FAQs

No, wood burners are not going to be banned in the UK. New regulations did come into effect in 2022 that require all new stoves to meet certain environmental standards. Thanks to the new Ecodesign regulations, all DEFRA approved log burners and stoves are now environmentally friendly and are suitable to use even in Smokeless zones, providing you burn seasoned wood or smokeless fuel (more on this below). This means you can enjoy the many benefits of a wood burning stove without causing any harm to the environment.

Burn only seasoned timber with a moisture content of less than 20%. To ensure this allow cut wood to dry for 12 to 18 months. DO NOT BURN construction timber, painted, impregnated / treated wood, manufactured board products or pallet wood. Choosing fuel: All types of wood can be used as fuel in a log burner or multifuel stove. Different types of wood have different densities: the greater the density of the wood the greater the energy value. Oak, beech and birch have the highest value. If wood is too wet, it will be difficult to light, struggle to burn, give very little heat output and tar up the flue. This could lead to a chimney fire, so it is important to burn sufficiently dried firewood.

Multifuel stoves can also burn anthracite or manufactured briquette smokeless fuels listed as suitable for use with closed heating appliances. Do not burn bituminous coal, ‘petro-coke’ or other petroleum-based fuels.

To ensure thoroughly dry wood, store under a roof with plenty of room for air circulation. Do not cover completely, leave a gap for air to pass over the wood and do not seal. Bring wood intended for use inside and store for a few days prior to burning to ensure that the moisture has been sufficiently decreased. Do not store logs near to the stove.

Multifuel stoves have a riddling grate on the base that has air gaps that can be shut off or opened, the ash falls to an ash pan below that can be removed to empty.   Logs should be burnt on a bed of ash; this will help them burn efficiently. Smokeless fuel can be purchased from most garages / garden centres.   Smokeless fuel burns slower and hotter.

Log burner – logs burn better from the top so the base of the log burner is normally flat with no holes. You’ll need to use a shovel and brush to clear out the base.

We, other installers and stove manufacturers recommend having a flexible flue liner installed for most stove installations for various reasons including efficiency – by closing the flue size down, safety – to ensure the fumes go out through the chimney pot not into yours or your neighbour’s property for the lifetime of the stove, maintenance – sweeping is through the stove and the liner will ensure there are no issues, peace of mind that your stove will work safely and efficiently for many, many years to come.

Exceptions – New build properties with a clay pot lined system will not need a flexible flue liner, just a cowl fitted to the chimney pot.

We recommend 316 grade chimney liner for stoves that will be used for burning seasoned wood only.   904 grade chimney liner is for stoves burning a mix of seasoned wood and smokeless coal or smokeless coal on its own or if you intend to use the stove for long periods of time and or frequently.