How much households could save on energy by switching to log burners

Log burners are becoming increasingly common in UK households due to property trends and rising energy bills. But can wood burning stoves actually save families money?

With the average cost of buying and installing a log burner estimated to cost around £3,500 in 2026 (higher than the £2,950 rate estimated by £2,950 Checkatrade in 2024), households need to compare the cost of other fuels and think about a log burner's lifespan.

Andy Hill, Chair of the Stove Industry Association (SIA), said that modern wood-burning stoves remain a cost-effective secondary heating source:

"Any increase in household energy bills will be unwelcome news for families already managing tight budgets. A modern, Ecodesign-compliant wood-burning stove offers households an affordable, renewable way to take control of their heating. By using the right stove with properly seasoned wood, consumers can reduce reliance on the grid energy, keep living spaces warm and comfortable, and provide resilience against future price volatility."

Under the current Ofgem price caps, a log burner costs approximately 68% less to run than direct electric heating, roughly 8% less than mains gas, and 15% less than an air source heat pump. While the 'savings gap' compared to gas has narrowed as wholesale energy prices stabilized, wood remains the cheapest way to heat a main living space during peak winter periods.

The SIA estimates that using a wood-burning stove on evenings and weekends from October through April requires approximately 3.5m³ of fuel. Based on 2026 market rates for kiln-dried logs, this annual supply now costs between £850 and £1,150 (an average of £1,000), reflecting a moderate rise in processing and transport costs for high-quality, 'Ready to Burn' certified timber.

But while a log burner heats one room very well and that warmth spreads to other rooms in the house, it's unlikely it will be sufficient to keep the whole home warm. Alternative sources of energy will also be needed, extending the repayment time.

Costs will also vary depending on the make and model of the stove purchased, the type of property it is being installed in, and the type of flue required. These prices can vary across the country.

While wood prices surged in previous years alongside global energy volatility, they have since plateaued at a higher baseline. Because gas and electricity prices have also remained significantly above pre-crisis levels into 2026, the payback period for a new stove has stabilized.

For a household utilizing a stove to offset expensive peak-time gas or electric heating, the estimated repayment time for the initial installation cost is now approximately 8 to 12 years, depending on the efficiency of the previous heating system.

Burning wood for domestic heating is approximately 87% less carbon intensive than gas, 88% less than electricity and 74% less than an air source heat pump, according to the Nottingham Energy Partnership.

Under the Ecodesign regulations, all stoves manufactured today must meet strict efficiency and emission standards, emitting up to 90% fewer particulates than a traditional open fire. According to the SIA, these modern units are significantly more fuel-efficient: an Ecodesign stove requires only about a quarter of the wood fuel used by an open fire to produce the same volume of heat, making them a vital tool for both cost-saving and improving indoor air quality.

The SIA’s top log burner tips: