As electricity costs rise through the roof, more and more people are turning to super efficient wood burning stoves. For those who love them they represent a cheaper and more efficient way to keep their home toasty warm. However, if you don't understand how to use them you can find yourself paying the price.
In 2008, as utility bills started to rise, more and more people switched to a wood burning stove. In fact you can trace the exact moment the trend began because it coincided with a substantial rise in the number of thatched roof fires. On average we see about 50 of these incidents each year, but in 2008 that leapt to more than 70. The conclusion was obvious new and inexperienced owners were getting into trouble because they didn't know how to use their new installations.
Stoves such as these are potentially wonderful creations. They continue burning four hours, spreading heat throughout the house. Potentially it is possible to keep it going for a whole day with just a single piece of wood. It sounds good - so much so, in fact, that many people go out and buy one without thinking of the consequences. The rise in fires came because the chimneys were not lined sufficiently to insulate the thatched lining from the heat. Once that gets transferred to the lining of the thatch fire can spread rapidly.
Some people also professed themselves disappointed by the results. Far from being super energy efficient they found themselves having to continually feed the stove and supplement it with regular forms of heating. What was meant to be an energy saving device quickly began to drive them around the bend.
However the problem does not lie necessarily with the stoves. They can heat your house efficiently and safely, but you have to make considerations before you buy it. For example, if the house is over a certain size it will not be able to provide heat for the entire building. Likewise, if you do not have sufficient insulation much of the heat will be lost. The government is working hard to convince people of the benefits of modern insulation. If installed correctly it can greatly enhance the efficiency of all your heating installations.
A traditional stove can be a fantastic addition to any house. Owners often eulogise enthusiastically about it. Not only does it work well, but it can look great in a traditional home setting.
Dominic Donaldson is a freelance journalist. Find out more about Stoves at
http://www.chesneys.co.uk/
