Wood burning stoves represent some of the most popular and efficient ways to heat your home. While there is no doubt that these traditional devices offer an amazing ambience, recent regulatory changes could have a massive impact upon the industry and as a result, upon the average homeowner. What do the new rules on wood burning stoves have to say? What do these requirements signify and what issues are they meant to address? Whether you currently own such a stove or you have been thinking about making a purchase in the near future, the answers to these questions are very relevant. Let’s look at a basic overview of how new laws could impact the average consumer.
What Does the Law on Wood Burning Stoves Have to Say?
Environmental pollution is no laughing matter and as we have seen in recent years, many industries have been looking for ways to reduce certain greenhouse gas emissions. The same holds true in regards to wood burning stoves. Were you aware that these stoves currently account for no less than 38 percent of all air pollution? When we take into account factors such as climate change, it becomes clear that some legislation needs to be put into place.
The government aims to cut the emissions mentioned above to no higher than 30 per cent by the year 2030. How will this be achieved? The main answer is increased efficiency. The future of wood burning stoves will therefore be affected by which configurations and styles produce the least amount of airborne particulate matter. In other words, these stoves will need to adopt a more ecologically friendly design. What does this mean for you?
A Quick Look at Upcoming Changes
The government has recently rolled out a programme that intends to highlight stoves which boast a green advantage through the use of a universal “Eco-Design” sticker. This essentially signifies that the configuration has met with environmental guidelines. These units should become particularly prevalent within more urbanised locations such as London and Birmingham, as these have been designated “smoke-controlled” areas. Assuming that you have owned your stove for more than ten years, the chances are high that an upgrade will be needed.
Most modern variants produce much less smoke than older models; sometimes offering a reduction as high as 90 percent when compared to open-fire configurations. The main issue here is that it can be difficult (and expensive) to retrofit new accessories onto an older model. However, you may still have the option to install an electrostatic filter within the flue. These additional accessories can help to reduce emissions by as much as 92 per cent. If you have a recent stove and the filter has not been changed in a considerable amount of time, a replacement is likely needed.
We should also mention that only stoves which have been approved by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) will be sold to the general public. Stores will soon be restocking their current inventories in order to meet this requirement. In other words, the chances are high that any new stove which you decide to purchase will already meet the regulations mentioned above.
What About the Wood?
We need to keep in mind that the future of wood burning stoves within the home is not only based around their designs and configurations. The wood itself plays an important role. You might be surprised to learn that moisture plays a key role. Wood that has not been given the time to dry properly will produce much more particulate matter. This is why ready-to-burn wood is now becoming commonplace within retail outlets. In fact, this type of wood may soon become the only style that is allowed to be legally sold. In the event that you chop your own fuel, experts recommend allowing it to dry for at least two years before it is burned within the stove. This will help to reduce the emissions from your home.
Putting it All Together
So, what are some of the main takeaway points to recognise? Let’s take a moment to review the most important points:
- The government wants to cut emissions from wood burning stoves from 38 percent to 30 percent by 2030.
- Homeowners will therefore need to comply with new regulations.
- Eco-friendly models identified by a sticker will be required in most cases.
- It might be necessary to install a filter or to upgrade to a new model.
- Only wood with a moisture content of less than 20 percent should be burned.
Find more information on the contemporary wood burners page.
You will be happy to learn that each and every stove offered by Future Fires has already taken these conditions into account, so contact us to place an order today.
