Choosing a Wood Burning Stove for Sussex Homes

Many people are choosing wood burning stoves as an alternative to traditional methods of heating their homes in and around Sussex.  Stoves do indeed make a good focal point and can provide greener, cleaner sources of heat. If you are considering purchasing a log burning stove, here are the answers to some commonly asked questions:

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What Types of Wood Burning Stoves Are there?

There are two types of wood burners to choose from, namely wood burning stoves which can only be used for burning wood, and multi fuel stoves which can burn coal or wood. Multi fuel stoves have a grate fitted which collects the extra ash generated when burning coal.

 Will I save money by choosing a wood burner?

Although installation costs are high, using wood as your main fuel should save you hundreds of pounds when compared to gas or electricity costs. In addition, certain wood burners can be connected to a boiler in order to heat the water required for your house. This could save you even more money.

 What fuel is required for a log burner?

Wood fuel is available either as seasoned or unseasoned logs. Seasoned logs are easier to use, as they burn well, but they are more expensive. A 5kW wood burning stove will use approximately £80-£110 of fuel for two winter months. Unseasoned logs are cheaper but they need to be kept somewhere dry. Specially designed stoves or multi-fuel stoves will use wood pellets. It is a sensible idea to check with the manufacturer as to what type of fuel your stove requires.

 Where can I find the Burner I want?

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Wood burning stoves can be found either at local fireplace specialists in places like Brighton, Chichester or Worthing , from stove manufacturers, or online. Stove prices start from as little as £600, with installation costing more at around £1,500. Do bear in mind however that this initial outlay will pay off in the long term. Remember to check before purchasing your stove that you do not live in a smoke control area. If you do live in a smoke control area, you will have to purchase a stove exempt from certain restrictions.

Is a wood burning stove better for the environment?

 A wood burning stove is more eco-friendly than using coal or gas to heat your home. This is because the carbon released by the wood has been offset by the carbon the tree absorbed during its lifetime. Hence wood has a net zero carbon footprint. By buying fuel from a sustainable wood source in places like Sussex and Horsham, or even planting trees to replace those used as fuel, a homeowner can take another step towards helping the planet.

Hopefully, this information will help you to decide whether a wood burning stove is right for your Sussex home. As they are ecologically and economically sound, it may well be a good decision to purchase one for the coming winter months, as you should see a reduced heating bill and you will also be doing your bit for the environment.