Modern Stoves Tipped as Answer to Soaring Energy Bills

With MPs debating energy relief in Parliament, the Stove Industry Association highlights how efficient stoves can deliver lasting savings for households.

Energy Bills Dominate Parliamentary Debate

The cost of heating homes remains one of the most pressing issues facing UK households. At Prime Minister’s Questions on 16th July, energy bills took centre stage once again, reflecting widespread concern about the affordability of keeping warm during winter. Jacob Collier, MP for Burton and Uttoxeter, spoke about the growing anxiety among his constituents, many of whom are dreading the arrival of their seasonal gas and electricity bills. His comments struck a chord across the chamber, with energy affordability being described as a crisis that impacts every corner of the country.

In response, Labour’s proposed Warm Homes Discount was highlighted as an immediate relief measure. The scheme promises a £150 reduction on household energy bills, aiming to ease the financial burden for families struggling with the rising cost of living. Sir Keir Starmer supported the proposal, calling it a “lifeline” for thousands of households who face difficult choices between heating and other essentials. While such measures provide short-term breathing space, many industry voices believe the country also needs a longer-term strategy to reduce dependence on costly fossil fuels and grid-supplied electricity.

Stove Industry Association Puts Forward Long-Term Solutions

In light of the debate, the Stove Industry Association (SIA) has emphasised the role that modern stoves can play in helping families take control of their energy use. The trade body, which represents over 230 members including manufacturers, retailers, and installers, highlighted that today’s stoves bear little resemblance to older models or open fires. Instead, Ecodesign-compliant wood-burning stoves are highly efficient, low-emission appliances designed to meet strict environmental standards while offering a reliable and affordable source of heat.

According to the SIA, households using a modern, clearSkies-certified stove can enjoy significant energy savings. These stoves can reduce emissions by up to 90% compared to an open fire, and by as much as 80% compared to older, basic stoves. For families facing uncertainty over gas and electricity prices, this represents not only an environmental win but also a chance to lower household bills and gain greater independence from fluctuating energy markets.

Why Stoves Offer Comfort and Independence

Beyond their efficiency, modern stoves provide households with something equally important: peace of mind. Unlike central heating systems that rely entirely on the grid, a wood-burning stove ensures a reliable source of warmth even during power outages. For rural communities in particular, where energy supply can be disrupted by extreme weather, this resilience can make a meaningful difference.

The SIA also notes that stoves offer a unique kind of comfort that central heating cannot replicate. The sight and sound of real flames creates a cosy atmosphere that resonates with many homeowners. At the same time, with the right fuel and proper use, these stoves operate as a sustainable and renewable heating option. By burning Ready to Burn certified logs with less than 20% moisture content, households can achieve efficient combustion with minimal emissions, aligning with the UK’s wider goals for reducing carbon output.

Looking for ways to take control of your home heating costs?
➡️ Explore our Stove Buyers Guide for practical advice on choosing an efficient, Ecodesign-compliant stove.

And if you want to learn more about the industry’s role in building a low-carbon future, visit the Stove Industry Association.

Practical Guidance for Households

To ensure households get the most from modern stoves, the SIA has released a series of practical recommendations. These include choosing an Ecodesign-compliant stove with a clearSkies certification, particularly at Level 3 or above, which guarantees compliance with DEFRA exemption rules in Smoke Control Areas. Professional installation is essential, and the association advises working only with qualified experts such as HETAS or OFTEC registered installers.

The SIA also underlines the importance of regular maintenance. Chimneys should be swept at least once a year by an NVQ-qualified professional, ensuring safe operation and optimal performance. Annual servicing keeps the stove efficient, while professional advice can help homeowners use their appliances correctly. Above all, the association warns against burning treated wood, waste materials, or logs with high moisture content, all of which can increase emissions and damage the stove. By following these guidelines, households can maximise both cost savings and environmental benefits.

Building a Balanced Heating Future

The Stove Industry Association believes that stoves should be part of the UK’s long-term energy strategy. By combining government-led financial support schemes like the Warm Homes Discount with household investments in sustainable heating solutions, families can enjoy both immediate relief and lasting resilience. Stoves are not presented as a silver bullet, but rather as a practical, affordable tool in a wider mix of low-carbon technologies.

With the cost of living continuing to place pressure on families across the country, solutions that blend affordability, sustainability, and independence are more vital than ever. For the SIA, the message is clear: modern stoves are no longer a relic of the past, but a forward-looking option that can complement other green energy initiatives.

👉 What’s your view? Do you see modern stoves as a realistic way to tackle rising energy bills, or should the emphasis remain on government-backed subsidies? Leave a comment below — we’d love to hear your perspective.

For more information, visit the Stove Industry Association.

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Reece Toscani

Reece has over two decades in the fireplace and stove world — testing, reviewing, and occasionally getting covered in soot, all in the name of wood-fired home heating. He cuts through the nonsense, busts the myths, and shares straight-talking advice to help you enjoy your stove without the confusion. From Fireplace Products to Redefining Woodburners, if it burns wood, he’s probably tested it, fixed it, or argued about it. Now, through Woodburner Insights, he shares that experience with the world — both here and on YouTube.

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