The Benefits of a Wood Burning Stove

Expert from Swedish manufacturer, Contura, shares insights on the benefits of opting for a wood burning stove to keep you cosy this autumn-winter

With the long, dark, cold months of autumn-winter just around the corner, Phil Wood, UK Managing Director of Swedish stove manufacturer, Contura, explains the benefits of choosing a wood burning stove to heat your home.

Phil says: “When operated and maintained correctly, a wood burning stove is a great option for homeowners seeking an efficient and effective domestic heating solution.

“However, its benefits go far beyond simply keeping your home cosy.

“Using a wood burning stove to heat your home has a number of advantages, from offering a renewable fuel option to providing stress-relief whilst watching its glorious flames.”

Read on for Phil’s insights into the benefits of using a wood burning stove to keep your home warm this autumn-winter and beyond…

• A renewable fuel source

As the name suggests, a wood burning stove is fuelled by wood.

Wood is a renewable energy source (unlike fossil fuels), thanks to the ability to replant, regrow, and replace coppiced trees.

It is also a low-carbon fuel (unlike coal or natural gas, for example). This means that, if wood is burnt efficiently, there is a relatively small net release of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere, which is then re-absorbed when new trees grow – effectively balancing out the combustion of bioenergy. Therefore, changing from smokeless or mineral fuels to burning wood contributes to a reduction in carbon emissions.

Using wood as a sole fuel source can provide energy independence, with no need for a gas or electricity supply. A bonus is that, more often than not, you can source the wood locally, which is efficient in terms of fuel miles and is a great opportunity to support the local economy too.

It is important to note that you should use the best dry, seasoned, or kiln-dried wood that you can afford to fuel your wood burner. Failure to do so will likely lead to an inefficient and ineffective burn – negating some of the advantages of using wood.

• An efficient and cost-effective heating solution

Modern wood firing (Ecodesign compliant) technology uses complete combustion for a better heating economy and a clean, low-carbon burn. So, if you prep and light the fire correctly and refuel it at regular intervals, it will provide clean and consistent heat.

A comparison to an open fire provides a useful reference point for a wood burner’s efficiency when it comes to heating your home. A wood burner is 60 per cent more efficient at heating the home when compared to an open fireplace, which loses a large amount of heat via the chimney.

Similarly, a wood burning stove requires approximately two to three logs per hour – less than half the eight logs needed, on average, to burn for the same amount of time in an open fire.

An added benefit of a wood burning stove is the ability to control the air flow into the combustion chamber. This means that, once the fire has got going using maximum air flow, homeowners can slowly decrease the supply to increase the burn time of the fuel.

It is also worth noting that despite the initial investment that is required, choosing to heat your home using a wood burner can help homeowners to save money on energy costs in the longer term. This is due to the relatively low-cost nature of wood (vs gas and electricity) as an energy source and the ability to heat large spaces using one appliance.

If your wood burner is more than ten years old, we would recommend replacing it entirely with a modern, Ecodesign compliant version to ensure maximum efficiency.

• Style and substance

A wood burner can create a timeless, stylish and striking focal point in any home, particularly when lit, pairing practical brilliance with aesthetic appeal. It is a great option for anyone looking to elevate their interiors.

For the ultimate flame views, choose a wood burning stove with a large glass window, such as the Contura i5L. This can create a stunning, sleek and eye-catching ‘fireplace TV’ feature, particularly with models where the flames are only visible through the front window.

For optimal fire visibility from every angle, opt for a wood burning stove with additional glass side panels (like the Contura 856G Style).

• The heart of a home

As well as looking great, the fire of a wood burning stove adds a real sense of comfort and cosiness to a home – creating an inviting space for living and relaxing in, whether you are curling up to enjoy a great book in the fire’s warmth or hosting a fireside dinner party with friends.

The mesmerising flames also lend themselves perfectly to the act of slowing down, pausing and taking a moment to reflect. The sight of fire can have an almost hypnotic effect when you stop to appreciate it, allowing for a pocket of comforting calm in amongst the hustle and bustle of everyday life – a true joy.

For more information, please visit www.contura.eu.

-Ends-

Notes to editors:

• Rooster PR will coordinate comment, interview and profile opportunities for Contura UK Country Manager, Phil Wood.
• The Contura PR team will also arrange visits to the nearest Contura Design Centre dealerships or the Contura showroom in Doncaster to see the product range.

For further press information, please contact:
Josie Waddington | Tilly Everard | Elsa Findlay | Julie Aguilera
Rooster.
T: +44 (0)203 440 8930
E: Contura@Rooster.co.uk
W: Rooster Contura Newsroom

About Contura:
Contura is Europe’s leading manufacturer of wood burning stoves, offering an extensive range of classic and contemporary wood burners; from traditional insert stoves suitable for existing fireplaces, to freestanding statement models made with innovative materials such as soapstone.

Starting at £1,295, Contura stoves are premium yet affordable. Award winning, timeless Swedish design means the products complement or enhance any style of home, whilst also offering outstanding performance, maximum efficiency, practicality and ease of use.

Designed and assembled at the factory located in Markaryd, Sweden, and manufactured to the highest standards, Contura stoves are highly energy efficient, offering powerful convection, superior combustion technology and clean burning systems. All Contura stoves are DEFRA Clean Air Act exempt and thus approved for use in Smoke Control Areas.

Contura stoves can be purchased through a network of 165 independent retailers nationwide.

Contura is part of the NIBE group, a Swedish manufacturing company producing world class solutions in sustainable energy across Europe, North America, Asia and Australia.

Contura is a founding member of the Stove Industry Association (SIA) in the UK.

For more information, please visit www.contura.eu