How to work it out

Use the following calculations for an approximate KW size of stove you require.

Measure room in Metres:  Width x  Length x Height and divide total by 15.

• They protect the house from heat transfer to combustibles.
• They increase the temperature of the flue gases which in turn tend to improve the draw of a chimney. They reduce condensation within the chimney.
• They cure problems of smoke leaking out cracks in a masonry chimney.
• They eliminate staining on the outside of a chimney due to condensates and tar seeping out.

Read more: What do liners do?

With costs on the rise for the traditional sources of heat (gas, electric and oil), wood burning stoves are now one of the most popular and cost effective alternatives to heating your home.

Wood burning stoves should be seen as a serious heating device, either as a primary source of heat or as a secondary source, capable of considerably reducing existing fuel bills.

How can a stove save you money?

The savings and benefits are substantial. In many cases a stove will pay for itself in one or two years.

The cost of a stove will vary depending on the manufacturer, the size of the unit and its heat output (measured in kilowatts, kw).  Prices range considerably but for a good quality stove of apx 5kw you should budget £600 or more.

Read more: Why choose a stove?

With resources being top of people’s thoughts, the efficient use of all fuels is becoming paramount.  

Wood is a renewable resource and the most environmentally friendly fuel to burn.

Does burning wood contribute to global warming?

Unlike fossil fuels; oil, coal and gas, burning wood is co2 neutral and does not add to the overall greenhouse gas effect. There is no difference in the amount of co2 released from a piece of burned firewood than a piece left to rot in a wood.

As trees grow, they absorb co2 with help from the suns energy and unlike fossil fuels, only return the same amount of co2 that was absorbed, thus they do not contribute to global warming.

Read more: Are Stoves Environmentally Friendly?