What is the clean air strategy, and what does this mean for woodburning stoves?
Advice
21 Sept 2021
We know that wood burning stoves are incredibly popular, and really help to make a house a home. In fact, may of our new homes have working chimneys in place, meaning they’re ready for customers to have a real fire installed.
One of the core appeals of a woodburner is the fuel is renewable and easy to source. But did you know that not all types of wood are suitable for burning? In fact, if the wrong wood, or wood that hasn’t been sufficiently dried, is burnt, it can lead to particulate matter air pollution, which is considered to be one of the most damaging pollutants.
To ensure the impact wood burning stoves can have on air pollution is kept to a minimum the Government has developed a Clean Air Strategy, scheduled to come into force in early 2022. This will outlaw the sale of the most polluting fuels and ensure only the cleanest stoves are available to purchase. From 1st January 2022 all wood burning and multi-fuel stoves and fireplaces that are manufactured will have to adhere to strict new guidelines known as Ecodesign. These stoves will now carry an SIA (Stove Industry Alliance) approved Ecodesign Ready Stove quality assurance.
If you’re considering investing in a new woodburning stove, or you already have a woodburner installed, don’t worry. Simply follow these top tips, and you’ll be curling up next to a fire with a good book and a cuppa before you know it:
- If you are investing in a wood burner, make sure the stove you buy holds the SIA approved logo to ensure it is compliant with the Clean Air Strategy.
- Always employ a qualified installer to fit your stove, who will ensure your stove works efficiently, with minimal emissions.
- Buy your wood from a reliable source. Woodsure’s ready to burn website lists hundreds of accredited suppliers across the country.
- If you are using your own wood, make sure you store it in an appropriate shelter, and don’t burn it until the moisture content is 20% or less. Here’s how to use a moisture meter to check if your wood is dry enough.
- Make sure your chimney is swept regularly by a professional, as this will help the fuel to burn more cleanly.
