How A Wood Burning Stove Can Save You Money On Energy Bills

Just like that summer has passed by ever so quickly and with the Autumn Equinox falling on 22nd September, Autumn is officially here. There’s a chilly change in the air and the leaves are starting to turn their familiar deep browns and oranges. The cosy jumpers are making an appearance and the logs are starting to pile high here at Salamander HQ in anticipation of the colder days.

Over the past several years, we have seen gas and electricity bills continuously rising. The recent price cap for the fourth quarter of 2024 sees unit prices for gas to increase by 14% in October 2024 and electricity by 10% to £1,717 per year for a typical household. Many of us find ourselves in a familiar place of looking for alternatives to heat our homes. Wood burning stoves have become increasingly more sought after to tackle the rise in heating bills, and we want to share with you how a wood burning stove can save you money on your energy bills!

Advantages of using a wood burning stove?

Oh where do we start! Of course we are biased when it comes to wood burning stoves being an essential in any household. Here are the main advantages:

1. A wood burner costs on average 15% less than gas central heating.
2. Extremely efficient – our Hobbit Stove is 81.4% efficient and The Little Range Cookstove is 85.7%.
3. Environmental friendliness – dry, seasoned wood is considered a carbon neutral fuel. The amount of carbon dioxide released when wood is burned is the same amount that trees absorb while growing.
4. Increases house value – wood burning stoves contribute to increasing property value due to their efficiency and potential for energy cost savings.
5. Mood enhancer – there is evidence that having a wood burning stove in your home can increase your serotonin levels. Therefore improving your mood and reducing stress levels. There is nothing quite like the calming ritual of lighting your Hobbit Stove, cosying up in front of it and listening to the soft crackles whilst being immersed in the orange glow that fills the room.

Will a wood burning stove really save you money on energy bills?

In short, YES! Having a wood burning stove can save you on average 10-25% on your energy bills, according to the Energy Saving Trust. A wood burning stove is an investment which will guarantee to save you money in the long run on your energy bills. That being said, there are some upfront and ongoing costs:

1. The installation cost (including the stove) ranges from £700 – £3500 according to this really helpful guide. On average £2000. The overall amount you pay will depend on several factors such as:
   • The installer who fits your stove
   • If your home already has a chimney and if it needs lining
   • If you need a hearth installed
2. Consistent supply of logs. If you can source free or cheap freshly cut logs and have space to season them you will be saving even more money! If not, You will need to buy seasoned logs, kiln-dried logs or eco logs. The price will vary depending on where you purchase your logs from and what time of year. We suggest purchasing your logs in the spring/summer seasons as they tend to be cheaper then! According to this article, the average person will use 3.5 cubic meters of wood (if used from mid-October to mid-April). A cubic meter of kiln dried logs costs between £120 – £140. Meaning you could be spending between £420 – £490 for the winter. When compared with the cost of gas and electricity, this is a huge saving!
3. Maintenance cost. We suggest you give your stove a deep annual clean. Checking the bricks, baffle, glass and any other internal parts that might need replacing. You will also need to get your chimney sweeping at least once a year. We suggest just after summer or just before the winter season. Costing on average £50.

In conclusion

Investing in a wood burning stove is something that should be thought through carefully. Ensuring it is the right decision for you and your home is important. But, if you are looking to cut the costs of your heating bills in the long run, our wood burning stoves win every time! A fantastic alternative option that is efficient, environmentally friendly and mood boosting – what more could you want!