Woodburner or open fire?
Modern wood-burners are cleaner-burning and more efficient than open fires. The best freestanding woodburner is about 60 percent efficient, which means it transfers around 60 percent of the heat to the surroundings. With an open fire you’ll be lucky to get 20 percent. If a woodburner is permitted in your area, it’s a pleasant way to reduce your electricity bill. Some models can be fitted with a wetback, to preheat water for the hot water cylinder, giving further savings. Freestanding or Inbuilt ? With an inbuilt fire, some heat is lost to the masonry chimney, so a freestanding woodburner is more efficient.
