove size you need will depend on the room it is heating. As a general rule of thumb, you need 1kW of stove output for every 14 cubic metres of space. An average living room may need 5-8kW, while a larger open-plan area may require 8-12kW. Choose a stove scaled for your room, so it can heat efficiently—oversized stoves waste fuel.

Efficiency rating

Look for a modern stove with an efficiency rating of at least 65% for smokeless fuels or 75% for wood. Higher efficiency models convert more of the fuel into usable heat. They use less wood to generate the same heat output.

Log length

Consider the size of logs your stove can accommodate. Large stoves take longer, thicker logs. This means fewer refuelling stops. Smaller stoves require short logs, so you must restock more often.

Emissions and airwash

Check the stove’s emissions are within clean air standards. Also, look for an integrated airwash system. This feeds air across the glass to keep it clean for better viewing the flames.

Flue type

Is your existing chimney lined? If not, you will need to have it lined – or you can fit your stove with a twin-walled insulated flue if you don’t have or don’t want to use an existing chimney. This keeps flue gases hot while preventing heat loss through the chimney. An inspection can determine what flue you require.

Style

Finally, choose a style that complements your own. Cast iron and steel stoves come in various modern or traditional designs. There is sure to be an option that matches your home’s décor and character.

Learn more: Wood-Burning Stove Buying Guide

Important: Always check that any stove you purchase is DEFRA-approved. This ensures it meets emissions standards for smoke control areas.

Getting your stove professionally fitted

Getting your wood-burning stove properly installed is critical for safety and performance. We strongly recommend using a qualified stove installer.

Learn more: Who Should Install My Gas or Wood Burning Stove?

A professional will ensure your chimney is suitable and clear of any blockages. They will fit flue liners if needed, along with insulation. 

The installer should test for smoke leakage on completion. They will also demonstrate lighting and using the stove safely. Ask for a certificate of compliance for your records. This will be issued later once your installer has filed paperwork with HETAS.

An experienced stove fitter will ensure everything is done to building regulations and meets HETAS guidelines. You can find out more about the installation process here.

Finding good quality fuel for your stove

To get the best performance from your stove while minimising smoke, you need to burn well-seasoned wood. Here’s what to look for in fuel for your burner.

  • Hardwoods like oak, ash and beech tend to burn slower and give more heat output. Softwoods can be used, but they may generate less heat.
Read more: Can You Use Softwood in a Log Burner?
  • Moisture content should be below 20%. Wood that is not correctly seasoned will smoulder and smoke instead of burning cleanly. Test with a moisture meter.
  • The log size should match your stove’s specifications. Most perform best with logs around 10cm wide and 20-30cm long. Too large or small wastes fuel.
  • Split logs catch quickly and burn more efficiently than whole round logs. Cracks and fissures give the fire oxygen.
  • Avoid painted or treated wood as it gives off toxic fumes. Only burn untreated natural wood.

Using your stove safely and efficiently

While wood-burning stoves are generally very safe if installed correctly, you should take some basic precautions for maximum safety.

  • Always use a fireguard or keep children and pets away from the hot stove.
  • Keep flammable materials like curtains well clear of the stove and flue.
  • Allow ashes to fully cool before disposing to prevent the risk of fires.

It’s also important to use your stove efficiently to get the most from your fuel:

  • Light smaller fires on milder days to avoid overheating and wasted wood.
  • Let the fire become established before closing the damper. This prevents excess smoke.
  • Refuel little and often for clean, efficient burning rather than massive logs.
  • Ensure enough airflow for complete combustion – don’t shut vents too early.

With a correctly installed and well-maintained stove, you can enjoy the benefits for many years to come.

Learn more: Storing Firewood Near Your Stove: How to Make Sure It's Safe

Start saving money and staying cosy with a wood-burning stove

We’ve examined how a wood-burning stove can help reduce your heating expenses, add value to your home, and provide other lifestyle benefits. When professionally installed and used responsibly, a wood burner is a smart investment in your comfort and financial future.

With energy prices fluctuating wildly, now is a great time to take control of your heating costs. A stove allows you to lock in affordable warmth for the long term.

Stay cosy this winter and for many to come by adding a wood-burning stove from Direct Stoves to your home. Plus, we offer free delivery to the UK mainland, no-hassle 14-day returns, and you can spread the cost with various finance options.

Have any questions? You can contact our friendly team at [email protected], 0161 376 4191, or visit our showrooms.