The SIA says modern wood burning stoves are able to significantly reduce heating bills and carbon emissions. Plus, by replacing an open fire with a modern Ecodesign compliant wood burning stove, up to a 90% reduction in particulate matter emissions can also be achieved, the association says.
SIA says: 'New data from Gemserve shows that homes with gas central heating that adopt zonal heating this winter (using a wood burning stove while turning down the gas central heating to 18°C for a 3-hour period during winter evenings, on average five times a week) will save on average £113 per year. This is the equivalent of an 8.5% saving on heating bills.
'And it’s not just our bank balance that benefits, our carbon footprint can be seen to be lower too. Burning wood for domestic heating is approximately 1/10 as carbon intensive as gas or electricity. Using renewable, sustainably sourced wood fuel instead of gas results in typical carbon savings of over half a tonne of CO2e/year.
Andy Hill, chair of the SIA, commented: “It’s important to note that these savings are calculated using the current April 2022 price cap so there is the opportunity to save even more money on home heating come this October. Anyone that currently uses an open fire or much older, basic stove at home should think about upgrading to an Ecodesign stove such as a clearSkies certified model to take advantage of these savings and become much more self-sufficient in the process.”
Burning wood for heat on a modern Ecodesign stove also has the advantage of ensuring readily available heating in the event of power cuts and grid outages.
Mr Hill added: “Not only are consumers having to face eye-watering home energy bills this winter, but last winter’s storms also led to prolonged power and gas grid outages in some parts of the country. Being without heating altogether is a very real concern for many of us. A modern wood burning stove offers a reliable and affordable way to heat our homes.”