What are the costs of owning a Log Burning Stove?

January 5, 2025

Guide to Log Burner Costs: Are They Worth It?

Log Burners: Do They Warm Your Home Without Burning a Hole in Your Pocket?

Is a log burner worth the cost? Whether you're craving cosy evenings or trying to cut energy bills, it pays to know the full picture. Let's break it down step by step, so you can enjoy the warmth with confidence.

Initial Investment

Stove Cost

Log burners come in all shapes and sizes, with price tags to match.

A basic wood-burning stove starts at around £499.95.
Fancy a designer model or one with extra features like cooktops? You’re looking at closer to £5,000.

Wood-Burning vs. Multi-Fuel Stoves

Choosing between a wood-burning stove and a multi-fuel option comes down to what you want to burn:

Wood-burning stoves only take logs and tend to have a simpler, classic design.
Multi-fuel stoves can handle wood and smokeless fuels—perfect if you like flexibility, but they come with a higher upfront cost.

High-Efficiency Options

Modern EcoDesign stoves may cost more initially, but they’re an investment in efficiency. They can be over 80% efficient, turning more fuel into heat rather than smoke. Plus, they produce up to 90% fewer emissions, keeping you warmer and greener.

Installation Costs

Chimney Work, Flue Installation, Labour

When it comes to fitting your stove, the costs can stack up:

Chimney liners start at around £18.56.
Stove pipes cost upwards of £33.

Labour for installation typically adds around £2,000, but this can vary based on where you live and how tricky the job is. Got an older house? You may need extra chimney work to meet building regulations. And don’t forget the hearth—you’ll need a safe base for your stove, which could be another cost.

Fuel Costs

Cost of Wood

Fuel is where the ongoing costs of a log burner come into play:

Kiln-dried logs: £120 to £140 per cubic metre.
Most households burn about 3.5 cubic metres each heating season (October to April).

Seasoned vs. Unseasoned Wood

Seasoned wood (dried for a year or more) burns cleaner and hotter.
Unseasoned wood is cheaper but inefficient. It can cause dangerous creosote build-up in your chimney and produce more smoke.

If you’ve got the patience and storage space, seasoning your own wood can save you money.

Sourcing Wood Locally

Buying locally can make a big difference. Many small suppliers offer discounts if you buy in bulk or pick up the logs yourself. Live in the countryside? You might even find permission to cut your own wood—just make sure you’re following the rules!

Cost of Smokeless Fuels (if applicable)

If you’re using a multi-fuel stove, you’ll need smokeless fuel. This can cost around £16 to £20 per 25kg bag. It burns hotter for longer but can push up your running costs compared to wood.

Running Costs

Maintenance and Cleaning

Chimney Sweeping Frequency

To keep things safe and efficient, chimney sweeping is a must:

Once a year is the standard recommendation, costing around £50.
If you’re burning regularly throughout winter, consider sweeping twice a year to avoid soot build-up.

Neglecting this step can lead to chimney fires—an expensive and dangerous mistake.

Stove Cleaning and Servicing

Stove maintenance doesn’t have to be a hassle:

Glass cleaning: A bit of ash mixed with water makes a cheap and effective cleaner.
Ash pan emptying: Should be done regularly to keep air flowing and the stove efficient.
An annual service (around £75–£100) can help spot any issues before they become costly repairs.

Insurance Considerations

Impact on Insurance Premiums

Adding a log burner may nudge your home insurance premium up slightly—it’s seen as a fire risk. However, choosing a professional installer and using high-quality flues can keep the increase minimal.

Let your insurer know about the installation. It’s tempting to skip this step, but if there’s an incident and you didn’t inform them, you may not be covered.

Final Thoughts

Log burners aren’t just a cosy feature—they can be a smart heating choice if you understand the costs. By choosing the right stove, sourcing fuel wisely, and keeping up with maintenance, you can enjoy the glow of your log burner without burning through your budget.