In recent years there has been a significant increase in the market for wood burning appliances. As environmental issues have pricked the social conscience, and people take steps to reduce their carbon footprint, there has been a preference to carbon neutral solutions over coal or gas fuel. Whilst coal, gas and other higher carbon fuels are suffering in terms of cost and high emissions, wood and wood based fuels are becoming more and more popular. Manufacturers and installers in this industry are reaping the benefits of increased sales and growth due to the levels of demand. Customers want the best of both; to have solutions that make their house comfortable and to save on carbon. Essentially customers still enjoy the charm of stoves that have a real flame.

The use of sustainable wood fuels is now considered a viable carbon neutral option for both the commercial and domestic market and when combined with other technologies could lead to the visionary zero carbon home of the future. Solid fuel is classed as wood, wood based biomass fuels and solid mineral fuels, amongst these wood biomass being the most environmentally friendly. Many people prefer the lifestyle choice of wood burning equipment and the industry body HETAS is on hand to ensure customers have access to high quality wood.

As a green customer if you are worried about the carbon miles incurred from transporting the wood, you should find it easy to source from local suppliers. The cost of purchasing wood is still relatively high but as demand continues to increase and the idea of carbon neutrality becomes the norm, price should start to fall.

HETAS is also there to make sure that you have access to the right products and services. They provide information on approved registered installers and independently test manufacturers? appliances so you can be confident of purchasing a product that complies with the current regulations. It is advisable to get your appliance installed by a registered HETAS installer not only for their skill and competence but to avoid the need to apply for a Building Notice from your local authority (which may cost over ?200). Additionally by using a HETAS registered installer you have the peace of mind that your appliance has efficiency figures or CE marking, instructions in English, can be installed easily and gives you recourse for a refund if anything goes wrong.

As a renewable and carbon neutral energy source wood fuelled appliances are set to lead the way. An important consideration is the sourcing of sustainable wood in order for the carbon cycle to remain intact. Sustainable sources of wood include Forestry Stewardship Council (FSC) Certified wood, woodland managed under the Woodland Grant Scheme or wood felled after the issue (by the Forestry Commission of a Felling Licence).

When choosing wood it is better to buy by volume rather than weight because a large proportion of freshly felled wood is made up of water. Some of the best woods to burn in your wood burning appliance are ash, hornbeam, beech and hawthorn.