NEW FUEL REGULATIONS
It is no longer legal to sell wood as a fuel for burning if the moisture content exceeds 20%. When buying wood for your appliance look for the 'Ready to Burn' logo.
This regulation has been introduced to reduce the emissions of PM2.5 particles which are small enough to enter people's lungs and bloodstream, causing cancer and lung problems.
The regulation is also intended to reduce the pollution from wood burning appliances which has been found to be a problem in some urban areas.
Furthermore, from 2022 it will be illegal to sell or install wood burning appliances that do not conform to the latest "Eco Design".
In addition to being harmful to humans and the environment, 'wet' wood burns less efficiently, producing less useable heat and can cause a build up of flammable cresote deposits in the flue or chimney.
If you are producing your own logs for burning they should be stored in a dry well-ventilated space for at least two years before you use them for fuel.
To properly maintain your appliance you should:
• always use your open fire or stove in line with the manufacturer and installer’s guidance including only burning suitable fuels
• make sure your open fire or stove is installed by a registered/certified installer - if you’re unsure whether your current system was installed correctly, you may want to consider having it serviced
• get your stove serviced once a year
• consider buying a new stove that has a Defra exemption, or an Ecodesign Compliant stove
• get your chimney swept at least once a year as soot and tar build up in your chimney over time, reducing its efficiency and increases the risk of chimney fires
More advice
Burn dry wood - 15-20% moisture is best. You can check this with a moisture meter.
Get the fire hot quickly by lighting your fire with dry kindling and then small pieces of wood.
Keep it hot, burning the wood gradually and efficiently. No smoke should be visible emerging from the chimney or tar deposited on the stove window if it’s burning well.
Add more wood before the fire dwindles so it gets burning quickly too. Avoid burning big chunks which smoke while they gradually catch fire.
Don’t shut off the air or keep the stove burning overnight as this causes more pollution
Avoid producing other toxins: don’t burn plastics, cardboard or glossy paper. Avoid particle-board, plywood, salty, treated or painted wood.
