The surge in popularity of the once humble log burner over the past year can be attributed to people seeking more affordable ways to heat their homes amid rising energy costs. However, this newfound staple of middle-class life is causing divisions within neighborhoods.
Research has shown that wood smoke has become a bigger issue than car emissions in certain affluent areas, such as south-west London. On cold winter nights, the air in upmarket streets filled with Victorian terraces across the UK is heavy with the scent of burning fuel. While some find this nostalgic smell comforting, others have taken to local online forums to criticize “selfish” homeowners who are using these stoves under the guise of saving money.
The demand for log burners has skyrocketed, with sales increasing by 67% in the last quarter of 2022 compared to the previous year, according to data from the Stoves Industry Alliance. Approximately 1.5 million homes now have a log burner, with SIA members installing 200,000 in 2022, although most of these were replacements.
Nic Snell, the managing director of Certainly Wood, the largest supplier of kiln-dried logs in Britain, states that their sales have increased by about 30% due to the high demand for log burners.
However, log burners remain predominantly a middle-class purchase, with around four out of ten bought by homeowners who own their properties outright, as per government-commissioned research. These stoves have also drawn the attention of environmentalists due to their contribution to carbon emissions. The government has recently announced that owners who exceed new, stricter pollution limits could face fines of £300.
Are log burners cost-effective?
If you already have a log burner installed, it is more cost-effective to run than other heating sources. According to the SIA, log burners cost 71% less per kilowatt hour than electric heating, 21% less than a heat pump, and 12% less than mains gas.
An analysis by consultancy firm Gemserve reveals that using a wood burner and reducing central heating for a three-hour period five days a week could save households an average of £132 per year. However, it is crucial to note that while a log burner may generate some residual heat throughout the house, its primary purpose is to heat individual rooms.
Installation costs must also be considered. The SIA suggests that for a high-quality log burner from a reputable brand, one should expect to pay between £1,000 and £1,500, with an equal amount for installation.
The cost of wood is also on the rise. Certainly Wood reports an 8% price increase in the past six months due to up to 30% hikes in raw material prices and limited supply from Russia and Belarus. Mr. Snell anticipates that prices may decrease as summer approaches but expects further increases for the next season.
Additionally, one must factor in potential fines. Last week, the government unveiled plans to limit the amount of smoke emitted per hour by new stoves from 5g to 3g in most urban areas in England. Violators of these regulations may face fines of £300 or even criminal records.
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