Wood burning stoves have come a long way in recent years. While the traditional image of a log burner may be one of a simple cast-iron appliance burning logs in front of a roaring flame, modern wood burning stoves use sophisticated combustion technology to extract considerably more heat from the fuel.
For homeowners considering installing a wood burner, one of the most important questions is: how efficient are modern wood burning stoves?
The answer is that today's well-designed wood burning stoves can be highly efficient heating appliances, particularly when they are correctly sized, installed and operated using suitable dry wood.
At All About Living, we offer a wide range of modern wood burning stoves from leading manufacturers, including models designed around Ecodesign requirements, high efficiency and cleaner combustion.
What Does Wood Burning Stove Efficiency Mean?
When we talk about the efficiency of a wood burning stove, we're essentially talking about how effectively the appliance converts the energy contained within the wood into useful heat for your home.
No heating appliance is 100% efficient. Some of the energy contained within the fuel will inevitably be lost through the flue. However, modern stove technology is designed to minimise these losses and make much better use of the heat generated during combustion.
Many modern wood burning stoves achieve efficiency levels of around 80% or more, depending on the individual appliance and the testing method used.
For example, the Stovax Futura range available from All About Living is listed with efficiency of up to 80.9%, while the Burley Launde 9304-C has a listed efficiency of 84.9%. The Burley Brampton 9108-C is listed at around 85.5% efficiency.
This demonstrates just how much modern stove technology has developed.
How Efficient Are Modern Wood Burning Stoves?
Modern wood burning stoves can be significantly more efficient than traditional open fireplaces.
An open fire allows a large amount of heated air and combustion gases to travel directly up the chimney. A modern stove, on the other hand, is enclosed and carefully controls the amount of air entering the combustion chamber.
This allows the stove to maintain higher combustion temperatures and burn the gases released by the wood more effectively.
The result is more usable heat being transferred into your room rather than simply disappearing up the chimney.
Modern appliances can also incorporate features such as:
* Secondary combustion
* Tertiary air systems
* Airwash technology
* Insulated combustion chambers
* Heat exchangers
* External air supplies
* Catalytic converters on selected models
These technologies are designed to improve combustion, increase heat output and reduce unwanted emissions.
What Is Secondary Combustion?
One of the biggest developments in modern wood burning stove design is secondary combustion.
When wood burns, it doesn't simply produce heat and smoke. The combustion process releases gases that contain additional energy.
In a basic fire, some of these gases can escape through the flue without being fully burned.
Modern stoves introduce additional pre-heated air into the combustion chamber. This helps ignite and burn some of these gases at high temperatures, producing additional heat.
This process is commonly referred to as secondary combustion or clean burning.
Some advanced appliances go further by introducing a tertiary air supply to help burn remaining gases and particles.
The result can be a cleaner and more efficient burn compared with older stove designs.
What Is Ecodesign?
If you're researching an efficient wood burning stove, you're likely to come across the term Ecodesign.
Ecodesign is an important consideration when choosing a modern stove because it relates to requirements covering efficiency and emissions.
Modern Ecodesign-compliant appliances are designed to meet stringent standards for particulate emissions, carbon monoxide and other pollutants while achieving good levels of energy efficiency.
For example, the ACR Woodpecker WP5 Plus available from All About Living is described as an Ecodesign-compliant stove with efficiency of over 80%.
Choosing a modern Ecodesign stove therefore isn't simply about having a contemporary-looking appliance. The technology behind the appliance is designed to make better use of your fuel while reducing emissions.
Why Dry Wood Is So Important
Even the most efficient wood burning stove cannot perform at its best if you burn unsuitable fuel.
One of the most important factors affecting wood burner efficiency is the moisture content of your logs.
The UK Government's Burn Better guidance recommends burning wood with a moisture content of 20% or less. Wet wood produces more smoke, particles and tar while providing poorer heat efficiency.
Dry wood burns more effectively because less of the energy generated during combustion is wasted evaporating water contained within the logs.
If you buy firewood in smaller quantities, look for the Ready to Burn logo, which indicates that wood has a moisture content of 20% or less.
If you're sourcing your own wood, a moisture meter is a worthwhile investment. It allows you to check the moisture content before putting logs into your stove.
Choosing the Correct Heat Output
Efficiency isn't just about the percentage shown on a stove's specification sheet.
Choosing the correct size of stove for your room is equally important.
Wood burning stove heat output is generally measured in kilowatts (kW). A stove that is too small may struggle to heat your room, while a stove that is significantly oversized may produce too much heat.
An appropriately sized appliance allows you to operate the stove within its intended range and get the best performance from your fuel.
For example, All About Living stocks compact 4kW models such as the Burley Launde 9304-C, as well as 5kW options including the ACR Woodpecker WP5 Plus and Go Eco 5kW Wide. There are also much larger stoves available for bigger rooms and open-plan spaces.
If you're unsure which output is appropriate for your home, it's always worth seeking professional advice before purchasing.
Modern Stoves vs Open Fires
One of the biggest advantages of a modern wood burning stove is the level of control it provides.
An open fire is visually appealing, but much of the heat can escape through the chimney. A stove encloses the fire and allows you to control the combustion air.
The appliance itself also radiates heat into the room, while some models use convection to distribute warmth more effectively.
This means that a modern wood burning stove can provide substantially more useful heat from the same general principle of burning wood.
For homeowners replacing an inefficient open fireplace, upgrading to a modern stove can therefore be an attractive option for improving the heating performance of the room.
How Can You Make Your Wood Burning Stove More Efficient?
Buying an efficient appliance is only part of the equation.
How you operate your stove can have a significant impact on its performance.
1. Burn dry wood
As mentioned above, use properly dried wood with a moisture content of 20% or less.
2. Don't overload the stove
Adding excessive amounts of wood doesn't necessarily mean you'll get more useful heat. Follow the manufacturer's instructions regarding fuel loads.
3. Allow the stove to reach operating temperature
Modern stoves are designed to operate at particular temperatures. Running the appliance correctly allows the combustion system to work as intended.
4. Keep the air controls adjusted correctly
Your stove's air controls regulate combustion. Always follow the manufacturer's instructions rather than simply restricting the air to make the fire burn for as long as possible.
5. Keep the glass and stove clean
Airwash systems can help keep the viewing window cleaner, but regular maintenance remains important.
6. Have the chimney and appliance maintained
A clean and correctly maintained flue helps your stove operate safely and effectively.
What About Highly Efficient Wood Burning Stoves?
If efficiency is your priority, look beyond the appearance of the stove.
Check the manufacturer's specifications for:
* Efficiency percentage
* Nominal heat output
* Ecodesign compliance
* DEFRA approval where relevant
* Airwash technology
* Secondary or tertiary combustion
* External air supply
* Fuel type
* Energy efficiency rating
For example, the Go Eco 5kW Wide available from All About Living is listed with an efficiency of 80%, an A+ energy rating, Ecodesign compliance, DEFRA approval and a patented tertiary air system.
Meanwhile, the Burley range demonstrates how additional combustion and heat-recovery technologies can be incorporated into modern stove design. The Brampton 9108-C, for example, is listed with an efficiency of approximately 85.5%.
Can an Efficient Wood Burning Stove Save Money?
Potentially, yes — but the overall cost of heating your home depends on several factors.
These include:
* The price of your firewood
* How efficiently your stove operates
* The size and insulation of your property
* How often you use the stove
* The room or area you're heating
* Your existing heating system
* The moisture content of your logs
A highly efficient stove makes better use of the energy contained within each log, which can mean less fuel is required to achieve the desired level of heat.
However, it's important not to assume that purchasing the stove with the highest efficiency percentage automatically makes it the cheapest heating solution. The appliance needs to be correctly sized and operated to achieve its intended performance.
Are Modern Wood Burning Stoves Environmentally Friendly?
Modern wood burning stoves are designed to burn fuel more cleanly than older appliances, particularly when compared with traditional open fires and older-generation stoves.
Ecodesign technology has helped drive improvements in appliance efficiency and emissions.
However, responsible operation remains essential. Burning wet wood, unsuitable fuels or operating a stove incorrectly can increase smoke and emissions.
Choosing an appropriate modern stove, using properly dried wood and following the manufacturer's operating instructions are all important steps towards cleaner and more efficient burning.
Find an Efficient Wood Burning Stove at All About Living
If you're considering a wood burning stove for your home, choosing the right appliance is about more than simply finding a style you like.
You need to consider the size of your room, required heat output, efficiency, fuel type, installation requirements and whether the stove is suitable for your location.
All About Living offers a wide selection of wood burning stoves from leading manufacturers, with models ranging from compact 4kW appliances to larger stoves designed for bigger rooms.
From the ACR Woodpecker WP5 Plus and Salamander Hobbit Eco SE to advanced options from Stovax, Burley and other leading manufacturers, there are plenty of options to explore.
A modern wood burning stove can provide more than an attractive focal point. With the right appliance, suitable fuel and correct operation, it can deliver impressive levels of heat while making far better use of the wood you burn.
Explore the range of wood burning stoves at All About Living and find the right solution for your home.