Experts have dispelled what they call a myth and issued tips to best use the heaters.
Some Brits use wood-burners to keep themselves warm (Image: Getty)
Experts have disputed what they call an incorrect worry about wood burners. Adam Oldfield and his team of specialists at StovesAreUs said some people are concerned that they are “inherently bad for the environment”, but this is “false”, they added. They argue that modern stoves are designed to burn fuel “much more efficiently” than older models. “All UK stoves manufactured from 2022 onwards now meet the Government’s ecodesign standards, meaning they produce fewer emissions,” the experts said.
“Studies show that when used correctly, modern stoves do not increase indoor particulate levels above normal background activity, like cooking, toasting, or using candles. Choosing the correct fuel for your stove further reduces smoke and particulate matter, helping to make wood-burning a sustainable heating option.” It comes after proposals were outlined by the Government, which would see manufacturers of wood burners banned from selling older models unless they meet new standards.
Experts have issued tips over how to limit emissions from wood-burners (Image: Getty)
Burners already in use would not be retroactively outlawed.
Smoke Control Areas, which set limits on the types of solid fuel which can be burned in log burners, fireplaces and chimneys in certain areas of England, could also be made even more strict under the proposals.
The Government has announced that it will consult on measures to reduce the environmental impact of public burning of wood, such as through the use of stoves and bonfires, as it unveiled the revised EIP on Monday.
Tips for reducing emissions
The following advice has been issued by StovesAreUs.
- Ensure the room where the stove is installed has adequate ventilation. The stove requires a direct air supply and sufficient oxygen to burn efficiently. A professional installer will assess air supply requirements to ensure safe and efficient combustion.
- Choosing the right fuel is one of the most effective and straightforward ways to reduce emissions. We recommend burning only Woodsure-certified fuels, which have been independently verified as dry enough for use in wood-burning stoves. You can use a simple moisture meter (available for under £20) to verify that logs are properly dried before burning. Avoid using treated or painted wood, as these can release toxic fumes when burned. Pre-dried logs and briquettes are also excellent choices for clean combustion.
- If you live in a smoke control area, only use stoves and fuels that comply with the rules applying to those areas. Failing to do so can result in a fine, as well as increased emissions. Modern ecodesign-compliant stoves are approved for use in smoke control areas when paired with suitable fuels.
- Even the cleanest fuel will produce more smoke if a stove is poorly maintained. Proper airflow and maintenance ensure that the stove burns fuel efficiently, reducing particulate emissions. Clean the stove and flue regularly, check seals and gaskets, and schedule annual professional inspections.
- All stoves must comply with building regulations and be signed off by your local authority’s building control department. A HETAS-registered installer will take care of this for you, as well as advising on flue type, hearth size, and the best position for heat circulation. Unless you’re a professional, it is not recommended to install a stove yourself.
A potential risk posed by burners, specialists added, is carbon monoxide build-up.
The firm said: “With a properly installed and well-maintained stove, the risk of this is extremely low — no higher than any other fuel-burning appliance in the home.
“To keep the risks of exposure as low as possible, be sure to have your stove installed by a professional (preferably a HETAS-registered installer).
“Clean and sweep your stove and flue frequently, and have it serviced at least once a year.”
