Cost conscious consumers are increasingly looking to more traditional forms of heating this winter.
According to figures released today sales of woodcutting machinery such as chainsaws, hatchets and axes have shot through the roof following rises in gas and electricity prices over the last year.
The figures, released by online garden machinery supermarket Mower Magic.co.uk, show that sales of woodcutting items have been steadily increasing since January when the first of the price rises came into effect. However, as the colder weather sets in the increase has become an upsurge with 25% rises year on year in September, October and November. With Christmas approaching and energy companies still refusing to pass on cost savings Mower Magic is already projecting a further year on year profit gain of 40 % in December.
John Hall Managing Director of Mower Magic says: “People are sick of being dictated to by energy companies and there’s a big move towards sustainable living and self sufficiency so is it any wonder people are looking for alternative sources of fuel.
The National Association of Chimney Sweeps has also posted rises in the number of people asking for their services.
Martin P Glynn President of the National Association of Chimney Sweeps says:
“Christmas is the busiest time of the year for a chimney sweep. This year especially we’ve had a lot of people re-opening their fireplaces and having their chimney swept for the first time. Real fires are back in fashion with many people choosing energy efficient wood and multi stoves to heat their homes. Unfortunately, the credit crunch is affecting regular customers as well, with some customers not being able to afford to have their chimney cleaned this Christmas. All chimneys in use need to be cleaned and maintained for efficiency and safety to avoid chimney fires and fume spillage.”
“Chopping wood is a great source of free fuel, but people need to remember to get their chimneys swept as regularly as possible to prevent falling debris and possible asphyxiation from blocked chimneys.”
John adds: “Chopping your own wood and opening up long forgotten fireplaces to heat your house is a great way to cut down on energy prices. Because of this we’ve introduced two new products the Smart Log Splitter and the Smart Saw Horse both of which are easy to use and require no additional energy consumption.”
“The Smart log splitter acts as four tools in one and is much safer than using an axe. The Smart Saw Horse folds down flat, is easy to assemble and requires minimal lifting, making it perfect for people who aren’t used to chopping wood.”
Mower Magic is the UK’s leading online gardening superstore to find out more visit www.mowermagic.co.uk
-ENDS-
Issued on behalf of Mower Magic by Lava. For further information contact Matt, Louise or Stuart at Lava on 01522 842 800 / matt@lavapr.co.uk / louise@lavapr.co.uk / stuart@lavapr.co.uk
To view all of Lava’s recent press releases or to sign up to receive them via RSS please visit http://www.lavapr.co.uk/press-releases
