Have been over this issue a number of times so decided to do some research and lot depends here on the fuel used and the quality of the stove, but the fact is that wood burning stoves can greatly reduce your fossil fuel emissions and they can save you money at the same time most depending on the source of the wood fuel.
If you are able to source wood from sustainable source, like managed woodland, then the amount of carbon dioxide emitted is the same as that which was absorbed during the trees growth, so the process is sustainable. Even better if you have access to waste wood.
Additionally, many wood burning stoves available today have special systems to reduce emissions.
Is a Wood Burning Stove for Me?
If you are thinking of installing a stove, there are a few things to consider, you need dry space to store the wood, you should have a flue and chimney with sufficient air movement and you need to comply with building regulations and smokeless zone regulations.
Potential Savings
With cost of a standalone stove together with installation starting at around £3000 (without any major building alterations) a saving of £500 per year (feasible if you have a good source of wood fuel) can cover the cost of the installation in just 6 years.