How To Save On Your Heating Bills With Firewood

In the midst of a cost of living crisis – and with the previous winter seeing energy bills rise astronomically – homeowners are frequently considering ways of cutting down on their energy use and lowering bills. And, more and more people are considering installing a wood burning stove in their homes, or getting the use out of theirs all year round.

In this post, we’ll look at how to save on your bills with firewood, so you’ll know more about why it’s a good idea to invest in a log burner in your property.

1. Use seasoned firewood

A mistake that rookie wood burners often make is to use wood they’ve found on their property or from a fallen tree or branch. The problem with this kind of wood is it’s rarely dry enough to burn successfully, and you might find that when you do light the wood, it causes a lot of smoke. Not only is this a problem for the environment and potentially unhealthy to breathe in, but it can fill your home with an unpleasant smell and cause creosote to build up in your fireplace.

Seasoned wood has been dried outdoors, but you can also consider kiln-dried wood. This is generally even faster to burn, and if you choose wood from Logwise, you’re making a great environmental choice, since our kilns are powered by wood waste generated on our estate.

2. Install a quality log burner

Getting the cheapest log burning stove doesn’t necessarily mean you’re getting the best – and cutting corners can actually cause problems in the long run. You’ll need to invest in a stove that meets current safety regulations, and consider features like whether it has vents to adjust airflow and how easy it is to keep clean and generally maintain. Our team might be able to give you some advice on which brands to choose according to your use, needs and budget. 

Bear in mind that any log burner will need to be swept out regularly (such as after each use) and you may need the flue cleaning now and then to ensure wood burns brightly and you minimise smoke and chemicals. Also, bear in mind that log burners come with an installation cost, though you’ll still save money in the long run.

3. Grow your own wood

Depending on your property size and available land, it might even be possible to grow your own wood. We’ve covered that in a previous blog here, and it’s worth considering if you do have an outdoor space that could be used for planting. Growing your own wood can be a fantastic way to be self-sufficient with your energy, but of course at Logwise, we sell a mixture of kindling, softwood and hardwood that can make the process more straightforward. 

Other ways to save on bills

Of course, it’s not just down to how you heat your home that can save money on energy. There are lots of helpful hacks you can try, like putting reflective foil behind radiators to redirect heat into your room, or switching off lights and appliances when not in use and swapping baths for showers. 

Frequently asked questions about firewood

Can a log burner save on energy bills?

Yes, a log burner could save on your energy bills, especially as wood is a cheaper fuel than others, like gas. You’ll also have a practical way to stay warm that benefits from being aesthetically pleasing. And, perhaps best of all, log burners could also increase your property value for the future.

Can I replace my central heating with a log burner?

It’s good to remember that a log burner isn’t necessarily going to heat your whole home, but you will be surprised by how much heat it can generate. In fact, just 20% of the warmth they create is lost through the chimney, making them incredibly efficient for your home. Many people choose to install a log burner in a kitchen or living room.

Why choose Logwise for my firewood?

Established in the 1990s, we’ve been seasoning and selling firewood for decades. Every log comes with a Quality Assured seal, meaning we can share who’s grown it, how long it’s taken and where the tree was planted. Even better, we operate as sustainably as possible, using solar power to generate electricity, drying wood on-site with our wood-waste powered kilns, and planting trees for woodland management schemes. 

To explore our full firewood range, visit our website or contact our team today.