There are many misconceptions around the sale and use of wood burning stoves in the UK caused by inaccurate reporting in the media.
It’s true that using wood burning stoves in the UK is now more tightly regulated than in the past because of concerns about air pollution and health, especially in relation to fine particulate matter emissions, known as PM2s.
All new stoves sold must meet Ecodesign standards, which basically means they burn cleaner and use fuel more efficiently. These rules have been in place since 2022, and the idea is to make sure modern stoves are much better for the environment than older ones.
Some areas in the UK are Smoke Control Areas (SCAs). If you live in one, you can only use a DEFRA exempt stove, which is one that’s been independently tested and approved due to its low level of emissions. All Chesneys stoves are DEFRA-exempt.
There are also rules about what you can burn. Wet wood and traditional house coal are banned in most domestic settings because they create smoke and harmful particles. These rules are designed to help improve air quality and protect people’s health.
The government is considering tightening the regulations further but there is no suggestion whatsoever that wood burning stoves may be banned. Future stoves may have to emit lower levels of smoke and carry warnings about the health risks of tiny particles in the air, but Chesneys stoves exceed even the most stringent emissions levels that the government have suggested they may implement at a future date.
Even with all the regulations, enforcement is patchy and fines and prosecutions are relatively rare.
Overall, if you want to use a wood burning stove today, you need to make sure it’s the right kind of stove, use the right fuel, and check whether you live in a smoke control area. Following the rules keeps your home legal, your air cleaner, and your neighbours happy.