Are you worried the government is planning to ban log burners and multi-fuel stoves? Don’t be. The Clean Air Strategy, published this week, sets out the government’s plans to educate consumers and introduce measures that will make sure people who already own a stove burn cleaner fuels and therefore emit fewer pollutants. It’ll also ensure new stoves are highly efficient by 2022. The new Clean Air Strategy promises to cut particulate matter – the sum of all particles suspended in air, many of which are hazardous – by 30% by 2020 and 46% by 2030. It will tackle pollution from a number of areas including transport, farming and domestic burning. According to the government report, burning solid fuel (such as wood and coal) currently produces 38% of the UK’s emissions of particulate matter. Many people are unaware emissions in the home increase personal exposure to pollutants and contribute significantly to our overall national emissions. Luckily, we can all do our bit to make a difference, from reducing how much we burn and using the right fuel to only buying an efficient stove if you’re upgrading yours or keen to get one.
Don’t let your log burner or multi-fuel stove smoke
Wood creates more smoke – and potentially harmful emissions – if it doesn’t have a good enough supply of oxygen. It also increases sooty build-up in your chimney, which could restrict gasses from escaping. Use these tips below to ensure your stove doesn’t.
Only burn dry wood on your stove
Burning wet wood produces more pollution and sooty deposits, and is less efficient, as it takes energy to burn off the water first. Ideally wood should be no more than 20% moisture
Do not burn scrap wood on your stove
Make sure you never burn treated wood, such as old fence post, as it could let off toxic chemicals.
Do not buy a cheap stove on line
If you are looking to buy a new stove shop locally and buy a quality Ecodesign stove that will meet or exceed the new regulations. http://www.stoveindustryalliance.com/
Get your chimney swept regularly
Your profesional chimney sweep will be able to offer lots of advice.
