Winter may seem far away now, but it never hurts to plan for the future. Last year the rising cost of fuel led many households in Britain to open up their fireplaces or install wood-burning stoves. The average UK gas bill is £1,293, a 42% increase on last year. Combined with uncertainty over the supply chain from Russia, many people turned to alternative sources of fuel. The price of wood in particular has remained fairly constant, and there is extra appeal because its impact on the environment is much less. Therefore, if you’re worried about the cost of your fuel bills, particularly in the current economic climate, you may want to consider alternative, often cheaper sources of heat such as wood stoves and fireplaces.

It is important that wood burning stoves are correctly installed and that chimneys are lined and cleaned by professionals. The National Association of Chimney Sweeps has reported an increase in customers seeking their services and warns against the potentially lethal effects of a badly installed burner or incorrectly lined chimney. One chimney sweep, Colin Phelps, from Bournemouth, commented: “’Autumn is always the busiest time but it has just gone crazy. I’ve been turning work away.

‘People keep calling me to see if I can come and look at their chimneys and confirm whether they can be used. Some have been shut up for decades, but the fuel prices mean everyone is looking at ways of saving money. As well as opening up old fireplaces, people are installing wood burners. I’ve had one for over 20 years and I wouldn’t be without it. You can fix them up to heat the radiators and water. But they need to be done properly and the outlay can be quite a lot.”

Robert Limmage, who has lived in Oundle for 62 years, deals in tree work and forestry services. Has he noticed an increase in wood sales? “Not really. There were a few extra customers, but it’s my belief that that was just down to the Ashton estate not taking wood out this season. Although I did hear that down South people were buying more wood burners.”

The Forge in Fotheringhay offers a range of stoves as well as an installation service. A small, hot fire is the most efficient and other measures such as double glazing, draught proofing and insulation can all help keep your home heated. The efficiency of your radiators can be increased by placing aluminum foil behind radiators attached to outside walls, a shelf just above the radiator can also aid in deflecting hot air into the room.

Molly Bickerstaff of West Street, Oundle, has had three stoves installed by Fotheringhay Forge, she comments that “the wood burners are marvellous: quick, warm and clean.” She adds, “In Oundle, whatever you do, you’ve got to know your chimney very well.” Her own building’s chimney dates from the 16th century and can apparently be rather temperamental.

Cuts in gas and electricity prices of around 10 to 20% were announced for spring of this year, and the government has denied that there would be any major effects on British supplies if Russia and the Ukraine were to fall out again. Nevertheless opening up a fireplace or installing a wood burning stove seems like a shrewd investment.