Are you tempted by the thought of cuddling up with a cup of hot chocolate in front of a roaring log burner while the weather creates havoc outside? If you are, you’re not alone. More and more of us are investing in log burners to heat our homes. Not only do they provide the perfect ambience for cold winter evenings, but they also have the potential to slash your heating costs. If you’re still sitting on the fence about whether or not you should install a wood burning stove in your home, read on for our five top benefits of a wood burning stove.
- They’re cost effective
One of the most welcome benefits of installing a wood burning stove is the lure of being able to reduce the cost of other fuels, such as gas and electricity. Many users report that they have cut their bills by a third and that they’ve recouped the cost of installing a stove within 2-3 years, although it has been suggested that a switch to wood fuelled heating could reduce electric heating costs by up to 80% and over 50% for gas heating. Of course, you do need to take into account the costs involved for log burner installation.
- Creates a comfortable, ambient temperature throughout your room
In terms of heat efficiency, freestanding wood burning stoves have an efficiency rate of 80% and above. As cast iron is often used in the manufacture of stoves, the heat generated is released slowly into the room to maintain a comfortable, ambient temperature.
- Uses a renewable fuel source
One of the main reasons many people choose to install a wood burner is the fact that they are ecologically sound. Provided you purchase your logs from a reputable supplier, logs are a renewable fuel. Furthermore, burning wood is classed as being carbon neutral, which means that the carbon dioxide released during the burning process is roughly equal to that absorbed by the tree as it grows.
- Can be used to heat your water
Some wood burning stoves can be linked to an existing central heating system, meaning that they’ll not only provide that welcome glow and radiant heat for your home, they’ll also supply enough hot water to heat your radiators too.
- You don’t have to rely on energy companies
While we all hope that we’re never plunged into an apocalypse type situation, if we are, at least you’ll have heat. Log burners don’t require gas or electricity, so you’re not reliant on the energy companies for heating your home.
And finally, let’s face it, wood burning stoves look good and can nicely fit in to all kinds of stylish interiors.
