Cost effective warmth this winter

You can download this press release in PDF format here.

The Stove Industry Alliance (SIA) is seeking to reassure households that burning wood in an Ecodesign compliant wood burning stove is a highly efficient, cost effective, low carbon and low emission way to keep warm  this winter.

Chair of the SIA, Andy Hill, commented:  “Fears about fuel costs will affect every household this winter, and will hit those already in fuel poverty with a further crushing blow. A wood burning stove costs about a third of the price of electric heating and approximately 13% less than gas central heating for the average household under the current price cap. This saving will further increase as fuel prices continue to rise.”

“A clearSkies certified stove will use approximately a quarter of the amount of wood fuel compared to an open fire to give the same amount of heat. This cost effectiveness, combined with wood fuel’s renewable and sustainable credentials, and the ability to source fuel locally, helps to further reduce the carbon intensity of home heating, and means responsible wood burning has a clear role to play in our low carbon future.”

Here are the SIA’s top tips for cost effective, low carbon, low emission wood burning:

• Choose an Ecodesign compliant wood burning stove such as a clearSkies certified appliance. If you currently use an open fire or an older, basic wood burning stove, consider upgrading. A modern Ecodesign compliant wood burning stove releases up to 90% less emissions than an open fire and up to 80% less than many older, basic stove models. Your local SIA Retail Group member can help advise on the best stove for you and your family.
• Ensure your stove is fitted and maintained by an appropriately qualified competent person such as HETAS or OFTEC
• Only use wood fuel that is 20% moisture content or less such as Ready to Burn
• Never use waste or chemically treated wood in your stove.
• When re-fuelling your stove, open the door by just a small amount and wait a few moments to allow the pressure in the stove to equalise, before opening the door fully to re-fuel. Close and latch the door immediately after re-fuelling.
• Have your chimney swept at least once a year by a qualified chimney sweep. You’ll find links to all the main UK chimney sweeping associations via the Federation of British Chimney Sweeps.