Wood Burning Stoves: Rules, Safety and Burning Well

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Wood Burning Stoves: Rules, Safety and Burning Well

Ecodesign and smoke control, fuel moisture, carbon monoxide and chimney maintenance

A stove is a real heat source with real obligations attached, and most of the problems people have come from the fuel rather than the appliance.

Carbon monoxide alarms are essential

An audible carbon monoxide alarm is required in any room with a solid fuel appliance under building regulations in England and Wales, and is strongly advised everywhere. Carbon monoxide has no smell and kills.

Test it monthly and replace it at the end of its stated life.

The regulations

New stoves sold in the UK must meet Ecodesign standards for emissions and efficiency. In smoke control areas, you may only use a DEFRA-exempt appliance, and burning the wrong fuel is an offence.

Sales of wet wood in small volumes and traditional house coal have been restricted. Look for Ready to Burn certification.

Fuel moisture is the main variable

Wood should be below twenty percent moisture, which a cheap moisture meter confirms. Wet wood produces far more smoke and particulates, gives less heat and tars up the flue.

Season split logs under cover with airflow for one to two years, or buy kiln dried.

Burning well

Light from the top, get the fire hot quickly and keep the air open enough to burn cleanly. Slumbering a stove overnight with the air shut down is what causes tar, glass blackening and chimney fires.

Look at the chimney outside — a clean fire produces almost no visible smoke.

Installation and maintenance

Installation must be by a competent registered installer and notified to building control. Sweep the chimney at least annually and more for regular use.

Hearth and clearances

A stove needs a compliant hearth and specified clearances to combustible material, which the installer will confirm against the appliance data plate. Furniture, curtains and drying clothes must stay well clear.

Fit a fireguard where there are children or pets, since stove surfaces reach temperatures that cause immediate serious burns.

Ventilation

Stoves above a certain output need a dedicated air supply into the room. In an airtight modern house this matters more rather than less.

Running costs

Work out the cost per kilowatt hour of your wood against gas or electricity, including delivery and any seasoning time. Bought kiln dried wood is not always cheaper than mains gas.

Size the stove to the room rather than buying the largest available, since an oversized stove is run slumbered, which is exactly what causes tar and smoke.

Air quality

Domestic burning is a significant source of fine particulate pollution, indoors and out. Burn dry fuel, burn hot, and consider whether you need to burn at all.

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