Buying and installing a wood burning stove could lead to a cost of around $2500, so will you get any benefit or advantage if you invest in one and is a wood burning stove worth it?
A wood burning stove can be worth it as you will get increased heat output from your wood due to the large cast iron mass that is being heated and radiates warmth into the room. If you have access to a cheap or even free supply of wood then you will eventually save money on heating your home over more conventional fuels.
Do you save money with a wood burning stove?
It is possible to save money with a wood burning stove and it really depends on what you use the stove for.
If the stove is used to heat your home and perhaps hot water, then you will be able to reduce the amount of other fuels such as gas or electricity, that you normally use for these purposes.
Wood burning stoves are more efficient than open fireplaces due to their enclosed design and use of cast iron, which acts as a large radiator and, once lit, they can stay warm for long periods with minimal fuel.
Stoves come in a variety of sizes with some being able to provide large amounts of heat.
If you are able to heat a large proportion of your home by burning wood then you can expect to save as much as 50% on your home heating costs.
Is a wood burning stove cheaper than central heating?
Wood burning stoves are cheaper than central heating but you will not get the same levels of performance or coverage from a wood burner.
Central heating systems cover the whole house, whereas a wood burning stove is located in a single room.
Although you will feel some of the heat from the stove in other parts of the house, this will be nowhere near the levels of a good central heating system.
It is possible, however, for some stoves to be installed into central heating systems, allowing you to reduce the amount of fuel that the system uses.
Recommended Wood Burning Stoves
Wood burning stoves increase home value
Wood burning stoves are appealing to many people. The experience of a real fire is something that most people enjoy and the natural aspects of wood stoves far outweigh those of gas or electricity.
It comes as no surprise then that a wood burning stove can increase the value of a home by as much as 5%.
What is the cost of installing a wood burning stove?
Much will depend on your choice of stove and the type of home that you have.
If you have an existing fireplace with a flue where you intend to install the stove, then this will be cheaper than a vanilla installation.
Typically a stove costs from around $800 ( £600) upwards, with prices varying according to the stove specifications and the rated KW heat output.
You’ll need to factor in the cost of installing a suitable flue or liner if you don’t have a suitable chimney and then there will also be the cost of the installation itself ( labour and additional materials ).
Overall you can expect to have to find between $1500 to $2000 ( approx: £1200 to £1700) for a full stove installation.
How long will it take to get a return on investment if I get a stove?
It is difficult to say just how long it will take for a wood burning stove to repay itself as it depends upon amount of use and type of fuel used, along with size of stove and whether it heats part or all of the house.
A new wood burning stove would generally repay itself in around 15 years, whereas a second hand stove could be ‘cost free’ after 2 to 3 years.
Other factors such as whether the stove was installed professionally or as a DIY project, will affect overall costs and payback timescales.
Should you buy a wood burning stove?
Most people love a real fire and a wood burning stove is a generally safe and efficient way of having a real fire in the home.
The attraction of flame, smell of smoke and burning a renewable fuel, that can be obtained freely if you put some work in, is rewarding for many stove owners.
You will save money on your heating bills if you install a stove and, if you currently use gas, propane, oil or electricity to heat your home, then a wood burner is a no brainer.
Final Words – Is a wood burning stove worth it?
There are lots of benefits to installing a wood burning stove in your home, not the least in that it will help you to reduce your home heating costs.
The visual appeal of a wood burner is also something that attracts many people to this type of installation and this can have added impact when you come to sell your home and move on.
Wood burning stoves are certainly something that you should consider.
