Aesthetics

Few would contest the charm and sense of comfort that a woodburning stove adds to a property, and there are many different types of stove available to compliment a wide range of property. From unintrusive ‘integrated’ stoves that sit flush within a wall, to cylindrical or brightly coloured stoves that create a striking addition to a room, or more traditional designs. Much like their predecessors – the open fire – woodburning stoves make for an inviting focal point in a room and can feel like the heart of a property.

Efficient, economical and environmentally friendly

According to the Stove Industry Association, woodburning stoves are an efficient way to heat a property. EcoDesign compliant stoves have to be at least 75% efficient, with the most high-spec designs over 80% efficient. Relative to open fires (25% efficient) and gas fires (55% efficient), there is really no comparison.

The Energy Crisis saw an unprecedented rise in the Energy Price Cap and volatility in the price of energy. This prompted many homeowners to turn to woodburning stoves to heat their homes in a bid to become more ‘fuel independent’ and make the most of the relatively low price of wood. Regardless of whether the price of oil and gas returns to pre-Energy Crisis levels in the future, fuel independence is a major benefit of having a woodburning stove; unprecedented changes to the geopolitical landscape can have a huge impact on energy prices that many can’t avoid.

What is more, using locally soured wood helps small, local businesses and lowers the carbon footprint of your fuel and woodburning stove. Coupled with the low CO2 emission levels of wood, it is easy to argue the environmental credentials of woodburning stoves: according to the SIA, wood produces approximately 0.008kg CO2 p/kWh, compared to gas (0.198kg CO2 p/kWh) or electricity (0.517kg CO2 p/kWh).

Like any other fixture that improves energy efficiency (like double/triple glazing, a new front door or boiler) many sources claim that a woodburning stove adds value to a property, particularly since the Energy Crisis.  Whether this holds true in light of recent statistics showing the effect woodburning stoves have on health (see below), and the wider environmental implications, is up for debate.

Pollution and Health Risks

The smoke created by burning wood pollutes both the air in the home and in the wider environment. A 2020 study of Sheffield homes found that wood burning stoves tripled the amount of Particulate Matter (PM) pollution in the home; the authors advised that such stoves should be sold with a health advisory, and not be used in homes with children or the elderly (Chakraborty et al. 2020).

In June 2022, the government’s Chief Medical Officer produced their Annual Report on Air Pollution, with damning implications for woodburning stoves and similar appliances. The report concluded that air pollution from PM was associated with numerous medical conditions and diseases, including dementia and depression, a host of cardiovascular and respiratory diseases and lung cancer. The report also found a causal link between air pollution and increased mortality, accounting for between 26000 and 38000 early deaths per year in England.  

Domestic combustion (covering a variety of solid fuels such as wood, solid smokeless fuels, coffee logs and coal, amongst others) was said to account for 29% of fine PM (particles with a diameter of up to 2.5 micrometres) pollution, and 15% of small PM pollution (particles with a diameter of up to 10 micrometres). PM pollution from domestic combustion was also shown to worsen air quality in urban areas in particular. In line with this, the London Wood Burning Project published a study that suggested 284 Londoners die each year from the polluting effects of burning wood, coal and oil across Greater London.

Concurrent with the surge in popularity of woodburning stoves in recent years, figures from DEFRA show that whilst PM pollution from road traffic had decreased by 18% between 2012 and 2022, PM pollution from domestic combustion had increased by 19% during this time.  

The government is implementing legislation and issuing guidance to minimise the impact of domestic combustion on air quality and the associated health risks. This includes:

• Publishing guidance on the type of wood to burn (and what not to burn), avoiding ‘slumbering’ stoves, servicing and maintenance etc.: see ‘Burn Better’ and ‘Open Fires and Woodburning Stoves: A Practical Guide’.
• From 1st January 2022, new woodburning stoves were required by UK law to meet DEFRA’s EcoDesign requirements, which include standards on emissions (including PM pollution) and efficiency. HETAS has produced a consumer guide to this legislation.
• Establishing Smoke Control Areas (SCA) where significant amounts of smoke can’t be released from chimneys; breaking the conditions of SCAs can result in a fine of £175-£300
• In SCAs, only authorised fuels can be burned; unauthorised fuels can only be burned in DEFRA-exempt appliances. Use of unauthorised fuels can results in fines up to £1000.

However, enforcement of the legislation has reportedly been weak; in December 2023, The Guardian reported that the majority of over 10, 000 complaints relating to SCAs were not investigated, and only three fines had been issued. 

Fire and other risks

It is obvious that a woodburning stove increases the risk of fire in the property. Regular servicing of the stove and having the chimney swept regularly (by a professional Chimney Sweep) is required. Failing to keep your chimney swept and maintained could invalidate a home insurance policy in the event of a fire.

Alongside routine cleaning and maintenance, simple safety precautions can help minimise the risk. Kent Fire and Rescue Service state that you shouldn’t dry clothes around a stove or store wood too close to the stove. They also reiterate the importance of cleaning the stove before each use. In the case of households with children and/or pets, it is worthwhile installing a safety gate around the stove. There is a risk of Carbon Monoxide poisoning if the stove is faulty. HETAS recommend installing and regularly testing an audible Carbon Monoxide alarm. 

New installations

A few drawbacks will only be pertinent to those looking to install a new appliance in their home.

Firstly: décor and space. Even small woodburning stoves take up considerable space in a room. Bear in mind the hearth, flue, any safety guards or gates necessary for children or pets, as well as a small store for logs a safe distance away from the stove itself. Think carefully about the space you will lose and whether or not you want to give this up. Secondly, there will likely be some redecoration needed in terms of the flooring (to make room for the hearth) and heatproof plaster or ‘fireboard’ on the wall behind the stove.

Installing a new appliance will of course come with considerable cost which will depend on various factors, including: the size of the stove; whether a chimney is already there and serviceable without further work; similarly, whether there is a working flue already and whether this needs relining (or other work). You will also need to make sure that the room has adequate ventilation to meet regulations; this can depend on the size of stove, the age of the property and any work that has been done to the property, and may require air permeability testing and the installation of a ventilation system.

Summary

The draw of a roaring fire is surely universal. Woodburning stoves are a charming, efficient and economical way to heat a home or room. Their recent surge in popularity is unsurprising given the Energy Crisis and unpredictability in the energy markets. However, in a climate-conscious era the air pollution caused by domestic combustion cannot be ignored. In addition, consideration needs to be given to the known health risks associated with woodburning stoves and similar appliances. Government legislation introduced in 2022 relating to Smoke Control Areas (SCAs) and the strict standards of EcoDesign appliances have sought to address the negative health and environmental impacts. Whether this will put a dampener on the popularity of woodburning stoves is yet to be seen.