Ask five neighbours what fuels their Northallerton stoves and you’ll probably get five different answers, and maybe even a heated argument. It’s true that variety is the spice of life up here, and that includes choices for stove fuel.

Let’s start with wood, which has always worked. Burning well-seasoned wood is the best method to get that actual crackle and pop and the smell of a real fire. Flames dancing over beech or oak are beautiful, especially as the night air grows cold. But not all pieces of wood will work. Local sources say you should choose hardwoods that have been drying for at least a year. You’ll get more smoke than heat if you don’t.

Then there’s smokeless coal, which people who want their fires to last longer love. These briquettes give off a lot of heat and keep the fire going while you walk the dog or, let’s be honest, watch TV all day. People who live in regions where smoking is not allowed, like Northallerton, need to know that smokeless fuels must satisfy DEFRA guidelines. So, you can stay warm without breaking the law.

Multi-fuel stoves are useful because they can burn both logs and smokeless coal. They are good at being adaptable at parties. This is great for anyone whose plans (or backup plans) constantly changing because of the weather in Yorkshire.

You might be thinking about the present, though. People like gas burners in their homes because they heat things up quickly and easily. You don’t need to cut kindling or check the log pile; just flip a switch.

Make sure your stove and fuel fit your lifestyle as well as your wallpaper. Talk to local businesses, see which options are best for your property, and consider how much work you want to perform. Don’t do it if you’d rather be curled up with a book and a cup of tea than trying to deal with smoky logs in your nightgown. Northallerton stoves have a type of heat for everyone.