When it comes to heating solutions for your home, a wood burning stove is an ideal choice. Not only are they an aesthetic delight, but they also mean that you can keep your home warm without the need to use the central heating system or electricity, which can save you a significant amount of money on energy over time. However, when it comes to choosing the right kind of stove for your home, there are different options to consider. Let’s take a look at two popular choices: freestanding and inset stoves.
Aesthetics
One of the main advantages of an inset stove is that you can blend it seamlessly in with your home’s décor. This style of stove is typically built into the wall, which not only looks sleek and effortless but also looks amazing in smaller rooms as it’s not taking up valuable floor space. Inset stoves can be custom fit to suit the style and size of the room, allowing for a more cohesive, uncluttered design. Check out the inset stoves available from a store like Stonewoods to find the perfect option for your home.
Freestanding stoves are a slightly more traditional choice. These stoves are ideal as you do not need a fireplace or even an existing chimney – a twin wall flue system can be installed to create a chimney in your home for the stove. Cylindrical stoves are the perfect choice for freestanding, although more traditional stoves can also look amazing, too.
Efficiency
When it comes to the efficiency level of both kinds of stove, neither option is better than the other, so it’s down to your personal preferences and taste. Both inset and freestanding stoves should now meet EcoDesign regulations, which came into force early in 2023. These regulations aim to improve the efficiency and reduce the emissions of wood burning stoves.
If your stove carries the SIA EcoDesign label, you can be assured that it has a minimum heat efficiency of 75%. Additionally, you might want to look for a stove labelled clearSkies 4, 5, or Plus, as this indicates it goes above and beyond the minimum EcoDesign requirements.
Safety
The safety of your stove is a major factor to consider before choosing the right style for your home, especially if you have children or pets at home, and fire safety is paramount. In this instance, an inset stove might be the safer choice for your home since it is built into the wall; it does not cause a tripping hazard and is harder for little hands to accidentally touch.
On the other hand, freestanding stoves carry more risks as they are easier to knock into, trip over, or touch accidentally. If you want a freestanding stove, it’s important to take some safety precautions with it, such as installing heat shields or setting up a fire guard to keep children and pets away from the fire. With any stove, you should never leave a fire unattended.
If you’re choosing a wood-burning stove for your home, you don’t have to go for the traditional fireplace installation. Inset and freestanding stoves are popular options. Both have their pros and cons, so take your time to decide on the one that’ll be a perfect fit for your home.
