Sharing good food and stories around a blazing wood fire was once central family life, and accounts of long winter evenings spent this way feature prominently in classic literature. Many people still think fondly of having a wood fire in their home, but is wood heating a realistic option in this day and age? If you are considering purchasing a combustion heater, here are some factors you need to take into account.
Rather than spending money on electricity or gas you will need to buy firewood. This is not necessarily going to be cheap, in fact, in some areas of the world firewood can be far more expensive than either electricity or gas. Of course if you have your own property and are able to cut wood yourself this cost is going to be significantly if not entirely reduced. However, it is important to consider how much wood you will require. An average sized home combustion heater will burn several tons of wood in as little as two months, so it is a good idea to obtain some quotes from local firewood merchants and calculate roughly how much you will spend per year.
Be wary of purchasing very old second hand wood burning stoves. Although they may look attractive, old-fashioned heaters may be very difficult to install in modern houses. This is especially true if you’re planning to use a heater which incorporates a boiler for supplying hot water to your taps, or steam to a series of radiators in your house. If you’re planning on installing a full heating or hot water system it is highly advisable to purchase a modern combustion stove that is going to be safe and reliable in this regard.
Installing a wood heating can be a fantastic investment, but it is important to consider the above factors before committing your money. Properly installed, one of these heaters adds a lot of value to your home and can be very enjoyable, but it is worthwhile consulting a professional and buying a good wood burning stove rather than cutting corners.
