As winter approaches, many households across the UK are seeking the most effective and economical ways to keep warm. With rising energy costs a significant concern, the popularity of domestic log burners has surged. According to the Stoves Industry Alliance (SIA), 200,000 burners were installed in 2022, bringing the total number of households with log burners to an estimated 1.5 million. For first-time buyers, the wealth of information available can be overwhelming, and unfortunately, misinformation often accompanies it. To help you make an informed decision, we’ve debunked some of the most common myths surrounding firewood and log burning.
A common concern is that the increasing popularity of wood burners will drive up firewood prices. While demand has indeed influenced prices, heating your home with firewood remains significantly cheaper than other domestic heating methods. Households typically spend around £10.37 per kWh on firewood, which is 73.5% less than electric heating and 19% less than gas. Investing in quality kiln-dried hardwood logs ensures you get the best possible fuel for your burner. These logs are dried in a kiln, often using on-site waste as fuel, resulting in a moisture content of less than 20%. This makes them burn hotter and longer than regular seasoned logs, proving more economical in the long run. Additionally, because they are appropriately dried, you can reduce the airflow, resulting in less smoke production.
A prevalent myth is that wood burners are not environmentally friendly due to their smoke and particulate emissions. This misconception stems from a 2019 DEFRA report which suggested that wood burners contribute to 38% of all UK emissions. However, this figure includes all domestic wood burning, such as outdoor fires and bonfires. The actual emissions from wood burners are about 17%, significantly lower than initially reported. To address environmental concerns, Ecodesign Regulations were introduced in 2022. These regulations require stove manufacturers to declare emissions limits and undergo rigorous testing to ensure safety and sustainability. Non-compliant stoves cannot be produced legally. Additionally, the Ready to Burn regulations mandate that UK firewood suppliers providing less than two cubic metres of wood must be accredited, ensuring the fuel you use is legally and safely manufactured.
Contrary to popular belief, firewood is a highly renewable fuel source, especially compared to fossil fuels. Trees naturally repopulate, and sustainable forest management practices encourage regrowth. The misconception of firewood as unsustainable often arises from large-scale, unchecked usage where tree replenishment is neglected. However, when managed properly, burning firewood can be considered carbon neutral. Trees absorb CO2 from the atmosphere and store it for millennia, releasing the same amount of CO2 upon burning or decomposing. To ensure your firewood is sustainably sourced, look for suppliers certified by the Forestry Stewardship Council (FSC). This certification guarantees that the wood comes from responsibly managed forests, giving you peace of mind about the environmental impact of your fuel.
The notion that you can burn any type of wood or paper in your log burner is a dangerous misconception. While it’s true that fire can burn through various materials, it’s crucial to be selective about what you feed your fire. Burning wood treated with varnish or paint can release harmful fumes and toxins, posing health risks as these substances linger in the air and settle in your lungs.
A critical aspect of maintaining a log burner is ensuring your chimney is regularly cleaned, a necessity often underestimated. Neglecting this can lead to structural damage or creosote build-up, which can cause long-term issues and costly repairs. Hiring a professional chimney sweep can help identify and address these problems early on. To ensure quality service, seek professionals licensed by the Guild of Master Chimney Sweeps. In summary, while there is an abundance of information and myths about firewood and log burners, it’s essential to discern fact from fiction. Quality firewood is cost-effective and sustainable, and modern regulations ensure environmental friendliness. Proper maintenance and mindful burning practices will allow you to enjoy the warmth and comfort of a log burner safely and responsibly this winter.
