Wood burning stoves have really come into their own in recent years with many homeowners having them fitted due to the costs of heating their home via other methods such as central heating in addition to the positive environmental impact which they have. The fact is that wood burning stoves are far kinder to the environment as well as to your pocket!
It’s not only the cost-saving aspect of wood burning stoves which are attracting more and more people to them but also the fact that they look fabulous and create an amazingly cosy feeling within a room. There’s nothing quite like a stove in the heart of your home for creating atmosphere and a lovely warm place to sit!
There are many models and brands of wood burning stove to choose from; some are basic models designed to throw heat off only for the room which they’re sited in and others are designed to heat water for the entire house and will keep the temperature at a cosy level for as long as they’re well maintained.
When it comes to the environmental aspects of wood burning stoves it’s a win-win situation too; there are many pluses to installing a wood burning stove but one of the main positives are that the fuel for wood burning stoves is carbon neutral; this is because when a tree grows, it absorbs a certain amount of carbon which makes up for that which is released when wood is burned. As long as trees continue to be planted, wood may be burned with a clear conscience.
Some people go even further in their efforts to be environmentally friendly and source fuel for their wood burning stoves from the natural environment by collecting fallen timber. If you would like to try this, be sure to let your timber mature and season for a full year before you use it as green wood can cause damage to wood burning stoves.
If you would like to have a wood burning stove fitted, but aren’t sure if it’s the right choice for you, then consider the following.
- Some wood burning stoves are capable of heating an entire house including hot water.
- Households that rely on wood burning stoves for their heat are not tied to the national grid in the same way as those with central heating.
- Fuel for wood burning stoves is easy to source and easy to store once you set aside a special area for it.
- Some households will be eligible for financial help towards the cost of fitting some types of wood burning stoves as there are now government incentives for those who choose this route.
Check if your area is one which permits the installation of wood burning stoves; some areas are smokeless zones which means that only certain types of burners and fuel may be fitted. These zones are mainly in large cities and the restrictions are in place to protect the air which we breathe. Your local council will be able to inform you of any restrictions which may be in place in your area.
