INTERIORS
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Woodburning Wins W
ith energy providers collapsing, spiralling wholesale prices forcing an increase in the energy price cap, and a greater awareness of the effects of energy consumption on climate change, now seems as good a time as any to reconsider the way in which we are heating our homes. When compared to standard heating systems there are definitely good savings to be had from installing a wood burning, solid fuel stove. They can be 13% to 77% cheaper to run than conventional systems according to data from This Is Money and the Stove Industry Alliance. However, with the cost of a stove ranging anywhere from £500 to £5000, added to the cost of professional installation (essential for safety), it’s worth carrying out your own review as to the savings you might hope to achieve. The cost of the stove itself will be determined primarily by style and wattage but added features will also make a difference. A large stove with a big window or a slimline stove with an integrated log store will be more costly, as will a doublesided stove or one that can be swivelled to fit into a corner. You’ll need to decide which features are worth paying for and which are not.
Rosie Kinsella Interior Designer 01604 751262 www.millsandkinsella.com 40
Installation costs will be influenced by your house. You will have to pay more if your chimney requires relining or is particularly tall and needs external scaffolding. If you don’t already have a vent in your room then you’ll need to budget for that, as well as the subsequent making good. A vent is required to meet building regulations so unless you already have one, this isn’t a cost you can avoid. The type of fuel you choose to burn will also have a significant impact on cost, as well as heat output and performance. You may be restricted by the type of fuel you can get access to, what space you have to store it and whether or not you live in a smoke control zone. Information gathered by The Sun newspaper estimates that stove owners consume around 1 – 1.25 tonnes of wood per annum depending upon the type of
wood that you choose to burn, the wattage and efficiency of your stove model, the number of hours you choose to run it, and the effectiveness of insulation within your home. There are four different types of fuel available – seasoned logs, those that are freshly cut, wood pellets and briquettes (comprised of crushed paper or wood). Freshly cut logs are by far the cheapest to purchase but they will have a high moisture content, between 50% and 60%. Burning moist logs will cause a buildup of tar in the chimney and increase harmful air pollution, so is to be avoided. Instead, stockpile wood in a covered area outside your home and allow to dry for one to two years before burning. This will, without doubt, be the most cost-effective way to supply your stove with fuel in the years ahead.
www.redefiningwoodburners.com
January 2022 | NN Pulse Magazine | 22,000 Copies delivered every month door to door across Northamptonshire
