– “The whole” of Europe is currently buying wood stoves and alternative heat sources. There is a huge backlog in production which can be expected to last until next year, perhaps even into 2024. That is what managing director Anders Evensen at Varmefag in Halden says. They are now experiencing an enormous influx of people who want to buy a wood stove. But for many, the dream goes up in smoke. They have to be prepared for long waiting times. – We can still deliver a number of fireplaces and stoves within acceptable timeframes, but the most popular models have delivery times of 6 to 12 months, says Evensen. In the last two years, close to 340,000 Norwegians have had a new oven or hearth in their home, according to Norsk Varme’s latest nationwide survey. Tough times for the industry The customers who seek out Varmefag have one thing in common. They want to use as little electricity as possible for heating this winter. Norwegians have experienced abnormally high electricity prices as a result of gas and coal prices having increased historically. Prices in Norway have also risen by 6.3 per cent in the past year, according to figures from Statistics Norway (SSB). If you are going to invest in a new wood-burning stove, you will have to expect a long wait for several of the products. Photo: Amalie Fagerhaug Evjen / news In the past, the long wait for a wood stove meant two to three months. Now there is a waiting period of up to one year for the most popular models. Evensen says that several manufacturers have put a cap on how much the store is allowed to order. – I don’t think the situation will normalize until 2024 at the earliest. Even if the war in Ukraine were to end tomorrow, it will still take time. Sales have exploded In September this year, the word “fireplace” had 76,000 searches on Finn.no. This is almost a doubling from the same period last year, when the word was searched for 39,000 times. Norway’s largest fireplace manufacturer, Jøtul, confirms that demand has increased considerably, not only in Norway, but throughout Europe. – Jøtul is now in 43 countries and sales of wood stoves have exploded due to the energy crisis. Despite the fact that we are maximizing capacity in our factories, delivery times have increased. It is now close to six to seven months on average, says executive vice president for sales, Rene Christensen. Recommends alternative solutions The construction goods chain Optimera can also confirm that there are increased sales and somewhat increased delivery times. Category director Pål Erichsen asks people to consider other solutions. – Many people may be able to get a fireplace faster by reassessing the model and manufacturer, based on what is available. In many contexts, there may be alternatives to what the customers are asking for. Heat pumps are also selling like never before. Anders Evensen asks people to think alternatively to save money. Photo: Amalie Fagerhaug Evjen / news The wood price has also skyrocketed this year. Anders Evensen believes that many people can save money by choosing alternative heat sources. – You can, among other things, use gas fireplaces that use propane or biogas. This can be bought in bottles and fired for between NOK 2 and 3 per kilowatt.
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Half a year’s waiting time for an oven – news Oslo and Viken – Local news, TV and radio
