Stoves and the environment

Will I be banned from using my log burning stove?

Why does the media and some articles think this will happen?

At Pure Stoves & Fireplaces, we are quite often being asked, or sometimes told, that log burning stoves will be banned in the future. Some of the articles being published are not really giving the correct information, so we would like to try to reassure people, the Government has said no, they are not looking to ban log burning, as they recognize that some households heavily rely on solid fuels as their primary source of heating, cooking and hot water, and there is no indication that the government is considering a ban in the longer term either. So, why are we being misled?
Well, there are some that think that there are harmful emissions from log burning, and certainly, this used to be, and is still the case in open fire burning, which, we have refused to get involved with for many years, for
this very reason. As well as older stoves, say 10 years or older. Every new, EcoDesign stove has passed vigorous testing for their low emissions since 2022, and it is law that the stoves we sell (that are manufactured since 2022) have this certification. The maximum amount of particulates allowed from a stove is only 3 grams per hour, with some of the most efficient stoves at as low as 0.1grams per hour, so, in comparison to an open fire, which would be around 40g per hour, by replacing an open fire with a more efficient EcoDesign stove, we can reduce pollution further.

Another myth we are being told is that the indoor air quality is three times worse in homes with stoves, this is incorrect too – as explained on Burley Stoves website, they have run further testing, and the PM2.5 particulates did not raise that much, and after some time of burning, compared to burning 10 birthday candles, or making toast, or making a sausage sandwich in an air fryer, there was very little difference, the impact on particulates from the candles, toast and air fryer was much, much more.  Fuels are a big thing too that needs to be understood, there are some that think they can literally put anything to burn on their stove, this is not the case, kiln dried, or seasoned logs are the only type of wood that should be burnt, and then there are many different smokeless fuels, which can give a longer, hotter burn than some wood. If in doubt, always check in the manufacturer’s manual for guidance, or speak to your local fireplace retailer, they should be offer help and support too.

Essentially, we need to educate people about changing their open fires and older wood burning stoves, as well as, and this is very important, ensuring that the correct types of fuel are burnt.

For more information talk to Pure Stoves and Fireplaces
on 01462 539620