Increasing numbers of households are turning to traditional log burners to cut their heating bills as prices continue to spiral.

In some cases the old-fashioned systems are replacing newer technology that is failing to live up to the task. 

Chris Anstey, 68, from Shropshire, moved into a 10-year-old eco home two years ago, which is heated by an air source heat pump.

Although the house is well insulated and sealed off from any draughts, Mr Anstey said the heat pump is less efficient in colder conditions, when it is needed most. As a result, he uses a wood-burning stove to heat his house on cold nights.

“We tend to leave it burning from around 4 o’clock onwards and it probably saves us around 20kWh of electricity,” Mr Anstey said. “And of course if there’s a power cut, it provides us with a source of heat.”

Mr Anstey buys wood directly from the National Trust and dries it himself on his property. “You have to use seasoned wood,” he said. “Kiln-dried wood is quite expensive these days.

“At the moment, with energy prices so high, someone buying it to heat their home will still save a bit of money.”

Mr Anstey added that soaring bills had forced him to change his energy habits. “We are definitely using less electricity,” he said.