With fuel prices going up across the board it is hard to know which fuel now offers best value for money. Well, the SIA’s latest data release reveals that seasoned wood is now the cheapest domestic heating fuel!

Read on to find out how much you could save by switching to wood-burning

Seasoned wood logs are now the least expensive domestic heating fuel, costing 74% less per kWh than electric heating and 21% less than gas heating. The Nottingham Energy Partnership have also found that using a modern Ecodesign wood burning stove costs 29% less to run than an air source heat pump.

Not only does using seasoned wood save you money, but it also has by far the lowest carbon intensity of any domestic heating fuel. Wood logs release 87% less carbon than gas, 88% less than electricity and 74% less than an air source heat pump.

In addition to reducing your energy bills and carbon footprint, modern wood burning stoves also help lower harmful emissions, by replacing open fires and old wood stoves.

A recent survey of wood burning stove retailers and installers showed that, of the stoves installed in the last 12 months, 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 an old, basic model.

Here are some top wood-burning tips from the SIA

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.

-Use seasoned wood with a mositure content of 20% or less. Never used chemically treated wood or burn waste on your stove.

-Ensure your stove is fitted and maintained by an appropriately qualified competent person such as one who is HETAS or OFTEC

-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.

Best Firewood Chart UK

When it comes to burning seasoned wood, most people are looking for the most sustainable option. Wood is not only a great way to reduce your carbon footprint, but it’s also an extremely affordable heating source. To make things simpler for you, we’ve put together a chart with all the different types of firewood and their benefits. Click here, to find the best option for your needs.

The importance of using seasoned wood

Whatever wood species you choose it will require seasoning (drying) until it reaches a moisture content of 20% or less. This will keep harmful emissions to a minimum and significantly improve efficiency while protecting your stove and chimney.

Look out for the Woodsure Ready to Burn label which guarantees a moisture content of 20% or less.

For a list of approved firewood sellers in your area click here.

Related reading:

Why burning the RIGHT wood saves you money & protects the environment!