You may have heard about the Ecodesign directive if you are in the market for a new wood-burning stove. This European directive scheme aims to reduce air pollution and particulate emissions from wood-burning and multi-fuel stoves.
All wood-burning stoves must adhere to this directive, and many manufacturers are already producing models that exceed the requirements by as much as 75%. WB always look to stock the best ecodesign-ready stoves, and this blog post will discuss what Ecodesign is and how it affects the purchasing process for new wood-burning stoves.
There has been quite a bit of misleading information about the future of the wood-burning stove industry. This might seem unclear to some customers looking to purchase a new stove or those with an existing stove.
So in simple terms, to reduce the impact heating appliances have on the environment, the governing bodies (DEFRA, Stove Industry Alliance and HETAS) introduced tighter guidelines around efficiency levels and particulate matter that wood burner stoves manufactured after 1/1/2022 sold in the UK (and Ireland) must hit.
The main focus of the Ecodesign Ready Scheme is reduced particle emissions, lower carbon monoxide, and improved efficiency through better fuel standards. Local councils will also have the power to enforce the Ecodesign Ready Scheme in their region.
If you take good care of your stove, have a HETAS certificate, and only burn fully seasoned approved fuels, you will not be affected by the new regulations, as these only concern stoves manufactured (and purchased) after 1 January 2022.
However, you may consider improving your existing wood-burning stove by installing an electrostatic filter, using only approved Ready to Burn wood and ensuring you have at least one chimney sweep annually.
Here in the UK, we have become more and more climate-conscious and focused on reducing emissions, and you can make a difference now by personally contributing to reducing UK carbon emissions and improving air quality.
When you purchase Ecodesign stoves, you get a modern, highly efficient log burner that could slash your estimated particulate emissions by up to 84%, according to Stove Industry Alliance research. This results in lower fuel costs and, in turn, a reduced carbon footprint while you continue to enjoy all the benefits you love from your wood-burning stove.
To help improve the air quality and the air we breathe and ensure homeowners choose cleaner fuels, sales of traditional house coal and wet wood (the two most polluting fuels) have started being phased out across England since 1/5/2021.
Wood sold in less than two m³ volumes must be certified as ‘Ready to Burn’. This confirms it has a moisture content of 20% or less. Manufactured solid fuels must also be certified as ‘Ready to Burn’ to meet sulphur and smoke emission limits. Traditional house coal (bituminous coal) can no longer be sold, except coal supplied directly to customers by approved coal merchants. So you must understand what fuel you can use on open fires and other environmentally friendly stoves sold.
