What Are The Benefits Of A Wood Burning Fire
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- 23-06-2023
What are the benefits of a wood burning fire? If you are considering installation of a wood burning fire, we look at the top reasons to choose a wood burning fireplace. Sussex Fireplace Restoration provide antique fireplace fitting for Hastings, Eastbourne, Brighton and East Sussex. find out more about reasons to choose a wood-burning fireplace.
Reasons to Choose a Wood-Burning Fireplace
There are few things more homely and relaxing than watching the flames of your fire dancing in the grate on a cold winter's night. But, aside from the gorgeous aesthetics, there are many other benefits to having a wood-burning fire. This article will take you through these various benefits and how they are superior to conventional heating systems.
A Beautiful Focal Point In Any Room
A wood-burning fire would be a dramatic focal point for any property, in any room. You're likely to find them in beautiful, old period properties, but they look just as good in modern properties too. Naturally, there are the open flames to worry about, meaning wood burners won't be appropriate for some homes. The best thing to do is check the building regulations for your home. If you don't have an existing fireplace, it can be difficult to install a new one.
But research is your best friend, and finding out what you can and can't have will help inform your decision. So long as all the safety requirements are met, all you have to do is choose the right wood burner to suit your home. There are a few key questions to consider, including the following:
- Do you want the fireplace to be the main focal point of your room?
- Do you want your fireplace to blend in with the overall design of your home or will you need to create a different aesthetic?
- What's the main purpose of the room you want to have your fireplace in?
- Do you want your fireplace to be a cosy corner of your home to relax in or a main gathering point for friends and family?
Environmentally Friendly
It might sound strange to say that burning wood is good for the environment. Of course, it isn't good, but it's far better than you might think. Depending on where you get your wood from, logs and pellets can be much better for the planet than an electric fire. Sourcing your fuel from local woodlands is often best.
This reduces your overall footprint and acts as a renewable source, as felled trees are replaced by those managing these areas. If you can limit your use to seasoned softwood logs that have been dried for at least a year, this will also help reduce smoke and harmful emissions.
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Cost-Effective
Most of us will have noticed soaring energy prices in recent years. Wood-burning fires can help you cut down on your electricity and gas bills. Wooden logs provide much more energy for the price compared to electricity, with 7.1 pence per kilowatt hour versus 15.6 pence per kilowatt hour for electricity.
No Ties To An Energy Company
Everyone's soaring energy bills are caused by a small group of giant energy companies. So, to get your own back, why not spend an evening curled up by the wood-burning fire and keep your well-earned money in your pocket?
Your fire can also act as an emergency heat source if your regular mains supply is interrupted.
Pleasant Aroma
Most people will agree that the aroma of a wood-burning fireplace is one of the best parts of the experience. The warmth, cosiness and practicality are all well and good, but add in a beautiful, natural aroma and they're almost impossible to resist. Different woods will produce different aromas when burned.
For example, cherry wood will smell sweet and fruity, while heavier woods will be richer and more earthy. But whatever wood you use, you're sure to fill your home with beautiful natural smells.
You might even want to experiment with trying different types of wood. You can find which aromas you find most pleasant and stick to those types of logs. This only enhances those relaxing evenings sitting in front of the fire.
Increased Home Value
With all these aesthetic and practical benefits, it's not surprising that having a wood-burning fireplace in your home can increase its value.
Some homebuyer surveys suggest it can add between £1,000 to £2,000 to your property value. Buyers may even be willing to pay more, especially if your fireplace is a striking and essential part of the overall design.
Cheaper Utility Bills During The Winter
As well as potentially saving you during a power outage, your wood-burning fire can also help reduce your energy bills during the winter. Since you can heat your home with your wood stores, you won't have to rely on your gas or electricity as much.
Again, wood logs and pellets are much cheaper than your fuel from energy companies and provide more energy. Wood burners are a practical and cheap way to provide the heat you need in winter for a fraction of the price.
Heating During Power Outages
Power outages are always a threat, especially during winter and in extreme weather. If your power lines suddenly go down, it can throw your whole property into darkness.
But having a wood-burning fireplace gives you an alternate source of heat and light that can save you during these power outages.
The only thing to remember is that you'll need a good supply of dry firewood. Stockpiling fuel during the summer when the weather is fine is the best way to prepare for harsh winters. With a good store of dry firewood, you can have cosy fires throughout the winter.
Natural Lighting
This is another often overlooked element of a wood-burning fire. Compared to lightbulbs, burning wood produces natural light that is much better for your eyes. Combine this with the warmth it produces and you can see why many homeowners are now opting to install these fireplaces.
If you stock your fire well enough, or have a large enough grate, you could illuminate the entire room with glowing light. If you and the family are gathered around for movie night, glowing logs in the fireplace can produce enough light to see without glaring against the screen.
Low Maintenance
It's a common misconception that wood-burning fireplaces take a lot of looking after. But this isn't necessarily true. You will have to clear out the burnt ash once your fire has died down. Wait for this ash to cool before trying this, and always dispose of it in a metal container.
Additionally, you may have to have your chimney swept from time to time. This depends on how often you use your fireplace. It will only take a couple of hours to do and helps to keep your flue and chimney clear and safe to use.
Do you have a fireplace which needs repair or restoration? If you live in the Hastings and East Sussex area, our expert antique fireplace restoration services can help.