What you’ll learn |
As temperatures drop and energy prices soar, you’re probably not the only person in Wales wondering if it’s time to invest in a wood-burning stove to stay warm and keep the costs down this Winter.
The appeal of a wood-burning stove isn’t just in its cosy, timeless charm but in the practical and sustainable choice it represents amidst rising energy and living costs.
However, some worrying (and potentially untrue) statistics about the safety, efficiency, and environmental impact of wood-burning stoves often deter people from investing in one for their home.
So, in this blog, I’lll dig into the complexities surrounding the eco-friendly aspects of wood-burning stoves and explore how they can actually be a sustainable, energy-efficient heat source for your home (yes, really).
Are Wood-Burning Stoves Eco-Friendly? Facts and Myths Explained
Like many things, the answer isn’t as straightforward as it may seem! The short answer is that, yes, wood-burning stoves can be eco-friendly and energy efficient – they are not the villains they’ve been made out to be in recent press.
And, I know what you’re thinking: “Of course, you’re going to say that Sion – you sell wood-burning stoves for a living.”
Well, yes, I do!
But one of the reasons I’m so passionate about wood-burning stoves is that I truly believe they not only create a magical, cosy home heating experience – but that, if done correctly, they can be a sustainable, cost-saving and renewable alternative to gas and electricity.
The more complex answer is that not all wood-burning stoves are created equally – and that’s a crucial point to understand. This means that while some stoves are eco-friendly, others are not, and understanding this is key when deciding whether to install one.
So, let’s look at the evidence around the environmental impact of wood-burning stoves – both the negatives and the positives – and help you find out the truth about stoves.
The downsides of wood-burning stoves…
“Wood-burning stoves are bad for the environment!”
You’ve probably seen a headline like that and maybe even believed it to be true, and honestly, there is some truth to it (some – keep that in mind).
Some of the stats surrounding wood-burning stoves and the pollutants they produce are a little concerning, like this one from DEFRA (Department of Environment, Farming and Rural Affairs):
| Wood burning contributes 37% of PM2.5 emissions in the UK, which includes inefficient older stoves, open fires, and garden incinerators. |
But what does that actually mean, and why is it bad?
Particles like PM2.5 are classified by their diameter size for regulatory purposes – in this case, they’re around 30 times smaller than a human hair. This means they can penetrate deep into the lungs and even enter the bloodstream, potentially causing respiratory, cardiovascular, and other long-term health problems.
Not good!
And yes, it is true – but it’s one particular part of the DEFRA statement that is most interesting and key to your decision-making process:
“which includes inefficient older stoves, open fires, and garden incinerators.”
Ah! So, we’re getting somewhere – “inefficient older stoves” are being highlighted – and for a good reason – we need to dig into that a little more.
But to understand this a little more, we need to take things back to 2017…
Are wood-burning stoves illegal?
Among the myths and misinformation spread about wood-burning stoves, one that prevails is the idea that wood-burning stoves are illegal – which is simply not true.
Where does this myth come from?
Back in September 2017, London Mayor Sadiq Khan proposed a ban on wood-burning stoves in certain areas of London, with non-compliance resulting in a hefty fine. Understandably, this created a lot of concern about the safety and sustainability of wood-burning stoves.
However, instead of a full ban, the focus shifted toward promoting the use of low-emission stoves.
As a result, as of 2022, all new wood-burning stoves have to meet the Eco-Design standards…
What are eco-design stoves?
In the UK and the EU, the EcoDesign Directive establishes specific requirements for the design of solid fuel-burning appliances. These regulations for wood-burning stoves are aimed at reducing emissions and increasing efficiency.
What’s important for you to know is that all stoves sold post-2022 must adhere to these standards by law – and in the UK, they must also be DEFRA-approved.
So, if you are buying from a reputable Welsh woodburner company, you can rest assured that you will be supplied with a wood-burning stove that takes the previous health and environmental concerns seriously.
Some of the guidelines that help improve efficiency and sustainability include:
- Emissions limits: strict limits on the amount of harmful pollutants that wood-burning stoves can emit (including PM, CO and NOx).
- Efficiency ratings: must achieve a thermal efficiency of at least 75% (with many operating as high as 90%), meaning more of the wood’s energy is converted into heat.
- Design requirements: including air supply control and optimised combustion chamber – aimed at increasing burning efficiency and reducing the likelihood of PM2.5 from entering the home.
- Installation and maintenance guidelines: proper installation is required along with user information to maximise efficiently
So, what can we take away from all this?
In short, only stoves that meet these strict standards are legally allowed to be sold, phasing out older, less efficient models.
So while the DEFRA statistic of 37% may seem troubling, it largely refers to outdated, inefficient wood burners – and will not be relevant or accurate for new stoves.
Phew! Those stats are looking a little less scary now….
Top Tips for Sustainable Wood Burning with Low Emissions
While DEFRA regulations ensure all new stoves meet strict standards, you can do even more to minimise your stove’s environmental impact:
- Choose Seasoned Wood: use hardwoods like oak or beech, and ensure they’re properly seasoned (dried) to reduce moisture content. Wood that’s seasoned for at least 12–24 months burns cleaner and releases fewer pollutants.
- Use sustainably sourced wood: look for wood certified by organisations such as the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) to ensure it’s responsibly sourced.
- Avoid treated wood: treated or painted wood can release harmful toxins and pollutants when burned, so it should be avoided.
- Get regular maintenance on your stove: keep it well maintained and have your chimney cleaned regularly to avoid blockages and ensure efficient burning.
- Burn Efficiently: Start with a small fire and gradually add fuel to achieve a steady, clean burn. Avoid overloading the stove to minimise smoke and particulate emissions.
By following these practices, you can maximise your stove’s efficiency, keep bills and carbon footprint low, and heat your home in a sustainable way.
Benefits of Eco-Friendly Wood burning stoves
Now we’ve got all that out the way, it’s time to dive into the many benefits and joys of wood-burning stoves and why you might want to choose it over a more traditional heat source.
- Renewable energy: Wood is renewable when sustainably sourced, and burning it can be carbon-neutral, as long as harvesting doesn’t exceed regrowth.
- Cost-effective heating: Wood-burning stoves can reduce heating bills, especially compared to electric or gas heating.
- Energy efficiency: Eco-design standards dictate that modern stoves have a minimum efficiency of 75%, with many reaching up to 90% (higher than some older inefficient gas or electric heating systems).
- Reduced carbon footprint: Modern Eco-Design stoves produce fewer emissions than older models, and even gas appliances in some cases.
- Energy independence: Using wood can provide energy independence, especially in rural areas or during power outages.
Top Eco-Friendly Wood Burning Stoves to Buy in Wales
Hopefully, by now, you are not only excited to install a cosy and eco-friendly wood-burning stove, but you’re well and truly convinced that by installing one, you’ll be doing the planet a solid, contributing to a lower carbon footprint and saving on energy costs.
But how do you go about picking a stove that adheres to the regulations and delivers the best and cosiest heating experience possible?
We’ve done a round-up of our favourite eco-friendly wood burners in Wales (in no particular order) to help you choose which one is right for you.
1. Chilli Penguin “Penguin Idris”
Cost: £2660
Best for: Medium to large-sized spaced (with log storage)
The Penguin Iris stove by Chilli Penguin delivers a robust 7 kW of heat, with the same reliable performance as the entire Penguin 7 series – just a bit bigger, a bit hotter, and ready to warm up any room with style.
Ideal for heating large, well-insulated spaces where both warmth and style are priorities, it’s well-suited for open living areas or large rooms that require steady, effective heating.
The added width, height and side convector panels, make it especially effective at circulating warm air. Plus, it includes Chilli Penguin’s eco-friendly clean burn and air wash system, offering high efficiency and ease of use.
2. Chilli Penguin “Woody Eco CAT”
Cost: £1950
Best for: those who want a compact design
The Woody Eco CAT stove by Chilli Penguin combines eco-conscious engineering with a sleek, contemporary design, making it an exceptional choice for sustainable homes.
Its crystal clear glass window offers an expansive view of the dancing flames, and is designed to be a focal point in any room. Plus, its streamlined design makes it versatile enough to fit into both modern and traditional settings.
Compact yet powerful, this stove is equipped with an advanced catalytic converter that burns wood with impressive efficiency, reducing emissions to create a cleaner, healthier home environment – ideal for those prioritising warmth and sustainability.
This stove is perfect for eco-conscious homeowners looking for both performance and aesthetics, making cosy, low-emission heating easy and elegant.
3. Dean Stoves “Dartmoor W5 Eco”
Cost:
Best for: small to medium-sized spaces
The Dartmoor W5 Eco by Dean Stoves combines traditional charm with cutting-edge eco-conscious technology – making it the ideal choice for small to medium-sized rooms.
With a 5 kW heat output, it’s designed to warm your space efficiently without overwhelming it, perfect for cosying up in living rooms, studies, or bedrooms.
Beyond its classic design, the Dartmoor W5 Eco offers advanced clean-burning technology, ensuring reduced emissions and a smaller environmental footprint. Plus it boasts an innovative air wash system designed to keep the glass clear while creating a clean, energy-efficient burn.
Perfect as a focal point that prioritises both design and functionality.
4. Dean Stoves “Sherford 8 Eco”
Cost:
Best for: big spaces with a modern look
The Sherford 8 Eco by Dean Stoves is the ideal heating solution for large spaces, with an 8kW output that helps keep your home warm even on a freezing cold day.
It incorporates advanced clean-burning technology, significantly reducing emissions and ensuring that you can enjoy the crackle of a wood fire without compromising air quality. Additionally, the stove comes with a pre-fitted smoke control kit, making it suitable for use in smoke control areas.
Plus, the sleek and modern design enhances any interior, combining practicality and aesthetics for a modern, sustainable home.
5. Woodford “Charlton”
Cost: £2224
Best for: open-plan living spaces
The Woodford Charlton doesn’t just have a high-efficiency rating, providing a powerful heating experience while minimising fuel consumption – it also looks amazing – effortlessly combining style and functionality, making it the ideal addition to a contemporary, sustainable home.
Its sleek design and clean lines complement modern interiors, while its DEFRA approval ensures that it meets strict environmental standards.
It would work best for medium to large living spaces, and particularly excels in open-plan layouts, ensuring even heat distribution throughout the room.
How to choose the right wood-burning stove…
It’s worth remembering that if you are buying a wood-burning stove from a reputable company in Wales, then you will be getting an Eco-Design stove that is designed with environmentally and energy-efficient features in place.
So, you can feel confident that the stove you are buying isn’t one that contributes to environmental destruction and can in fact help you to save money and reduce your environmental impact.
The key is finding a supplier that is local to you and can help you decide which stove works best in your space.
Should I buy a wood-burning stove?
Of course, I’m going to say that everyone should. But I truly believe that if you have the space for it, a wood-burning stove is one of the most beautiful, cost-effective and carbon-neutral ways to heat a home – plus, they look absolutely stunning.
If creating an eco-conscious home is high on your list of things to do, then a wood burner should be in your periphery.
And, if you are the owner of an old, inefficient stove, then it might be time to upgrade to help increase efficiency and reduce the carbon footprint of heating your home.
By choosing a local company in Wales (like us), you can feel confident that there are wood-burning stove options to help you fulfil the fireplace fantasy in a way that won’t cost the earth.
Get in touch with us today to discuss your options and figure out what the best stove for your home is.
