Are Logs Cheaper Than Electric ?

Rising fuel bills are on the way again?

With fuel costs increasing, homeowners are turning to wood burning stoves as a cost-effective heating option.

Modern wood burners now come in a variety of styles and are much cleaner and more attractive than in the past.

Positives of a wood burning stove

The net fuel cost is generally lower than that of heating oil, natural gas, and electricity.

Locally sourced wood may be available at no cost.

Fuel such as logs, wood chips, and brush clippings is considered renewable and sustainable.

These factors, together with the appearance of a wood burner in a home, may make it an option for consideration.

Heat efficiency and cost effectiveness

Seasoned wood is generally more efficient for burning than green wood, as it generates more heat and results in less creosote accumulation in fireplaces and chimneys.

In contrast, green or unseasoned wood tends to be more difficult to ignite and maintain combustion. Wood that smoulders and produces minimal heat is likely to be green.

To determine if wood is seasoned, one can observe its appearance. Seasoned wood often appears grey and dusty on the exterior due to prolonged storage. Inside, it is typically dry and lighter in colour compared to the outside. Newly cut wood usually has a uniform colour and appears freshly milled.

Help needed?

If you would like to explore your heating options, please do make contact and one of our qualified fitters (HETAS registered) will be happy to assist.

 

 

 

Is Wood A Renewable Energy ?

Is Wood A Renewable Energy ? Do you have an open fireplace in your home?

Is the chimney in good order?

If this applies to you, installing a new woodstove in the fireplace can enhance your heating efficiency and help lower your energy costs.

But please remember firstly and most importantly.

Wood with a moisture level below 20% produces approximately twice the heat output. Thus compared to freshly felled timber and can also help reduce tar accumulation in chimneys and environmental impact. To reach this moisture level, wood should be seasoned or matured for about two years.

Ideally, it should be stored outdoors and stacked to allow air circulation around the timber, enabling natural drying.

Burning wood is increasingly being considered as an alternative energy source. When burned efficiently, wood releases a comparable amount of CO2 into the atmosphere as it would if the tree were allowed to decompose naturally at the end of its lifecycle.

What is more, harvested trees are replaced with new trees.  Which in turn absorb CO2 in the process of photosynthesis as they grow.

Wood burning stoves are an effective alternative to central heating. As such simply light the stove instead of raising the thermostat to stay warm during cold weather.

If your home is well insulated and draught free you could even leave doors open. The log burner will heat assist all-round the house.

So, as you can see there are many benefits of installing a log burner. And not to mention the fact that a professionally fitted one could increase the value of your property.

Can we help?

If you are considering installing a wood burning stove it is particularly important to select the correct one for your home. We have fully qualified fitters (HETAS registered) who will be able to advise you on the best stove to meet your needs so please do make contact.

 

local stove installers kent stoves

Do I Need A Stove ?

Do I Need A Stove ? Wood burning stove questions answered!

The first question you might ask is “Why would I want to install and use a stove in the first place?”

Using a wood stove for home heating has several potential advantages. Wood is considered a renewable resource and burning it may produce less particulate matter compared to some gas-powered options.

Another primary advantage is cost efficiency, as wood may be less expensive than electricity or gas, particularly if you obtain wood at minimal cost. Additionally, a professionally installed stove can increase a property’s value, which is often considered a selling point by estate agents.

Heating a home with a wood-fuelled stove offers several supplementary advantages. Wood burning stoves may serve as additional cooking surfaces, which can be utilised for preparing beverages or food during colder months. Additionally, their use has the potential to reduce expenditures on other utilities, such as electricity.

There’s a certain appeal to a wood stove as well, a timeless charm that brings back special memories. Nothing is cosier than to come home to after a long day spent outside in the cold.

Heat output

One of the most desirable features and benefits of a wood burner is the heat output it produces. A wood burning stove provides a powerful heat source for your home, meaning that the room or rooms get warm very quickly and effectively.

Installing a stove

When installing a stove, it is recommended to have it fitted by a company registered with HETAS. A qualified installer can advise on the appropriate burner size needed to heat the room efficiently.

Need help?

If you need help with maintenance or selecting a new stove, please do contact us. And one of our (HETAS registered) fitters will be happy to assist.

How Do I Choose Which Stove To Buy ?

How Do I Choose Which Stove To Buy ? Pointers to look out for when selecting your new wood stove!

A stove that is undersized for a room may not be able to provide sufficient heat. While an oversized stove may require regular adjustments to maintain a comfortable temperature.

Considering this, it is advisable to calculate a slightly higher required output (not exceeding 1.5kW). Therefore to accommodate increased demand for heating during winter months.

Where possible, installation should be in a central location within the property.

As you are making a large investment within your home installing a new stove it really will pay to get expert help (HETAS registered) when selecting the stove to meet your needs.

Wood stoves are cleaner and more efficient than you think.

Open fireplaces are only about 20% energy efficient. Whilst wood burning stoves reach around 80%, offering a real fire and saving more money.

Why install a wood burning burner?

In the UK, most people spend their time in the living room, so heating costs are concentrated there. Using a cheaper heating option, like a wood burner, can significantly reduce these expenses.

The cost of wood logs varies by location and source—some even get free wood locally, allowing for nearly free home heating once the stove is installed.

Only burn mature logs – Vital information for heat and efficiency.

Wood is a far more environmentally friendly fuel than oil, gas and electricity. And subject to far less price rises. Freshly cut wood contains a lot of water, so you should dry it out before you can burn it. This can take as long as 18-24 months.

It is very unwise to burn wet or unseasoned wood as this will cause a soot build up in your chimney and make your burner very dirty.

Can we help?

If you would like assistance selecting and installing a new log burner, please get in touch. One of our HETAS qualified fitters will be happy to help.