Will higher gas prices see homeowners considering woodburners?

Homeowners may be tempted to replace their gas fires with woodburners in light of rising energy prices, confirmed in the latest official figures released by the government.

The price of gas purchased at a commercial level was 34.1 per cent higher during the three months to the end of June compared to the same period in 2010, according to data from the Department of Energy and Climate Change.

Electricity prices also increased, although by a fraction of the proportion seen for gas.

These figures reflect similar increases across the domestic market, which may prompt some homeowners to consider alternatives to gas to heat their homes.

Many woodburners have the advantage of being carbon neutral, although it is advisable to consider all of the required changes that would be necessary to replace a gas fire.

Differences in the temperature and quality of substances passing through flue accessories will likely necessitate different flue liners for woodburners than are traditionally used for gas fires.