Are Logs Cheaper Than Gas or Electric Heating? (UK 2025)

* This article uses Nottingham Energy Partnership (NEP) Data for Accurate Cost Comparisons which were correct for November 2025

Heating bills remain one of the biggest household expenses in the UK, and with energy costs shifting constantly, many homeowners are exploring alternatives to traditional gas, oil, and electric systems. One of the most popular options is heating with kiln-dried logs — but is it genuinely cheaper?

Using the Nottingham Energy Partnership’s latest fuel cost comparison, this expanded guide now includes:

• Full cost-per-kWh comparison
• Scenario analysis (small home, average home, large home)
• Break-even insights
• Pros & cons of logs vs gas/oil/electric
• Plus: Easy-to-understand tables

NEP Cost Comparison (Delivered Heat Cost per kWh)

These values factor in both fuel price and system efficiency — giving a realistic cost per usable unit of heat.

* The above costs DO NOT include the costs for daily standing charges for either gas or electricity. 

• Logs and heating oil fall into a similar cost bracket.
• Gas is still the cheapest whole-house heating fuel.
• Electric heating is by far the most expensive.

Scenario Analysis: How Much Does Each Heating Type Cost Per Year?

The numbers below assume NEP’s delivered kWh figures, applied to different levels of heat demand depending on property size.

Scenario 1: Small Home / Flat (6,000 kWh per year)

* The above costs DO NOT include the costs for daily standing charges for either gas or electricity. 

Summary

• Logs cost 1/3 the price of electricity.
• Logs cost slightly more than oil and gas.
• Best option: Gas, then oil or logs if gas is unavailable.

Scenario 2: Average UK Home (10,000 kWh per year)

* The above costs DO NOT include the costs for daily standing charges for either gas or electricity. 

Summary

• Logs save over £2,000 compared to electricity.
• Logs are cost-competitive with heating oil.
• Gas remains significantly cheaper for central heating.

Scenario 3: Large Home (15,000 kWh per year)

* The above costs DO NOT include the costs for daily standing charges for either gas or electricity. 

Summary

• Logs save over £3,000 vs electric heating.
• Logs track very closely with heating oil costs.
• Gas is still the cheapest option for high-use homes.

Break-Even Insights: When Are Logs the Best Financial Choice?

Logs become cost-advantageous when:

1. You compare them to electric heating

Logs win every time.
Electricity costs nearly 3× more per kWh than high-quality kiln-dried logs.

2. You primarily heat one or two rooms

Logs shine when:

• The family gathers in one main area
• You keep the stove running instead of heating unused rooms
  This reduces whole-house heat demand and pushes cost savings in your favour.

3. You buy logs in bulk

Bulk log deliveries often reduce cost per cubic metre, making your delivered cost per kWh closer to — or even below — heating oil.

4. You are able to season your own firewood

Many households reduce cost per kWh even further by:

• Purchasing unseasoned logs and drying them
• Buying during the warmer months when logs tend to be cheaper
• Buying from local suppliers like Logs Direct with low delivery costs

5. You avoid peak gas and electricity tariffs

When energy prices spike, wood remains surprisingly stable.

Pros & Cons of Heating with Kiln-Dried Logs

Pros

• Massive savings over electric heating - A log stove can slash heating costs by £1,500–£3,000 per year.
• Competitive with heating oil - Delivered cost is almost identical.
• Can be used for targeted heating - Only heat the rooms you’re in — saves money.
• Independence from the grid - A log burner keeps you warm even during power cuts.
• Aesthetic + comfort benefits - A flame beats a radiator for atmosphere.

Cons

• More expensive than mains gas - Gas remains the cheapest heating fuel per delivered kWh.
• Requires manual work - You must store, stack, carry, and feed logs.
• Heats small areas unless you have a boiler stove - A standalone stove generally won’t heat the whole home like gas central heating.
• Upfront cost of a wood-burning stove - Installation (£1,500–£3,500) is not included in per-kWh comparisons.

Final Verdict: Are Logs the Cheapest Way to Heat Your Home?

Using NEP’s 2025 cost comparison, here’s the clear conclusion:

Yes — logs are one of the cheapest heating options when:

• You’re comparing to electricity
• You own a modern, efficient stove
• You heat one or two main rooms
• You buy quality logs in bulk
• You don’t have access to mains gas

No — logs are not the outright cheapest when:

• Compared to mains gas
• You need whole-house heating on a thermostat
• You have limited space for storing firewood

Overall:

• Logs are extremely cost-effective for targeted heating and non-gas households
• Logs are dramatically cheaper than electric heating
• Logs are roughly equal to heating oil
• Gas is still the cheapest whole-house heating option

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