Domestic wood burning stoves

black wood burning stove in brown brick fireplace and wooden logs stacked

In recent years, the popularity of wood-burning stoves has increased.  The smoke from wood burning stoves and open fires has a negative impact on the air that you and your neighbours breathe. There are steps you can take to minimise this impact.

The key to reducing air pollution is to ensure that the burner is operating at a hot enough temperature.

Burnright gives advice on how to best use a wood burning stove

Following this information can

  • reduce air pollution
  • reduce the risk of chimney fires
  • save money

Advice from he Government’s Department for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA)about open fires and wood burning stoves.

orange flame logo with words in white Ready to burn to show quality wood burning fuel

What kind of fuel is best to use in my wood burning stove?

Wood for burning should have a moisture content of 20% or less.  If you wish to burn the wood you buy immediately, look for the ‘Ready to Burn’  logo.  Wood that has recently been felled will need to be seasoned for 2 years before it can be burnt.

More information about what wood to burn from Ready to Burn

If you use house coal, use approved solid fuels instead.  These produce less smoke compared to house coal when burned.  They can also be more efficient so cost you less money to heat your home.

List of DEFRA approved fuels to use

Sale of fuel

If you sell wood or others solid fuels for domestic use you need to

This law attempts to phase out the most polluting fuels and to improve air quality.

Our Trading Standards service enforces this law.

Find out more from Defra about how a local authority applies the law

More information from Ready to Burn

What kind of wood burning stove should I use?

The design of a wood burner can affect the amount of air pollutants released.  DEFRA has produced a list of burners for use in Smoke Control Areas.  The Isle of Wight has no Smoke Control Areas, but you can use an approved burner to ensure less air pollution.

Any wood burner and flue installation should be notified to the Building Control team. You can

  • notify building control yourself
  • or use a registered installer to ensure that the installation is safe - the installer should comply with Building Regulation requirements

If you need to install a flue or chimney you may need planning permission.

If you want to install a wood burning appliance in a listed building you may need listed building consent.

Do's and Don'ts when you use a wood burning stove

  • DO use dry wood (20% moisture or less)
  • DO sweep your chimney regularly
  • DO fit a carbon monoxide alarm
  • DO check your chimney regularly to ensure there is no visible smoke
  • DON’T close off the air to slumber the fuel for long periods
  • DON’T buy a stove that is too big for the room
  • DON’T burn plastic waste or treated waste wood (such as pallets or chip board)

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