The rise of the log burner
On a cold winter evening, is there anything more relaxing than snuggling in front of an open fire? The intense heat adding a glow to your cheeks. The sound of the spit and crackle of the wood as the fire takes hold. The dancing flame flickering light around the room.
In recent years log burners have become not only a practical solution for heat, but a design feature for many rooms. Soho Farmhouse, a luxury private members club in Oxfordshire, have impactful free-standing log burners in each of their cabins, creating a warm and inviting space for their celebrity guests.
Over the last twenty years the log burning stove has gained a cult following, which saw sales increase by 40% last year.
Fun Fact:
Benjamin Franklin may have been one of the Founding Fathers of the United States, but he was also the brains behind the wood burner. In 1741 he invented The Franklin Stove: he was wishing to increase the fire’s heat whilst reducing the volume of smoke that circulated the room; he found a metal box and chimney were the solution. Sadly, it didn’t sell particularly well, but it did influence the design of future wood burners.
Could a log burner be your home’s solution to the energy crisis?
With gas prices soaring and the cost of living crisis making all our lives tougher, there has been an incredible surge in demand for wood burning stoves, with many retailers are already struggling to meet demand. It seems that some households are happy to pay a lump sum to have a log burner installed - in the hope of saving money on their energy bills over time. That being said, there has been an increase in the demand for wood for burners, thus having a knock-on effect, according to price tracker Skuuudle, with kiln-dried logs rising by 50 per cent in the 12 months to September.
After the log burner has been installed, it can cut a home’s heating bill by 10%, states the Energy Saving Trust. The running costs are 13% less than gas central heating and a third of electric heating bills, states the Stove Industry Alliance; if energy prices continue to rise these savings will no doubt improve.
“With rising fuel costs, wood burning becomes ever more cost effective, and our members are reporting increased demand for wood fuel supplies as concern grows about the financial impact on families of the energy price rises. Using an eco-design wood burning stove comfortably heats the room in which it is situated while also warming the whole home, reducing our reliance on gas, electricity and oil for heating and offering an effective way of reducing home energy bills this winter.”
Kingsworthy Foundry
Established in 1945, Kingsworthy Foundry (located near Winchester) has built an enviable reputation for its huge range of fireplace equipment and excellent customer service. Their 3000sqft showroom in Kingsworthy is the perfect place to get some inspiration or find out more about the benefits and installation process.
That cosy feeling.
The welcome that a potential buyer may feel when viewing your home and seeing a roaring log burner cannot be underestimated. Who wouldn’t want to take a moment to enjoy its warmth, and it won’t be long before your buyers are imagining themselves spending their evenings snuggled by the stove. Research by DirectStoves.com found that the value of your home could be increased by up to 5 per cent due to having a log burner installed.
We appreciate that installing a wood burner could be out of your reach right now, but it could be something to look at down the line when things start to settle financially.
