How to Select the Best Type of Woodburning Stove for you

So you have decided that your home needs a multifuel stove; you love the way they look and of course you know that the cosy warmth of real fire in your home will complement the style and atmosphere of the room. If you are thinking of purchasing a multifuel stove to increase your property's saleability then you are definitely on the right track as the latest research points to the fact that prospective buyers are very much attracted to homes which have multifuel stoves ready installed.

It is also well worth considering the fact that woodburning stoves are highly energy efficient and can cost as much as three times less to run than an electric or gas system; that's a pretty good incentive to look into woodburning stoves as a viable option for your heating needs. The fuel cost is also considerably lower than that of traditional fossil fuels and not to mention a lot more environmentally friendly!

The trouble is where do you start? A quick glance at what is available on the market will reveal an astounding selection of woodburning stoves for domestic use. You may decide that you want a woodburning stove which is capable of heating the entire house as well as providing hot water, or you may be more concerned with a beautiful contemporary look for your home which will make a cosy centrepiece on chilly evenings. Whatever your needs, you should carefully study the options to ensure you really do benefit from your woodburning stove.

Before you begin selecting a woodburning stove, you will need to ask yourself a few questions. Do you want your stove to heat one or two rooms? Or are your needs more complicated in that you require your stove to have a back boiler connected to it which will enable the heating of water? If you do decide to go for the more complicated process of installing a system to heat water and radiators, then you can expect to pay a significantly higher price than if your woodburning stove is merely destined to cosy-up your living room or kitchen!

Check that your district is not affected by smoke control laws and that you are legally allowed to burn solid wood; many built up areas are affected by the Clean air Act and woodburning stoves will not be allowed. However it is also to be remembered that there is a good selection of woodburning stoves available which have been given approval by DEFRA and so are free from the rules which apply to stoves which have no DEFRA approval.

Before you decide to buy a woodburning stove you should also consider fuel costs and check out the locally available options. There are many fuel supply companies springing up across the country in answer to the growth in popularity of woodburning stoves. Some companies will deliver logs to your door and are competitively priced, but in areas where timber is in short supply you may find cost is prohibitive. The last thing you need is the cost of fuel cancelling out any savings your woodburning stove may instigate.

One of the other major considerations when choosing a woodburning stove is the heat output that each stove is capable of, this is measured with Kilowatt Hours and there are many online tools available which will take into consideration the dimensions of your rooms and how much heat will be the right amount for your needs. Choose a stove with too much ability and your room will be uncomfortably hot as some woodburning stoves can generate a considerable amount of heat!

As for style, you certainly won't find making a decision easy; with many traditional and contemporary woodburning stoves available, most people will be able to find a suitable model for their home; from free standing designs which swivel to face wherever you want the heat to be directed, to the classic and cosy old fashioned fixed stoves which are today available in a range of funky or classic colours. Some models are equipped with so-called "Clean Glass Systems" which prevent the glass front of your woodburning stove from blackening and afford you with an unrestricted view of the flickering flames.

Choosing a contemporary style for your home means that your appliances should match! This need not mean that your woodburning stove has to look like it's just beamed down from Mars though! When choosing contemporary pieces, it is good to remember these simple rules. Is the design fussy or over complicated? If so avoid it like the plague...less bits and bobs mean a longer life! Is the design attractive and will it date? Real contemporary classics age well; they never look stale and even fifty years down the line will look modern.

There are some safety issues to be considered with the purchase of a new stove and it should also be remembered that attempting to fit your own stove is never a good idea. The supplier from whom you purchase your woodburning stove will be more than happy to advise and assist you with technical issues, including performing smoke tests and helping you to find a suitable engineer to carry out a chimney check. In some older builds, it may be necessary to have a chimney liner fitted. If your home was constructed post 1960, then it is also possible that your flue was designed specifically for gas...and this will need to be addressed.

When deciding which design will best suit your home, you need to consider the dimensions and décor of the space. It stands to reason that a traditional cottage or farmhouse style room will look best with a classic woodburning stove in black or gunmetal grey...but this is not always the case especially if your home is a mix of modern and vintage style; it's then that a classic shape with a modern twist can be a wonderful choice. Many classically designed woodburning stoves are now being manufactured in bright, fun colours such as sugar pink or poppy red. A functional item then becomes a real centrepiece to your home and your new woodburning stove will be a real talking point for visitors.

Stick to your own style, remember to check out all the options and ensure your home is ready for its new system and your new woodburning stove will bring much pleasure.