Every type of fuel has its advantages and disadvantages, and the choice of the optimal option depends on many factors.
Natural gas
According to the supplier 'Naftogaz of Ukraine', as of January 2025, the price of gas for households is 7.96 UAH/m³ including VAT. However, the gas transportation tariff has increased four times following the cessation of Russian gas transit from 124.16 UAH to 501.97 UAH per thousand cubic meters.
The total cost of gas including delivery is estimated to be approximately between 9 and 10 UAH/m³.
Firewood
Prices for firewood in autumn 2025 vary depending on the type of wood: beech, oak, hornbeam - 1200-1900 UAH/cubic meter, pine, alder - starting from 1100 UAH, aspen, poplar - starting from 980 UAH.
State forest enterprises have established social prices for households: first group (oak, hornbeam) - 1140 UAH/m³, second (pine) - 923 UAH/m³, third (willow, poplar) - 824 UAH/m³.
Calculation of economic efficiency
To compare the cost of 1 kWh of heat, it is necessary to consider the calorific value of fuel and the efficiency of the boiler.
Natural gas:
- 1 m³ of natural gas provides about 8.57 kWh of heat with a boiler efficiency of 90%
- The cost of 1 kWh is approximately 1.25 UAH considering the price of gas and delivery (9.5 UAH/m³)
Oak firewood (split, moisture ~20%):
- 1 kg provides 2.94 kWh with a boiler efficiency of 70%
- The cost of 1 kWh ranges from 1.9 to 2.4 UAH with an average price of 4-5 UAH/kg
Factors influencing the choice
Experts indicate that there is no single answer to the question of the most cost-effective heating method, as the choice depends on individual preferences of each user.
Advantages of gas heating:
- Price and quality stability
- High boiler efficiency (up to 92%)
- Ease of use
- Automated process
Advantages of firewood:
- You could potentially find lower costs with the right supplier
- Use of local resources
- Independence from gas networks
Disadvantages of firewood:
- Variable quality depending on type, moisture, and supplier
- Need for storage space
- Regular maintenance of the boiler
- Low efficiency of solid fuel boilers - around 70%, pyrolysis boilers - around 85%
Conclusion
In 2025, based on current prices, gas is found to be the more cost-effective heating option from an economic standpoint, particularly due to price stability and high efficiency.
Firewood may be an effective option only if several conditions are met: purchasing quality wood at social prices, using modern pyrolysis boilers with high efficiency, and having personal resources for harvesting and drying wood.