Choosing your fuel

WOOD

THE PROS

Carbon neutral

Cheaper tor run than LPG (liquid propane gas) or oil

You don’t rely on a utility company for all your heat

Woodburning stoves are significantly more efficient than an open fire

THE CONS

You will need storage space for the wood

It’s more expensive than gas or electricity

Woodburning stoves can be costly to install. Needs a professionally installed flue Setting a fire is a skill Wood needs to be ‘seasoned’ before burning

GAS OR ELECTRIC

THE PROS

It’s clean – there’s no soot, ash or mess to clear up

Electric models don’t rely on a chimney, so there are no installation costs Instant heat

Portable stoves can be moved between rooms and heat up in minutes

THE CONS

A gas or electric fire will never replicate the look and warmth of a real fire

Both have a lower heat output, so better as a ‘top up’ heat rather than a main source of warmth Electric heaters can be expensive to run

BIOETHANOL

THE PROS

Generally no need for a chimney

Few installation costs Sustainable renewable fuel from vegetation

Modern, flexible designs – so you could have a fire in the middle of the room, for instance

THE CONS

Depending on model, produces little heat, so better as a ‘top up’

Poor quality fuels can produce unattractive smell

The fire needs to be adequately insulated to prevent overheating the receiving wall