Woodburning stoves are sexy heating option this winter

Wood burners are warm, economical and earth friendly

Fashions are always coming back around on themselves and the home is no different to the catwalk. But the current trend for woodburning stoves and boilers is not purely a style issue – these babies make excellent environmental sense as they radically reduce carbon emissions (CO2) and they can save you a chunk off your heating bills. So if you think putting logs on the fire is nostalgic, think again.

Wood burners

Wood burners are the way forward in terms of adding style to your living space. They look good, give off plenty of heat and are earth friendly. Although called wood burners, there are other forms of fuels – biomass – available, such as pellets and chips. And once installed, you have a long-term renewable heat system.

Biomass Fuel

According to The Biomass Energy Centre, “Biomass is biological material derived from living, or recently living organisms. This often means plant-based material, but can also apply to animal and vegetable derived material”.

So, unlike fossil fuels that take millions of years to create and regenerate, biomass fuels can be used and replenished relatively quickly AND we cut down on landfill – which has got to be a bonus.

Stove or boiler?

Both will heat your home - a stove heats individual rooms and the boiler can connect to your central heating and hot water systems. So if you just want a romantic Christmas with the family gathered around a fire, opt for a stove. But if you’re after a more permanent renewable solution, think about the boiler.

Stoves can be fueled by either logs or pellets, but the automatic-feed stoves are best used with pellets only.

Shop locally

Buying local is a great way to support your local economy and you’ll find there are many suppliers of biomass logs, pellets and chips in your area.

Renewable Heat Incentive

On average, a detached house can save up to £350 on annual heating bills, according to The Energy Saving Trust, so with the increase in availability of eco burning materials – biomass fuels – you can have a cosy winter in front of the fire without worrying about cost or climate change.

And, with the UK government’s commitment to the ambitious, but necessary, 12% increase in heat generated from a renewable source by 2020, there’s never been a better time to invest in a woodburning stove or boiler as the renewable heat incentives (RHI) are high.

Like the feed-in tariffs for solar and wind power, the RHI means installing a woodburner is a reality, not a dream. If you’re interested in knowing more, these sites explain the incentive in simple language

What is RHI? and the RHI explained

Other considerations

If your neighbourhood is a smokeless zone you will need to avoid logs and opt for pellets

The Energy Saving Trust have a fact sheet – but whichever way you go – you’ll not regret having a real fire in your living room.

Image courtesy of wooburnerwarehouse.co.uk