Lower Bills
 

Heating with wood is not only environmentally friendly, but can also make good economic sense. Timber for fuel is typically up to 30% cheaper than oil or gas and with recent price rises in both, the savings are only likely to increase. An additional environmental benefit is that timber is usually sourced locally, so transport miles and associated emissions are kept to a minimum.
In addition to this, if you choose a stove with a boiler option and heat exchanger, you can even provide yourself with domestic hot water or run radiators from the same fire.  Alternatively, you can augment your existing oil or gas fired central heating system, or reduce your reliance on it as a single source by feeding hot water from the stove into the system via a neutralising chamber.

From our own personal experience, the installation of a wood-burning stove can reduce your heating bills by as much as one third!

Are there any grants available?

The Energy Saving Trust can provide impartial information on home energy efficiency.  They have a good knowledge of your area and understand the local housing stock, for example, they can help you find out whether or not your house has cavity walls and can advise you on any grants and offers that may be available to help towards the costs of installing energy saving devices.  To contact your local Energy Saving Trust advice centre call 0800 512 012 or visit their website www.energysavingtrust.org.uk.

It might also be worth contacting the Low Carbon Buildings Programme on 0800 915 0990 or visit their website http://www.lowcarbonbuildings.org.uk.