Wood Burning Stove vs Central Heating: 2026 UK Costs
Are log burners still cheaper than gas central heating in 2026? Real costs, Defra rules and savings explained.
Wood Burning Stove vs Central Heating: 2026 UK Cost Comparison
Updated: May 2026 (price figures updated October 2026) — Power Guardian UK Editorial Team
Are log burners still cheaper than gas central heating in 2026? Real costs, Defra rules and savings explained. This guide gives you the latest 2026 unit rates, real-world UK examples and a clear bottom line so you can decide what's right for your home.
Quick answer
Under the current Ofgem price cap (Q4 2026 (1 Oct – 31 Dec 2026)), electricity costs awaiting verified update and gas awaiting verified update for a typical UK direct-debit customer. Standing charges are awaiting verified update for electricity and awaiting verified update for gas. These are GB averages; your exact rates will be on your latest bill. The worked example below uses the October–December 2026 rates.
What this article covers
- The 2026 cost numbers that matter - A like-for-like comparison table for typical UK homes - The main mistakes households make - What to do next, step-by-step - FAQ for the questions we get most often
The 2026 cost numbers that matter
| Item | 2026 figure | Why it matters | |---|---|---| | Electricity unit rate | awaiting verified update | Drives running cost of all electric appliances | | Gas unit rate | awaiting verified update | Heating and hot water for 85% of UK homes | | Electricity standing charge | awaiting verified update | You pay this even with zero usage | | Gas standing charge | awaiting verified update | Same — applies to all dual-fuel homes | | Typical dual fuel bill | £1,723 a year (Q4 2026 (1 Oct – 31 Dec 2026)) | Ofgem typical use: awaiting verified update electricity + awaiting verified update gas |
These are national averages. Northern Scotland, North Wales and the South West tend to be 5–10% above the average; East Midlands is usually cheapest.
A worked UK example
Take a typical 3-bed semi in the Midlands using 2,700 kWh of electricity and 11,500 kWh of gas a year. At October–December 2026 cap rates:
Related energy-saving tips
- Set heating timers and schedules — Heating an empty home wastes energy. A schedule makes the heating come on when you need it and go off when you don't.
- Turn your thermostat down by 1°C — Lowering the room temperature by a single degree reduces how hard your heating works, and most people barely notice the difference.
- Review your standing charges — Standing charges are a daily fee you pay regardless of use, and they vary by region and supplier.