Having a wood burning stove installed into your home is a big decision, and requires some thought into both the advantages and potential disadvantages a stove could bring to your home.
Many stove owners would argue that the positives of wood burners far outweigh the disadvantages. Here is a fair review of both the pros and cons of owning a wood burning stove, to help you make your final decision.
Pros:
They Look Great
Wood burning stoves are not only a great source within the home; they also act as an attractive centrepiece.When browsing for stoves, you’ll notice that there are a huge range of stove styles, which come in a range of shapes and sizes to suit every home.
Whether you have an ultra-modern home or prefer a more traditional style, there’s a stove style for you.
Wood burning stoves offer a much cosier and warmer feeling, especially during the winter months. Watching real flames flicker within the stove is an experience which is simply not imitable with electric and gas stoves.
The crackling and popping of logs within a stove also adds to the cosy atmosphere, which something you won’t experience with other heating methods.
They Produce Dry Heat
Many stove owners leave their washing to dry next to the stove, as it saves on using the tumble drier. You can even boil food or a stove-top kettle on them!
They’re More Eco-Friendly
Burning scrap wood retrieved from either the outdoors or local suppliers is a great way to save money, as well as cutting down emissions from transportation costs.
Modern wood burning stoves produce a clean burn, which means that no harmful emissions are released into the atmosphere whilst your fire is roaring.
It Can be Cheaper
If you live in a rural area, there’s a good chance there will be plenty of opportunities for scrap wood or local suppliers doing cheap deals.
If you’ll have to buy your wood from a large supplier each time, a wood burning may not be the cheapest option for you.
Cons:
Installation Costs
An installation of a wood burning stove should always be performed by a qualified professional, as there are always a number of risks involved with a DIY installation of a heat source.
Depending on how much work is required to fit a stove within your home, the costs could total up over £1000, but you should think of it as an investment.
Regular Maintenance
The ash tray will need regular emptying and cleaning, depending on the size of your stoves. With smaller stoves, you’ll find yourself doing this every time you have a fire.
The viewing glass on the front of the stove will also need to be cleaned regularly. There are plenty of cleaning solutions specially designed to clean stove glass efficiently, so with the right products, this task won’t take you too long.
Tending the Fire
To keep a fire in for longer, consider a multi-fuel stove and add coals to it. Coal burns much longer than logs, however logs produce a hotter flame and are better for starting a fire with.