Wondering whether an open fire or log burner is right for you and your home? In this blog, we’ll look at each option by exploring the pros, cons and costs involved. With this information, it can help you make a more informed decision. Let’s begin!
Pros and Cons of an Open Fire
You probably already have an open fire as is. Whatever the case, you’ll want to know what the pros, cons and costs are of keeping (or opting for) an open fire.
In terms of the advantages, simply sticking with what you have (if that is the case) can save you plenty of time and money, of course.
Beyond that, when it comes to maintenance, both open fires and log burners have similar levels of maintenance. In the case of an open fire, you’ll need to consider things like chimney sweeping costs from a professional, which should take place at least once per year.
In addition, if you want to have a new open fire installed, it is likely to be more affordable, given that a new fireplace and chimney system is likely to set you back in around £2,500 to £3,000.
As for the downsides, open fires may not be considered aesthetically pleasing, while they are also less efficient (with an efficiency of up to 30%), and they are also arguably worse for the environment.
Pros and Cons of a Log Burner
Moving on to log burners, the upsides of opting for log burners are that they tend to cost less to run and are arguably more aesthetically pleasing. Also log burners are also arguably the safer option due, in part, to their various safety features.
Beyond that, log burners are more efficient, with efficiency levels of around 65% or more in many cases.
With all that said, log burners tend to cost more upfront, with the average price of having a log burner installed being around £3,000 to £5,000.
Which Is the Better Option for You?
Naturally, figuring out the better choice for you will depend on your needs and preferences. As laid out in the prior sections, both open fires and log burners have a range of pros and cons, and cost-wise, log burners tend to come with a higher bill.
If you are strapped for cash, then you may wish to stick with (if it is safe) your existing open or even upgrade it to become a new fireplace.
With that said, if you have the money or can justify paying on finance (which may include paying interest) if you find an offer in your area, you’ll likely find that a log burner will mean lower running costs, helping to save you money over time.
Ultimately, you’ll need to weigh up the pros, cons and costs involved before carefully coming to a conclusion. If you are still unsure, you might want to chat with a heating engineer to help you make a decision.