What are the new Wood Burning Stove Regulations?

Across the UK over 1 million of us settle in on a cold winter’s evening in front of a wood burning stove, and the numbers are increasing due to its continued popularity over the last decade. This may however be under threat, particularly for our customers in London and the surrounding issues as the government has outlined its new strategy in early 2018 to clean up its air pollution problem.

This should not put off any potential customers as the Government plans to ban the sale of stoves after 2022 which do not meet the new environmental standards. For those of us who already own a wood burning stove which aren’t as environmentally friendly (10 years old and over) the persuasive message is to upgrade your stove and avoid burning low quality fuels. “The message we’re putting out, with the the Government, is burn the right wood on the right appliance,” says Dennis Milligan, from the Stove Industry Alliance. “Then, there’ll be a progressive improvement in emissions.”

What things should you therefore consider when purchasing/upgrading a wood burning stove:

  1. What type of stove should I buy?  

Most stoves supplied by manufacturers should be DEFRA approved meaning that they can be used in a Smoke Controlled Area. Furthermore many of the latest stoves to be released will be approved by the SIA and are therefore Eco Design Ready meaning that they can reduce particulate emissions by 90%. Most importantly, new EU laws coming into force in 2022 mean that stoves will need to be at least 80% efficient. (Read more: https://www.which.co.uk/reviews/wood-burning-stoves/article/buying-a-log-burner-or-multi-fuel-stove/how-to-buy-a-log-burner-or-multi-fuel-stove – Which?)

       2. What type of fuel should I burn?

We would always advise our customers to be aware of any burning restrictions in your area as outlined by local authorities before you buy. DEFRA and the Mayor of London have also supported the partnership between the SIA and Woodsure who have launched a ‘Ready to Burn’ wood which has been kiln dried and contains a moisture content below 20% and will therefore burn more effectively and efficiently given you a warmer and longer lasting fire. Additionally the use of smokeless coal and E-coal produces 30% more heat, emits 5 times less smoke and 25% less carbon than normal house coal.