Are multifuel stoves cost effective nowadays?

System

I have been looking at the pros and cons of having wood burning stove or just replace the gas fire that we have in the living room for extra warmth on days when i bath the dogs or if its just too cold.

I came to the conclusion that spending in excess of £3000 would be madness on a fire that is only used occasionally. I also learned the following:

It is only recommended that only seasoned wood can be used which isnt cheap which defeats the object when i am trying to cut down the running costs of my house.

The chimney will need to be swept (i was told every 12 months). Again, added expense.

I'll need to find somewhere to store the wood.

I was told there might be some mess on the fire grate when it was in use but when i walked into a shop yesterday that sold fires and fireplaces the hearth was littered with ash. Ive got enough mess with two dogs and a chinchilla without adding to the extra mess.

I think, although i love the idea of an wood burning fire, i'll stick to gas but i'd love you to change my mind.:(

A._Badger

I think you're being very rational, Judi. All I could say to change your mind would be subjective - some people find gas fires completely soulless and will put up with a lot to have a real fire. I'm one of them, but if you aren't, then you've made a good decision and saved yourself a heck of a lot of money!

Gloomendoom

DrMopp wrote: »

It costs me around £2500 per year for heating. My leccy is another £700 ish

Ouch! That is more than it costs us to heat and light our 13 century parish church.

smcqis

Surely your church isnt used daily

Gloomendoom

smcqis wrote: »

Surely your church isnt used daily

No, but the heating is on all day and every day at a low level except during the summer because it is the most cost effective way of deterring beetles and damp, apparently. The temperature is raised during services because the old ladies complain if it isn't. The lighting costs include interior lighting and the floodlights for outside.