The Truth About Running Costs: Is a Stove Cheaper Than Central Heating?

Is a Stove Really Cheaper Than Central Heating in the UK?

It’s a question we hear often, especially as energy prices are climbing and homeowners look for ways to save. While stoves come with an upfront cost, many customers find they’re a smart investment in the long run. Let’s break it down.

Upfront Costs vs Ongoing Bills

Buying and installing a stove does involve an initial outlay. You’re looking at:

The appliance itself

Flue liner and installation

Safety certification

Any building work or hearth upgrades if needed

Depending on the setup, a full install typically costs between £3,000 and £4,000

But Then What?

Once installed, your ongoing costs are surprisingly low. With no standing charges like those attached to gas and electricity accounts, you only pay for the fuel you use. If you burn seasoned logs or kiln-dried wood, you can expect to heat a room for a fraction of the cost of central heating.

On average, customers who supplement their heating with a wood-burning stove report savings of up to 30 percent on winter energy bills.

What Are the Running Costs for a Stove?

Here’s a rough guide to fuel prices in the UK:

Seasoned wood logs: £80 to £120 per cubic metre

Kiln-dried logs: £120 to £160 per cubic metre

Smokeless coal: Around £15 to £25 per 25kg bag

A modern Ecodesign stove can burn a single load of wood for up to five hours, using around two to three logs at a time. For regular winter use, most households spend approximately £400 to £600 per year on fuel when using a stove to heat their main living space.

That compares favourably with the average £1,600 to £2,200 per year cost for gas or electric heating in UK homes.

Ongoing Maintenance

Unlike boilers, stoves don’t require yearly servicing contracts. You’ll just need an annual chimney sweep and the occasional check of your rope seals or firebricks. That’s it.

No callout fees. No surprise direct debits. No “Your plan is increasing this month” emails.

Can I Heat My Whole House with a Stove?

Technically yes, especially with a boiler stove or if you live in a smaller property. But most UK homeowners use stoves to heat their most-used room like the lounge and turn down the central heating elsewhere. This zone heating approach is where real savings kick in.

But What About the Environment?

Modern stoves are a far cry from the smoky old models of the past. Camden Fires only sells stoves that are Ecodesign 2022 compliant and DEFRA-approved for use in smoke control areas.

This means cleaner air, efficient fuel use, and peace of mind that you’re making a responsible choice.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a way to take control of your heating bills, a stove is worth considering. It's an investment that not only adds warmth and style to your home but can genuinely reduce your long-term energy costs.

And if you're unsure what model to choose or whether your space is suitable, Camden Fires is here to help. Whether it's a quick question or a full quote, we’re happy to offer honest advice with no pressure to buy.

Want to talk it through?
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