The UK government's Environment Improvement Plan 2023 has confirmed that there are no plans to ban wood-burning stoves, despite what some media headlines may have portrayed.

The Ecodesign Regulation for wood burning stoves came into force in January 2022 meaning all stoves sold from that date must comply with the efficiency and emissions levels set out within Ecodesign. This means modern wood burning stoves are more efficient and have lower emissions than ever before and offer a very low carbon, sustainable and renewable way to heat your home.

All combustion processes, including wood burning, release particles and emissions into the atmosphere. However, modern wood-burning stoves are designed to burn wood more efficiently, which reduces the amount of emissions released into the air.

The majority of the pollution associated with wood burning comes from outdoor burning, open fires and older, inefficient stoves. We don’t work with open fires or outdoor burning.

Yes, wood is considered a sustainable fuel source because it is renewable and carbon-neutral. Trees absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere as they grow, and when they are burned as fuel, they release the same amount of carbon dioxide back into the atmosphere. As long as new trees are planted to replace the ones that are harvested, the process is considered sustainable.

Ecodesign stoves are designed to meet strict emissions standards that reduce the amount of particulate matter and other emissions released into the atmosphere. These stoves are up to 90% more efficient than older models, meaning they require less fuel and have lower emissions. They are also designed to burn wood more cleanly.

Yes, wood-burning stoves can be considered environmentally friendly when compared to other heating sources such as fossil fuels. Burning wood is carbon-neutral, meaning it does not contribute to greenhouse gas emissions which cause global warming.

Yes, wood-burning stoves are very much better than open fires for heating because they are more efficient at burning wood and producing heat.

Open fires lose a significant amount of heat up the chimney, while our stoves are designed to transfer 80-90% of the heat to the room. This means that less fuel is required to produce the same amount of heat.

Open fires produce a lot of smoke and pollution. If you are using an open fire get in touch and we’ll give you a more efficient and environmentally friendly heating solution.

Yes, a wood-burning stove can help you achieve a level of energy independence by reducing your reliance on fossil fuels and the grid. This can be especially beneficial in times of energy insecurity or supply disruptions.

In rural areas of the UK, wood-burning stoves are commonly used as the main source of heating for homes. However, we usually suggest using central heating when feasible. This is because wood stoves supply heat to a single area, whereas radiators are capable of heating the entire property, resulting in more efficient heat distribution.

The size of the stove you need depends on the size of the room you want to heat. A stove with an output of 5kW can heat a room up to 25 square meters, while a stove with an output of 12kW can heat a room up to 60 square meters.

The fireplace size needed for your stove depends on the size of the stove but most fireplaces can accommodate a stove. Get in touch and we’ll help you find the best stove for your fireplace.

Most properties can have a stove installed, but there are some exceptions. For example, if your property is a listed building or part of an apartment complex, there may be restrictions on what type of stove you can install.

Scaffolding may be required for the installation of a stove if it is needed to access the chimney or roof. This will be assessed during the site survey before installation. Get in touch and we’ll talk you through it.

A hearth is a non-combustible base that sits under a stove or fireplace to protect the surrounding area from heat and embers.

Yes, a hearth is required for safety reasons and to comply with building regulations. The size of the hearth will depend on the type of stove and the stove’s dimensions, most modern stoves have a low base temperature so can be installed on a 12mm thick hearth.

Yes, it is possible to remove an old gas fire from a fireplace. We carry out all of the work in-house including capping-off and removing old gas fires.

In most cases, it is possible to open up a blocked fireplace to install a stove, our in-house construction team can open up your fireplace and make it ready for a stove. Contact us for a free site survey.

The size of the stove you can install will depend on the size of your fireplace but we can usually make it work. Get in touch for a site survey.

It may be possible to keep a wooden mantelpiece, during our site visit we will check that the correct distance to combustible material is maintained. If clearances can't be maintained then the wooden mantelpiece will have to be removed before a stove can be installed.

A vent is not usually required in period properties if the stove is 5kW or under. If a vent is required the size of the vent required will depend on the size of the stove. Most of our stoves have a direct air connection which means air is ducted into the stove and does not cause a cold draught in the room.

There could be several reasons why your stove is not getting hot enough, including poor-quality fuel, an inadequate air supply, or a blocked chimney. We provide a sweeping and maintenance service for wood burning stoves. Get in touch to book an inspection.

Stove glass can turn black due to incomplete combustion, poor fuel quality, or incorrect stove operation. Regular cleaning of the glass can help prevent this, and it's important to use the correct type of fuel and operate the stove correctly.

You can turn down the heat on your stove by controlling the air supply to the stove. This will reduce the amount of air available for combustion, lowering the heat output.

To light your stove, place dry kindling and paper or firelighters at the bottom of the firebox. Once lit, add small pieces of dry firewood and gradually increase the size of the logs as the fire becomes established.

To use your stove efficiently, burn dry, well-seasoned hardwood logs. This will produce less smoke, burn longer, and provide more heat. Also, avoid overloading the stove and keep the air vents open to maintain proper airflow.

To clean your stove, wait until the fire has completely died down and the stove is cool to the touch. Remove the ashes and debris from the firebox using a metal scoop or shovel. Then, using a soft brush, clean the inside of the stove being careful not to disturb the fire bricks or baffle.

To clean the glass on your stove, use a non-abrasive cleaner specifically designed for wood-burning stoves. Apply the cleaner to the glass when it is cold and wipe it clean with a soft cloth.

Your stove will require regular maintenance to ensure it operates efficiently and safely. We recommend scheduling an annual sweep with our team and we can assess what needs doing when we visit. Get in touch to book a sweep.

Depending on usage, you may need to clean out the ash once or twice a week. This will help maintain proper airflow and prevent the buildup of ash that can interfere with the stove's efficiency.

Over time, certain parts of your stove may need to be replaced, such as the door gasket or baffle plate. It's important to have these parts inspected regularly during your stove's annual sweep. Book your annual sweep with us here.

We offer ongoing support and advice to our customers after installation. You can contact us anytime if you have any questions or concerns about your stove.

Yes, a chimney is necessary for any stove that produces smoke, including wood-burning stoves.

It depends on the condition of your existing chimney. We can assess your chimney's suitability during a site survey. Book a site survey here.

We usually recommended installing a flue line, as it provides additional insulation and protection to the chimney. However, it depends on the condition of your chimney and the type of stove you are installing.

The type and size of chimney or flue you need depends on the stove you are installing, the size of your room, and the height of your chimney. We can recommend the appropriate type and size during a site survey. Get in touch to book a site survey.

Yes, it is important to have your chimney swept before installation to ensure that it is clear of any blockages or debris. We can include this as part of our installation service.

The frequency of chimney sweeping depends on how often you use your stove. We usually recommend having your chimney swept at least once a year to ensure the safe and efficient operation of your stove. Book your annual sweep with us here.

This could be due to a few reasons, such as the wood being too wet, the stove not being fully open, or the flue being blocked. It's important to ensure proper ventilation and use dry wood to avoid smoke. If you have any questions just give us a call.

This is a common issue with new stoves and should go away after a few uses. It is caused by the curing process of the stove's paint and components and is not harmful. However, proper ventilation is still important.

Yes, it is highly recommended to have a carbon monoxide detector at a correct distance from your wood-burning stove to ensure your safety. We always fit one as part of our installation service.

If your carbon monoxide detector goes off unexpectedly, you should immediately open windows and doors and evacuate the building. Contact a professional to inspect your stove and chimney for any issues.

Yes, you can move your carbon monoxide detector when redecorating. However, it is important to ensure that it is moved to a suitable location so it can continue to detect any potential carbon monoxide emissions.

Over time, chimneys can become damaged or blocked, leading to potential hazards such as chimney fires or carbon monoxide poisoning. Replacing or relining a chimney can help ensure the safe and efficient operation of your wood-burning stove. Contact us if you’re looking for a replacement flue liner.

Generally, planning permission is not required for the installation of a wood-burning stove as long as the work is internal and does not involve altering the external appearance of the building. However, there are some exceptions, so it's always best to check with your local planning authority.

The installation of a wood-burning stove is subject to Building Regulations, which cover areas such as fire safety, ventilation, and flue installation. It's important to hire a qualified installer who is familiar with these regulations to ensure your stove is installed safely and legally.

A Smoke Control Area is an area designated by the government where the use of certain fuels or appliances that produce smoke is restricted or prohibited. In these areas, you can only use an appliance that is exempt or meets certain emissions standards, such as a Defra approved stove or an Ecodesign compliant stove.

You can check if you live in a Smoke Control Area on the Defra website, which has a searchable map of Smoke Control Areas in England and Wales. Alternatively, you can contact your council.

HETAS is a not-for-profit organisation that approves biomass and solid fuel heating appliances, fuels, and services, including installers. HETAS is recognised by the government as a competent person scheme for the installation of domestic solid fuel heating appliances.

If you live in a Smoke Control Area, your stove needs to be Defra approved or meet certain emissions standards to be legal for use. However, even if you don't live in a Smoke Control Area, it's still recommended to choose a stove that is Defra approved to ensure it is efficient and environmentally friendly.

Ecodesign is a European Union initiative to reduce emissions from domestic wood-burning appliances. From 2022, all new stoves sold in the UK will need to meet Ecodesign requirements. While it's not currently a legal requirement to have an Ecodesign compliant stove, it's recommended to future-proof your purchase and choose an appliance that meets these standards for maximum efficiency and environmental friendliness.

A wood-burning stove is designed to burn only wood logs, while a multifuel stove is designed to burn various types of fuel, including wood, coal, and smokeless fuels.

We recommend wood-burning stoves because wood is a carbon-neutral and sustainable resource. Take a look at some of our wood-burning stoves here.

The types of fuel you can burn depend on the type of stove you have. A wood-burning stove is designed to burn only wood logs, while a multifuel stove can burn various types of fuel, including wood, coal, and smokeless fuels.

No, not all types of wood are suitable for burning in a stove. It is recommended to use only 'Ready to Burn' firewood with a moisture content of 20% or less. Burning wet wood, unseasoned wood, painted wood, or wood treated with chemicals can cause tar build-up in the chimney, which can be a fire hazard.

You can find a Ready to Burn'wood fuel supplier by checking the supplier's moisture content rating, typically listed as Ready to Burn or 'Woodsure Ready to Burn' certified. These suppliers are approved by the government's Clean Air Strategy, providing a reliable source of low-moisture firewood for your stove.

It's recommended to have the stove and chimney inspected by a HETAS-certified installer to ensure it's safe and compliant with regulations. Contact us if you’d like to book a stove inspection.

Contact the installer who performed the installation, as they should provide you with a copy of the certificate. If they are unresponsive, contact HETAS directly.

You can get a replacement Certificate of Compliance from the HETAS website. Alternatively, contact your installer and ask them to arrange for a replacement certificate to be posted to you.