Wood burning appliances, or log burners, are a common sight in Otago homes. There are three main types of wood burners.
1. Free standing wood burning stoves/log burners
Modern or newer free standing wood burners are the most efficient of their kind, with 70% efficiency ratings or higher. This means that at least 70% of the heat generated by the wood burner goes out in to the space that it’s heating.
Pros:
2. Enclosed fireplace inserts/fireplace retrofits
Fireplace inserts are typically retrofitted from open fireplaces, making use of the existing chimney but offering higher efficiency, up to approximately 70% in new units. This means that at least 70% of the heat generated by the wood burner goes out in to the space that it’s heating.
Pros:
3. Open fireplaces
Although charming in character and appearance, open fireplaces are poor sources of heat, achieving only 5-15% efficiency on average, meaning that almost all of the heat created by burning wood escapes out the chimney. There are far better choices. Blocking your chimney and disusing your open fireplace will likely result in more efficiency by preventing heat loss!
Pros:
Check out our tips for operating your fire efficiently here.
1. Free standing wood burning stoves/log burners
Modern or newer free standing wood burners are the most efficient of their kind, with 70% efficiency ratings or higher. This means that at least 70% of the heat generated by the wood burner goes out in to the space that it’s heating.
Pros:
- Very efficient
- Comfortable, enveloping heat
- Readily available fuel in most areas
- Free or inexpensive wood may be available to some
- Uses renewable fuel
- Clean burning if newer
- Can heat all or most of a home
- Some models can be fitted with a wetback to help with water heating
- Expensive up-front costs (~$4,000-$5,000)
- Splitting/stacking/hauling wood not an easy option for those with limited mobility
- Must plan 12 months ahead to ensure a supply of dry wood
- Higher risk of house fires due to sparks, hot ashes, etc.
2. Enclosed fireplace inserts/fireplace retrofits
Fireplace inserts are typically retrofitted from open fireplaces, making use of the existing chimney but offering higher efficiency, up to approximately 70% in new units. This means that at least 70% of the heat generated by the wood burner goes out in to the space that it’s heating.
Pros:
- New models are generally efficient
- Comfortable, enveloping heat
- Readily available fuel in most areas
- Free or inexpensive wood may be available to some
- Uses renewable fuel
- Clean burning if newer
- Must be retrofitted correctly with an appropriate flue to be properly efficient
- Expensive up-front costs (~$3,000-$5,000)
- Splitting/stacking/hauling wood not an easy option for those with limited mobility
- Must plan 12 months ahead to ensure a supply of dry wood
- Less likely to heat all or most of the home
- Higher risk of house fires due to sparks, hot ashes, etc.
3. Open fireplaces
Although charming in character and appearance, open fireplaces are poor sources of heat, achieving only 5-15% efficiency on average, meaning that almost all of the heat created by burning wood escapes out the chimney. There are far better choices. Blocking your chimney and disusing your open fireplace will likely result in more efficiency by preventing heat loss!
Pros:
- Some can be retrofitted with an efficient wood burning insert
- Highly inefficient
- Extremely expensive for the meagre heat output achieved
Check out our tips for operating your fire efficiently here.
