The recent air pollution data from Defra indicates an 18% reduction in PM2.5 emissions across the UK between 2012 and 2022. Specifically, particulate emissions from “domestic combustion” decreased by 3.9% for PM10 and 4% for PM2.5 between 2021 and 2022. Notably, PM2.5 emissions from the domestic use of wood fuel also saw a decline of 2.7%.

Interestingly, during the same period, stove sales reached a record high. SIA manufacturing members reported selling over 200,000 units in 2022, representing a 40% increase compared to 2021. This surge in sales can be attributed to factors such as rising energy costs and consumer concerns about grid reliability.

Despite the increased stove sales, domestic emissions have decreased. This trend underscores the positive impact of replacing open fires and older stove models with modern, Ecodesign-compliant stoves. These newer stoves are highly efficient and emit lower levels of pollutants.

It’s important to note that the term “domestic combustion” encompasses various burning activities at home, including solid fuel combustion indoors, natural gas for cooking and hot water, oil for space heating, and solid fuels used outdoors (such as BBQs and firepits).

We look forward to being able to apportion the numbers more accurately once the NAEI publishes the detailed source and activity name data that drives the top-level figures released by Defra.

Last year this clearly showed that PM2.5 emissions from Ecodesign stoves burning dry wood fuel accounted for less that 0.1% of the UK total.

For our old and future customers keeping you up to date with the latest information here at Countryheat.

Spring cleaning is a great time to not only freshen up the house but also to ensure all appliances and systems are in good working order. Here are some key points to remember:

• Central Heating Boilers: These need regular servicing to ensure they are working efficiently and safely.
• Wood Burning Stoves: These also require servicing to ensure they are safe and functioning properly.
• Chimneys and Chimney Liners: It’s important to have these swept at least once a year to clear them of debris and prevent potential fire hazards.
• Stainless Steel Twin Wall Chimney Systems: These also need to be swept to ensure they are clear and free of debris.
• Thatch Properties: If you live in a thatch property, your insurance company may require you to have your chimney swept twice a year.

Remember, regular maintenance not only ensures the longevity of your appliances and systems but also contributes to the safety of your home. Happy spring cleaning!

For further information and advice either telephone us on 01392 811597 or Contact

The answer to this is NO.

All the stoves we supply are fully certified and tested to the highest standards with many defra approved for smokeless areas. Please have a look at our vast range on our website www.countryheatdirect.co.uk 

HETAS STATEMENT 24th January 2024 There will be no doubt you will have seen some misleading headlines about a possible ban on wood stoves and the dangers of using them. In this update, HETAS looks at what measures government and our industry are undertaking in relation to domestic burning. This includes confirmation, through the recently published Environmental Improvement Plan (2023), that government is not considering a ban on domestic burning in England, recognising that some households are reliant on solid fuel burning for heating, hot water, and cooking. It is also important to differentiate statistics related to domestic burning and the use of wood burning stoves to heat homes. Some of the messaging from recent campaigns, such as Clean Air Night and Woodburning London, are incorrect or very misleading. Some key points to consider when addressing the current misconceptions: Government is not considering a ban on domestic burning in England. Use of modern wood burning stoves can help to improve air quality inside the home due to the natural draught created when the stove is in operation and used properly. There are many other sources of particulate matter (PM) in the home, including cooking, that can release far higher levels of PM compared to modern wood burning stoves; Modern Ecodesign compliant stoves produce 90% less particulate emissions than an inefficient open fire. HETAS Cleaner Choice certified products must demonstrate a 50% improvement on Clean Air particulate emissions, with some achieving as much as 70% improvement. The actual PM contribution of modern wood-burning stoves is estimated by the UK government’s official figures at just 1-2%. A modern stove will use less than a third of the amount of wood compared to an open fire to provide the same heat output. 70% of wood burnt in London is done so on open fires – this is inefficient and an offence in smoke control areas. It is positive to see industry robustly challenging these misleading claims in recent weeks and we must do all we can to promote responsible burning. The HETAS team continues to work hard to represent industry at government level, putting the case forward for the future of wood burning as well as challenging directly with lobbyists and local authorities where misinformation has been published. In addition to contacting you today, we have contacted tens of thousands of consumers signed up to our newsletter advising them that on this Clean Air Night they can use their stove and can burn responsibly. We had our busiest ever year on the website in 2023 and will continue to promote to consumers the benefits of choosing HETAS registrants. The Environmental Improvement Plan clearly states that the government is not considering a ban on domestic burning in England and it recognises that some households are reliant on solid fuel burning for heating, hot water and cooking. Additionally, a ban on domestic outdoor burning would be considered disproportionate, however improvements are being considered in reducing impacts that solid fuel burning has on air quality. The Environmental Improvement Plan outlines further measures relating to clean air and emissions from the home. This includes proposals to tighten the limits that fuels in Smoke Control Areas must meet, reducing the limit from 5g of smoke per hour to a maximum of 3g. Did you know, the HETAS Cleaner Choice scheme which certifies hundreds of stoves, has an emissions limit that already exceeds the EIP proposed limits. The Office for Environmental Protection, through its annual progress report 2022/23, calls on government to “implement the Environment Improvement Plan 2023 effectively, taking bold, prompt action where it is most needed” as well as how they will “develop and implement delivery plans” We will update you regularly as the Environmental Improvement Plan is progressed. The HETAS website had its busiest year in 2023, with nearly 4 million pageviews, almost 500,000 new users, and over 850,000 sessions. Demand for wood burning stoves remains strong, driven in part during 2023 by the energy crisis. HETAS continues to support our registrants as the industry experts, encouraging consumers to use trusted industry experts: our retailers, installers, sweep and service technicians and our certified stoves and boilers. Today, on Clean Air Night we shared our top tips on responsible burning with tens of thousands of stove users. Here is some of the top tips we have been sharing, feel free to share them too. Consumer Awareness The HETAS Advice Hub hosts a range of tips for stove users. Providing them with guidance on how to get the most out of a solid fuel appliance while minimising its environmental impact. We're regularly adding new content to our Advice Hub, making it the perfect place to direct consumers for up to date safety advice.

Well this is a very good question.  There are many things to consider when thinking of purchasing a wood burning stove. Would you like a traditional looking stove or a more contemporary design for instance. We have been in business for over 38 years and have tried and tested a great range of them. For a more traditional look you cannot go wrong with Hunter Stoves with this great traditional look in the photo. For more information contact us https://www.countryheatdirect.co.uk/contact

Can we have a Wood burning stove for a Passive Home?  The answer to this is yes you can.

We have wood stoves that are specifically designed for Passive Homes just look at the new Heta Icon-Line Moderna V Wood burning stove.

https://www.countryheatdirect.co.uk/products/heta-icon-line-moderna-v-with-fresh-air-wood-stove-for-passive-homes

For more information: email: [email protected] or tel: 01392 811597