Wood-burning stoves are a fantastic way to heat your home efficiently, create a cosy atmosphere, and even cut down on energy bills. Whether they’re used as a primary heat source or a supplement to central heating, it’s no surprise that more and more homeowners are choosing to install one.
But, as with any heating system, wood-burning stoves aren’t without their challenges. As professional stove installers and chimney sweeps, we’ve seen the most common problems time and time again.
The good news? Most of them have quick and simple fixes. Whether it’s choosing the right stove, adjusting airflow, or using the right fuel, a well-installed and properly used stove should run efficiently, safely, and without hassle.
In this guide, we’ll break down the most common problems people face with wood-burning stoves, explain what causes them, and, most importantly, show you how to fix them – so you can enjoy all the benefits of a stove without the stress.
1. Problem: high air pollution and emissions
One of the biggest concerns with wood-burning stoves is their impact on outdoor air quality.
If a stove isn’t burning efficiently, it can release high levels of fine particulate matter (PM2.5) and other harmful emissions. These tiny particles can enter the lungs and have been linked to asthma, bronchitis, and even more severe health risks like heart disease, stroke, and lung cancer with long-term exposure.
The main cause of excessive emissions is inefficient combustion, which is often caused by a lack of modern technology. These stoves produce higher smoke output, more soot, and a greater environmental impact.
The type of wood you burn also plays a significant role – wet, unseasoned logs generate far more pollution than properly dried, seasoned wood.
The solution:
The main thing to note is that modern wood-burning stoves are not like the open fires of the past. When installed and used correctly, they offer an environmentally friendly heating choice by significantly reducing emissions and improving energy efficiency.
Upgrading to an Ecodesign-compliant stove is one of the best ways to cut emissions and minimise pollution. Since 2022, all newly installed stoves in the UK must meet these standards, reducing particulate pollution by up to 90% compared to older models and open fires. These modern stoves are designed to burn fuel efficiently, maximising heat output while reducing pollution levels.
However, even the best stove won’t perform well without the right fuel and proper maintenance. Always burn dry, seasoned wood with a moisture content below 20% for a cleaner, hotter burn. Wet wood smoulders, creating excess smoke and increasing emissions.
And regular stove and chimney maintenance, including an annual sweep, ensures efficient airflow and prevents blockages.
By making these adjustments, you’ll not only maximise your stove’s performance but also reduce its environmental impact, ensuring it complies with regulations and contributes to cleaner air.
📖 Read more: Are wood-burning stoves eco-friendly?
2. Problem: smoke leakage (and poor indoor air quality)
When smoke from your wood-burning stove seeps into your home instead of rising up the chimney, it’s more than just an inconvenience – it can have serious health implications.
Poor indoor air quality caused by wood smoke can lead to breathing difficulties, irritation of the eyes and throat, and worsened symptoms for those with asthma or other respiratory conditions.
Long-term exposure has been linked to reduced lung function, heart disease, and an increased risk of stroke. Even short-term exposure can cause headaches, dizziness, and fatigue, especially if carbon monoxide is present due to incomplete combustion.
Beyond health concerns, lingering smoke can make your home uncomfortable, leaving a stale smell and coating surfaces with soot.
The solution…
The first thing to note is that a properly installed stove, with the right flue and ventilation, should never leak smoke into your home. If it does, there’s an issue that needs addressing.
Unlike traditional fireplaces, modern stoves are designed to burn fuel efficiently, reduce emissions, and keep smoke where it belongs – up the chimney, not into your home.
However, to get the best performance, correct installation, the right fuel, and proper maintenance are key.
A professional installation is crucial to prevent smoke leakage. A certified stove installer will ensure that your stove is correctly positioned, has a properly sized flue, and meets ventilation requirements. Regular chimney sweeping is also essential to remove soot and creosote buildup that can block airflow and cause smoke problems.
Additionally, burning the right fuel plays a huge role in minimising smoke. Always use dry, seasoned wood to keep emissions low and avoid overloading the firebox, as too much wood at once can restrict airflow and cause inefficient combustion.
If smoke issues persist despite these best practices, a professional inspection is recommended to check for flue height issues, poor draft, or ventilation concerns.
📖 Read more: The problem with open fires (and the alternative).
3. Problem: heating inefficiency
A wood-burning stove should provide steady, reliable warmth, but if your fire is burning through fuel too fast and your home still feels cold, it can be both frustrating and costly.
This inefficiency doesn’t just make your home uncomfortable, it can also impact your energy bills. With rising energy bills, you might want to maximise the heat from your stove, but if your wood-burner isn’t generating enough heat, you may run radiators or electric heaters just to compensate. Over time, this defeats the purpose of having a stove as an energy-efficient heating source, leading to higher costs and wasted fuel.
On top of that, inefficient burning can result in more smoke, increased creosote buildup, and poor air quality, creating additional maintenance issues and reducing the lifespan of your stove.
If your stove isn’t delivering the warmth you expect, it’s not just an inconvenience – it’s an issue that can cost you time, money, and comfort in your own home.
The solution…
Long-story-short, modern wood-burning stoves are actually a very efficient way to heat your home.
Modern Ecodesign stoves are designed to be far more efficient than open fires or older stove models, with a mandated minimum efficiency of 75% (some as high as 90% – around the same as modern gas and oil boilers).
But, no matter how efficient your stove is, it has to be the right stove for your home – that means it’s the right size and position, and installed properly, in order to work optimally.
Firstly, you need to choose the right sized stove for the space. Too small and it won’t generate enough heat, no matter how well it burns, too large and you’ll overheat the space. Even if the stove itself is efficient, poor positioning or a lack of air circulation can lead to uneven heating, with warm and cold spots throughout your home.
Airflow is another critical factor, as if the fire isn’t getting enough oxygen, it will smolder instead of burning efficiently. Fully opening the air vents when lighting the fire, then gradually adjusting them, ensures proper combustion.
A blocked or poorly maintained chimney can also restrict airflow, reducing heat output and increasing fuel consumption. Annual chimney sweeping is essential to keep your stove running efficiently—book a professional service here.
And finally, using the wrong type of wood, impacts the heat output. Softwoods burn quickly and don’t generate as much heat, while damp or unseasoned wood produces steam instead of warmth. Hardwoods like oak and ash burn hotter and longer, making them the best choice for efficient heating.
If your stove isn’t heating as expected, a professional assessment can help identify whether the issue lies with fuel choice, airflow, stove size, or installation. Getting these factors right from the get-go ensures your stove operates efficiently, keeping your home warm without wasting fuel.
📖Read more: Choosing the right stove in Wales: the ultimate guide to wood-burning stoves
4. Problem: maintenance and cleaning requirements
It’s 2025 – we’re all used to heating our homes with the flick of a switch or a well-timed Hive schedule. Unlike central heating, which runs with zero effort, a wood-burning stove needs a little more attention with cleaning, ash removal, and routine checks.
And let’s be honest, maintenance is one of the biggest reasons people hesitate before making the switch to stove life.
Without regular upkeep, soot and creosote build up, reducing efficiency and increasing the risk of poor air quality or even chimney fires. Too much ash in the firebox can restrict airflow, making it harder to light and maintain a fire, while a clogged chimney can affect stove performance and create serious safety hazards.
One of the more annoying (and obvious) maintenance issues is blackened stove glass, which blocks your view of the flames and makes your stove look dirty.
But beyond the daily upkeep, the real concern is creosote buildup in the chimney – a fire risk if left unchecked. While clearing out ash might feel manageable, keeping the flue and chimney clean is a bigger job that requires the right tools and knowledge.
And while, it might not be top of your never-ending to-do list, neglecting maintenance can turn your stove from a simple, efficient heat source into a frustrating hassle.
The solution…
The good news is that while maintenance is necessary, it doesn’t have to be a burden – especially if you take the right steps to minimise upkeep.
Choosing a modern stove with an airwash system helps keep stove glass cleaner for longer, using airflow to prevent soot buildup.
Glass still needs occasional cleaning, but we recommend using wood ash on a damp cloth for a natural, chemical-free method that quickly removes soot.
Burning dry, seasoned wood will help reduce the amount of ash you need to clean (wet wood creates more tar and smoke, leading to faster buildup inside both the stove and the chimney). And a hot, efficient fire also minimises creosote formation, keeping your flue cleaner for longer.
For the bigger maintenance tasks, especially chimney sweeping, a professional service takes the hassle out of upkeep. Scheduling an annual chimney sweep removes dangerous creosote buildup and keeps your stove working at peak efficiency without requiring constant attention from you.
If your stove still produces excessive soot, a professional inspection can identify whether an issue like poor draft or an old chimney liner is making maintenance harder than it needs to be. With the right fuel, airflow, and routine servicing, a wood-burning stove can remain a low-maintenance, high-efficiency heating solution, without taking up all your time.
5. Problem: legal and regulatory concerns
Wood-burning stoves have become increasingly popular, but they also face growing government regulations on emissions and fuel usage. As environmental concerns rise, stricter laws are being introduced to reduce air pollution, meaning older or inefficient stoves may no longer comply with legal standards.
For homeowners, this creates uncertainty and potential costs. If your stove doesn’t meet the latest regulations, you could face restrictions on what fuel you can burn or even be required to replace your stove altogether.
In Smoke Control Areas, using the wrong type of stove or fuel could lead to fines or legal issues, adding to the stress of ownership. Additionally, future legislation may bring even tighter restrictions, leaving some homeowners wondering whether their investment in a wood-burning stove will remain viable long-term.
With all these changes, navigating the rules can feel complicated. Nobody wants to invest in a heating solution only to find out later that it’s outdated or non-compliant.
Understanding the current laws, and planning for future ones, is essential to ensure your stove remains a legal, cost-effective, and environmentally friendly way to heat your home.
The solution…
The easiest way to stay compliant is, again, to choose an ecodesign-compliant stove, which all local and professional companies in Wales should provide as a legal requirement since 2022. Investing in an Ecodesign stove ensures that you meet current regulations and are prepared for any future updates.
If you live in a Smoke Control Area, it’s crucial to burn approved smokeless fuels or use a Defra-approved stove, which is designed to meet stricter emission limits. Checking local regulations before purchasing or upgrading a stove can prevent unexpected legal issues down the line.
Staying informed is also key. As regulations evolve, working with a professional stove installer ensures that you’re using the right model, fuel, and setup for your home while staying compliant with the latest laws.
By making smart choices now, you can enjoy the benefits of a wood-burning stove without worrying about fines, restrictions, or costly replacements in the future. And if you speak to a professional installation company they will be able to advise you on the best choices for now and going forward.
Ready to install a wood-burning stove?
A wood-burning stove is more than just a source of heat, it’s an investment in comfort, efficiency, and sustainability. But, as with any heating system, it needs to be the right fit for your home, used correctly, and properly maintained.
Concerns around air quality, smoke leakage, inefficiency, maintenance, and regulations are valid, but they don’t have to be barriers to enjoying a wood-burning stove.
A wood-burning stove is only as good as how well it’s installed, maintained, and used. By making the right choices from the start, selecting an efficient model, following best practices for operation, and keeping up with maintenance, you can enjoy all the benefits of a stove without the downsides.
If you’re considering installing a stove or struggling with an existing one, getting expert advice from a local professional can make all the difference. If you need help with installation, maintenance, or choosing the right stove, get in touch with us today.
