Wood-burning stove sales in the UK now top 170,000 per annum and there is no doubt the trend towards wood-burning, and multifuel, stoves is gathering pace. With more and more people contemplating the purchase of a wood-burning stove, it is interesting to ask the question, why do people buy wood-burning stoves?
Cost benefits
For many people the cost benefits of a wood-burning stove are not the main purchase driver. The potential cost savings will depend upon the way in which the stove is utilised and the cost of wood fuel. Those with natural supplies of wood on their doorstep will obviously have the greatest potential for cost savings although the long-term benefits are there for all to see. So, if cost benefits are not the major pulling power towards wood-burning stoves, what are?
Environmentally friendly
As we covered in one of our recent blog posts, while there is a growing political will to reduce the use of wood-burning and multifuel stoves in smoke controlled areas, this does to a certain extent overshadow their environmentally friendly aspects. In relation to wood-burning stoves, we know that at worst a tree will digest just as much (in reality more) CO2 during its lifetime than is created when the wood is burnt in a wood-burning stove. This is something that political critics tend to overlook, the fact that a wood-burning stove is CO2 neutral (at worst) and as the trees are replaced they play a vital role in maintaining the environment.
Flickering flames
There have been a number of research programmes undertaken into the attractions of wood-burning stoves. One factor which shone bright (excuse the pun) was the fact that the flickering flames and the heat created by wood-burning stoves have a meditative effect. Many people will remember coals fires of years gone by and the way in which you could drift away into a different world by simply watching the coal burn. In many ways this is the same with wood-burning stoves because the flickering flames and the burning embers generate a whole raft of colours which can be mesmerising and slightly hypnotic. What better way to create a chilled atmosphere?
Creating popular rooms
Research undertaken by Sabine Loch in Cologne, San Francisco and Warsaw also casts a very interesting light on wood-burning stoves. In this era of technology, tablets, mobile phones and an array of other electronic devices, it is very easy for families to be sitting in the same room but not communicating. Indeed, across many homes in the UK especially where young children are involved the silence can be deafening and you can to all intents and purposes “be alone” in a full room. However, the ambience and the atmosphere created by a wood-burning stove can make a major difference.
It is the deep seated heat associated with a modern day wood-burning stove, the relaxing atmosphere and the flickering flames and burning embers which create a wonderful calming atmosphere. This environment seems to attract individuals, encourage family communication while also offering the opportunity to drift off in company. Unless you have actually experienced the deep-seated heat created by a wood-burning stove, which brings about a fantastic ambience, you have not lived.
Conclusion
It would be foolish to suggest that cost does not play a role in the purchase of a wood-burning stove but also, to suggest it is all about the money is wrong. We know from research carried out by various institutions around the world that many people are concerned about the environment but it is the deep-seated heat created by a wood-burning stove which stands out most. The flickering flames and the burning embers are hypnotic and calming and the deep seated heat helps create a family room where the modern day obsession with tablets, mobile phones and other electronic devices is significantly reduced.
When you also consider the massive variation in stove shapes, stove sizes and heat output, it is fair to say there is something for everybody and every occasion.