Wood Burning Stoves: Key Benefits for You and Your Home

Wood burning stoves are ever increasing in popularity and it’s easy to see why with their heating efficiency, economical running and attractive look. The recent revival of stoves across UK homes is remarkable – for example, HETAS have found a 60% increase in stove installations over the past 7 years. As well as being seen as an aspirational home design feature, stoves offer many benefits to the owner and the home. Let’s take a look at some of the advantages that are boosting the popularity of the wood burning stove.

Great heat output

A key benefit which will have an everyday impact in your home is the quality heat output of a wood burning stove. Not only do you get the classic, cosy feel of a real fire, a stove heats a lot more efficiently than an open fire and works quicker than a climate control system. The heat from a stove is long-lasting and radiates out from the entirety of the unit.

Traditional open fires only have heating efficiency levels of around 20%; in contrast, a typical wood burning stove has significantly more impressive potential efficiency levels, around 70-80%. So long as you use good quality hardwood logs which have been seasoned for at least two years and have a low moisture content – under 14% – you will be able to achieve optimum heating potential. With good fuel, one of our most efficient stoves – the Stovax Stockton 5 – even manages heating efficiency of up to 85%.

Renewable and carbon neutral fuel

A heat source which is fuelled by wood is a lot more eco-friendly than its gas or coal counterparts. Wood is a renewable fuel source, meaning that the material used for firewood can be easily replaced by replanting more trees. Provided your wood logs are sourced using a reputable supplier and sustainable practices, this is a environmentally friendly fuel choice.

Wood burning can also be seen as a carbon neutral process, in stark contrast to the carbon dioxide heavy burning of fossil fuels. The carbon neutrality is achieved because the carbon released during wood burning is offset by the carbon dioxide a tree absorbs during its lifespan.

Economical

Wood burning stoves are also an economical choice for heating. As a fuel source, wood is a lot cheaper than electricity, oil and gas per kWh. So, if you’re looking for a dependable heating system with low running costs, a wood burning stove is a viable choice.

What’s more, the addition of a stove can provide you with an effective alternative heat source which doesn’t require your whole central heating system to be on. If you install a wood burning stove in your living room – usually the most used room of the house – you can keep warm without unnecessarily heating the rest of your home, reducing fuel consumption and saving you money.

Clean burning

Some wood burning stoves can give off a fair bit of smoke and to prevent this accumulating undesirably, most UK cities are classed as Smoke Control Areas which prohibit such burning. However, not all wood burning stoves are created equal and with new innovations, some stoves are designed to emit notably lower smoke levels. We stock a range of these DEFRA approved, clean burn stoves, including units from major, respectable brands such as the Broseley Evolution 5, Stovax Stockton 5 and Portway 2 and 3. This ensures you can still install a beautiful wood burning stove regardless of where you live.

Aesthetic feature

As well as the numerous practical benefits of a wood burning stove, the aesthetic appeal is also a big bonus for many buyers. A great quality stove can become an attractive focal point of a room and with the wide range of styles now available, there is something for every home. For example, for a modern home, the clean lines and minimal contemporary design of the Broseley Evolution 5 would be ideal; for a timeless classic looking stove, the Stovax Brunel 2CB is a handsome choice.

Enviro-Flame provide our customers throughout London with a huge range of fireplaces, from wood burning stoves to hole in the wall fireplaces. Backed by many years’ experience, our skilled specialists carry out all our installations and servicing efficiently and to a high standard. No matter what style or surroundings you have in mind, our experts are sure to be able to help you find the perfect fireplace for your home. Visit our showroom or get in touch for any enquiries, or for more information.