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Wood logs are now the cheapest domestic heating fuel, costing households 74% less per kWh than electric heating and 21% less than gas heating. Using a modern wood burning stove also costs 29% less to run than an air source heat pump^*.

In addition to these significant cost savings, wood fuel has the lowest carbon intensity of any domestic heating fuel. Wood logs are 87% less carbon intensive than gas, 88% less than electricity and 74% less than an air source heat pump^*.

Saving on energy bills and reducing a home’s carbon footprint are not the only attractive advantages of modern wood burning stoves; they help lower emissions too.

A recent questionnaire to retailers and installers of wood burning stoves showed that of the stoves installed over the last 12 months, approximately 82% were replacements^# rather than new installations. A modern Ecodesign compliant wood burning stove emits up to 90% less particulates than an open fire and up to 80% less than a much older, very basic stove model meaning these replacements are helping to dramatically reduce emissions from domestic indoor wood burning.

And there’s a further win for modern wood burning stoves; total independence from the energy grid when it comes to domestic heating. Andy Hill, Chair of the Stove Industry Alliance, commented:

“In last week’s Autumn Statement the Chancellor of Exchequer, Jeremy Hunt, set out clear commitments to improve energy independence and reduce energy consumption. Burning good quality wood for heat in a modern Ecodesign stove offers a wealth of benefits that will not only help households manage the cost-of-living squeeze and mitigate the risks posed by winter power cuts, but they will also help the UK meet its ambitious targets on carbon reduction and energy consumption.”

*Source: Nottingham Energy Partnership

^#Where a pre-existing secondary heating appliance such as an open fire or much older, very basic stove is removed and a modern Ecodesign compliant wood burning stove is installed in its place

SIA Top Tips

• Choose an Ecodesign compliant wood burning stove such as a clearSkies certified appliance. If you currently use an open fire or an older, very basic wood burning stove consider upgrading. A modern Ecodesign compliant wood burning stove, such as a clearSkies model, releases up to 90% less emissions than an open fire and can be up to 80% less than some older stoves. Your local SIA Retail Group member can help advise on the best stove for you and your family.
• If you live in a Smoke Control Area, your stove will also need to be Defra exempt. All clearSkies Level 3 and above models are certified as Defra exempt.
• Visit your local stove retailer for guidance on choosing the right size stove for your property and for a detailed installation quote. You can find your nearest SIA Retail Group member showroom here.
• Ensure your stove is fitted and maintained by an appropriately qualified competent person such as one who is HETAS or OFTEC
• Ensure you use quality wood fuel. Look for the Ready to Burn logo to ensure your wood logs are at or below 20% moisture content. Never used chemically treated wood or burn waste on your stove.
• Have your chimney swept at least once a year by a registered sweep. The Federation of British Chimney Sweeps has links to all the main sweep associations. Chimney sweeps are a valuable source of information for good practice and advice – and they are happy to engage and encourage you to “Speak to a Sweep”.
• Keep your stove in tip top condition by having it regularly serviced.

Editor’s Notes:

• The Stove Industry Alliance was formed in 2008 and is a trade association of stove manufacturers, distributors and retailers, wood fuel suppliers, flue and component manufacturers and other interested industry bodies.
• With over 40 manufacturing members and over 60 retail members, the SIA represents the stove industry in discussion with government departments such as Defra and BEIS, Welsh Government, Scottish Government, and the Greater London Authority.
• The SIA represents the UK in CEFACD, the European Committee of Manufacturers of Domestic Heating and Cooking Appliances and engages openly with all stakeholders.
• Please contact Erica Malkin SIA Communications Manager on 07891 097842 or for further comment on this press release.

Further information on the work of the SIA can be found at www.stoveindustryalliance.com