FAQs
So you have questions about your woodstove or about buying and using a woodstove. To help you out we have provided some answers to some common questions that people have.
Why does my new stove installation smell & create a haze in the room?
The most common cause of smoke in your room from a new wood-burning stove is that the paint is curing. On all woodburners, the stove paint used to finish the appliances isn’t correctly finished until it has been subjected to the intense heat of a fire at least once (and often three or four times).
Why does my stove smoke when I light it?
As the temperature drops during this time of year, cold air can sometimes become trapped in the flue. If the rising smoke hits a cold pocket, it can sometimes be forced back down, essentially making your flue system work in reverse.
To warm the flue prior to lighting, ignite 2-3 natural firelighters (NO kindling or paper ) in the firebox leaving the door slightly ajar, this should warm the through the flue and so getting rid of the pocket of cold air in the flue.
When do I need my chimney swept?
You should have your chimney swept at least once a year as a bare minimum. This ensures your chimney is kept as clean as possible and prevents buildup that will become harder to remove if you leave it.
Are woodburning stoves going to be banned?
No, wood burners are not going to be banned in the UK.
However, new regulations did come into effect in 2022 that require all new wood burning stoves to meet certain environmental standards in an effort to reduce harmful emissions. Keep reading to find out what these regulations are, and how they might affect you if you’re looking to buy a new wood burner.
Wood burning stove regulations in the UK
New wood burning laws came into effect in the UK on 1st January 2022 as part of the government’s Clean Air Strategy, with the goal of reducing air pollution and reaching net-zero carbon dioxide emissions by 2050.
As of this date, it is now illegal to manufacture or sell a wood burning stove that doesn’t meet Ecodesign regulations. This means that all newly manufactured wood burners will need to adhere to these rules, and carry an approved Ecodesign Ready Stove quality assurance certification.
All stoves that were installed before 1st January 2022 are exempt from these new regulations, so if you purchased a wood burner before this date you don’t need to worry. You will still be able to use your stove – though you’ll need to make sure you’re only burning dry wood, as wet logs produce more harmful emissions. Look for wood with a ‘Ready to Burn’ label, which means it has a moisture content of less than 20%.