To Wood or Not To Wood

A woodburner is one of the cheapest way to heat your home while unflued LPG heaters remain the most expensive and dangerously unhealthy forms of heating.

How expensive?

Even if you have to buy firewood (logs or pellets), running a woodburner is still one of the cheapest ways of heating your home.

We’ve used prices for pine firewood in our Fuel prices compared table – it’s more widely available and cheaper than macrocarpa or blue gum. Prices vary considerably so ring around the suppliers. Ask if delivery is included –there may be a charge for smaller quantities (less than two cubic metres) or for deliveries in remote areas.

Tip: Buy your wood well before winter (any extra moisture will dry off in Summer if logs are stored in an airy space).

How clean?

Along with wind and hydro, wood is one of the few sustainable carbon-neutral home-heating options. But to get the most heat (and the least pollution), it must be burned hot and in a specially designed firebox. The firewood must also be dry and the pieces not too big (less than 11cm in diameter).