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Sustainability increasingly needs to be at the heart of many decisions we make for our homes, so it is no surprise that many people ask ‘are wood burning stoves bad for the environment?’ when considering the investment.
There are many factors to consider when you’re thinking about investing in a company. Wood burning stove. Log burners can be viewed as a sustainable heating system because they use renewable energy, not fossil fuel. However, media misconceptions and incorrect studies have shown that log burners contribute more particulate emissions to the environment than they actually do.
Here are the experts who can answer all your questions regarding purchasing and using log burners.
Are wood burning stoves bad news for the environment
Image credit: Future plc/Simon Whitmore
Are wood burning stoves major pollutant?
Although wood burning stoves emit fewer pollutants than previously thought, they still contribute to particle polluting. DEFRA released new data that has reduced the proportion of small particle polluting wood burning stoves’ emissions from 38 to 17%.
Manufacturers and associations agree that wood-burning stoves emit greenhouse gases. However, they maintain that it is a small percentage in the grand scheme.
Erica Malkin, communications manager at, states that all forms combustion produce emissions. Wood burning stoves are no different. Stove Industry Alliance (SIA). A properly maintained and used modern Ecodesign wood-burning stove can produce very low emissions.
Are wood burning stoves bad news for your health?
Ultra-fine particulate Matter is the main pollutant produced by solid fuels such as wood. Also known as PM2.5. According to DEFRA (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs), PM2.5 can penetrate human respiratory system. Short-term exposure to particles can cause asthma symptoms to worsen and general unwellness. The acute effects of particle exposure can also lead to an increase in hospital admissions. Also, premature death of the elderly and sick from diseases of the cardiovascular and respiratory systems.
Vicky Naylor, general manager at ACR StovesShe says that an EcoDesign stove produces very little PM2.5. They actually contribute only 2.7% to the domestic PM2.5 emissions by burning logs and only 1.1% to the total UK PM2.5 emissions.
Vicky Naylor recognizes that an old, basic wood burning stove or open fire isn’t good for the environment. Your emissions for PM2.5 levels can jump from 1.1 percent to 5% if you use an old stove. Open fires are responsible for 15% of PM2.5 levels.
Are wood burning stoves efficient?
Image credit: Future plc/Colin Poole
All wood-burning stoves made after January 1, 2022, must comply with the Ecodesign regulations as part of DEFRA’s Clean Air Strategy 2019. This means that they must comply with minimum requirements regarding energy efficiency. It doesn’t mean that it is illegal to have an older non-Ecodesign stove in your home. If your stove is old, it may be worth replacing it with a new stove that has the accreditation.
You can even buy an Ecodesign stove that is certified by clearSkies. ClearSkies-certified stoves and fireplaces are low in emissions and high in efficiency, while still being low carbon and environmentally friendly heating.
Jon Butterworth, director at, claims that it will emit as much as 90% less carbon than open fires and as much 80 percent less than an average 10-year-old stove. Arada Stoves. You can do your part to reduce emissions and improve air quality by choosing a clearSkies-certified product.
Can I burn wood or coal that is still wet?
Wood with a higher moisture content than 20 percent and pre-packaged bitsuminous house coal must not be sold nor bought in England since May 2021. Instead, homeowners should buy wood with a certificate stating it has less than 20% moisture and labelled Ready to Burn wood logo.
If you choose an Ecodesign wood-burning stove, it is important to have your chimney swept regularly. Cleaning a chimney heating stoveErica Malkin explains that following manufacturer instructions will ensure that emissions can be minimized and efficiency is maximized.
Jon Butterworth also recommends
You can only open your stove door to refill your fire.
Reloading onto embers.
Restocking your fire with multiple logs is a good way to keep doors from opening.
High-speed burning of the wood.
He says that homeowners will benefit from these actions to ensure a cleaner burn.
What are the rules in smoke-free areas?
Image credit: Future plc/Matt Cant
Some areas of the UK have been designated Smoke control areas. These areas are not permitted to emit smoke from chimneys unless you’re using exempt appliances or burning authorised fuel.
Jon Butterworth states that you could be fined up to 1,000 for violating this requirement. We have many DEFRA smoke exempt stoves at Arada that have been modified to meet the criteria for emission levels. He says that a DEFRA Smoke Exempt Stove will always provide the lowest level of combustion air to ensure that wood burns efficiently and produces minimal smoke. This is in compliance with the Clean Air Act.
So are wood-burning stoves harmful to the environment?
It’s hard to deny that wood burning stoves offer a cozy ambience and welcoming flickering flame. Wood burning stoves are not only a welcoming and inviting environment, but they also make a great heating option for those who don’t have the budget. Cost Install a wood burning stove.
Log burners can be dangerous, according to recent studies. You need to think carefully before you decide on a wood burning stove. It is important to understand the rules and to ensure that your carbon emissions are as low as possible.
