Woodburner vs gas stove (in Smoke Control Area)

[Laquila]

We've just bought a 1920s semi that has gas central heating and are planning on installing underfloor heating. It's in a Smoke Control Area - I have no idea how common this is or if most woodburners are suitable for these areas nowadays anyway.

The living room looks like it had a gas fire at some point, although the pipes had been disconnected.

We were all set to get a new flue liner and woodburner installed, but my in-laws, who have a woodburner, have started going on about how realistic gas stoves are nowadays, how much more practical, clean, child-friendly etc etc...it's really put me off! My husband is a joiner, and we live rurally - we can quite easily get a fair amount of wood, and have just about enough space to store and season it.

Obviously we don't know at the moment how well-insulated the house will feel once we've finished doing it up and are living in it, so it's hard to say what we need in terms of heat output. It'd be an add-on to the gas central heating, as it were - shouldn't be essential to have it lit all the time at all.

Does anyone have a woodburner and wish they'd installed a gas stove? Or vice versa? How common are Smokw Control Areas and how seriously do councils tend to take this?!...

[Workingmum34]

We had a wood burner in a smoke free zone - you just buy a stove that's defra approved (they are pretty common) - go wood burner everytime. We had two when our children were small and they never went near them - we tended to light it in the evening when they were in bed or we had a guard round if. The gas ones are never quite the same.

[amistillsexy]

We've had a gas stove in our living room for 9 years. We had it fitted rather than a wood burner for all the reasons you're considering one. In the winter we keep the central heating on and often have an additional electric fan heater going as well (it's a large, open space and partially back-to-earth so cold and damp!).
This summer, we had a Defra approved Burley Fireball wood burner fitted (for about half the cost of the Vermont Castings gas stove) in the dining room, on the floor above the living room. It gets so warm in there that I have had to open the window sometimes. It heats the whole house, and it still feels warm in the mornings when we wake up. I haven't turned my central heating up past the minimum setting yet this winter. It is clean, efficient and easy to use, although it does need feeding quite regularly, and it takes about 15 minutes each morning to clean the glass, remove ashes and set the fire for the day, which, in addition to stacking, chopping and bringing in wood, makes it quite time-consuming.
If you're having under floor heating as well, you might get away with a gas stove, which is quick, easy and clean, and can look lovely (I've attached a picture of mine).
We are considering changing the gas stove for another wood burner, so if you decide you'd like one, make me an offer on our lovely looking Vermont Castings Intrepid!

[amistillsexy]

Oh and our council takes its smoke control very seriously. If you are reported for burning wood or coal, they will visit and ask to see evidence that your stove is Defra approved. They may also test your smoke to make sure it is within acceptable limits. If not, even if your stove is approved, you will have to change your fuel.

[TangoInGovan]

placemarking, nothing to add

[Laquila]

Thanks Working and amistill (I'll bear that in mind about your Vermont gas stove!) - much appreciated.