Frequently Asked Questions

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Ecodesign Ready stoves and Air Quality –  The Future Has Arrived. The stoves of tomorrow are available today.

SIA Ecodesign Ready stoves are designed to reduce PM emissions by burning wood more efficiently and completely.

The stoves have been independently tested by an approved test laboratory and met the emissions and minimum efficiency criteria for Ecodesign. The test results have also been verified by HETAS and listed on the HETAS web site.

Ecodesign is the European-wide programme to lower emissions. It is due to come into force for stoves in the UK in 2022. SIA Ecodesign Ready stoves will meet the Ecodesign requirements and are available now. The PM emissions limit for Ecodesign is 55% lower than for DEFRA exempt stoves.

Burning wood produces particulate matter (PM) but the amount produced depends on how the wood is burnt. Independent research conducted by Kiwa Gastec on behalf of the SIA has shown that SIA Ecodesign Ready stoves can reduce particulate emissions by 90% compared to an open fire and 80% compared to an old stove

Both Defra and the Mayor of London are backing the installation of SIA Ecodesign Ready stoves to reduce emissions from wood burning.

In its Clean Air Strategy Defra recognises that all wood burning is not the same and that reductions in particulate emissions, (PM), can be achieved through the installation of Ecodesign Ready stoves burning Ready to Burn logs.

A hearth is always required when installing a wood or multifuel stove; it must be a suitable non-combustible hearth of the right size and specification to protect from any combustible material. It also provides an area to catch any embers or burning fuel that might fall from the fire or stove and clearly highlight the area where combustible material such as carpet must not be placed. If in Doubt, ask us.

There is very little difference regarding performance between the two materials when talking about the efficiency of a stove; Cast Iron will generally hold its heat longer than steel, but will take a longer time to heat up. It is made in moulds and can include motifs and patterns whereas steel will always be plain. Cast Iron needs to be “Seasoned” (broken in gently) within the first week of burning to avoid cracking; and is definitely recommended.

Do not purchase unsuitable fuels or your money will be going up in smoke!

Fire wood should be seasoned beforehand and we recommend burning logs with a low moisture content of around 20% or less. Unseasoned wood is hard to ignite, burns poorly, produces very little heat as most of the energy is being used to drive off the extra moisture. This will in turn create tar / creosote that can damage the appliance and block the flue, which in turn risk the danger of a chimney fire or fumes escaping back into the room. Burning green or wet wood is very inefficient, creates lots of polluting smoke and in many cases will void the warranty on your stove and flue so must always be avoided.

Of course, on a multifuel stove you can also burn mineral fuel (Coal) Always check on the product that your burning that it is suitable for a “closed appliance” i.e. a Stove, and that the fuel you are burning is suitable for use in the Area that you live.

A good chimney / flue is essential to the continuing efficient and safe operation of all solid fuel burning heating and cooking appliances. Sweeping the flue keeps the chimney clear, to ensure the appliance operates efficiently and safely. This removes any tar like deposits and will reduce the risk of a chimney fire. If wet wood has been burnt it is advisable to sweep the chimney more often to remove these deposits. It is recommended that chimney sweeping is best carried out by an approved Chimney Sweep at least once a year. Always check that the sweep is qualified and leaves a sweeping certificate.

The HETAS ‘Find Chimney Sweep’ search makes it easy to find your nearest HETAS Approved Chimney Sweep: http://www.hetas.co.uk/find-chimney-sweep/

Many people frequently ask about the implications of installing solid fuel and wood burning appliances in “smoke controlled areas”. In brief, the Clean Air Act allows Local authorities to declare “smoke controlled areas” in which the emissions of smoke from domestic properties are banned. This act was originally created to prevent the damaging “smogs” that used to frequently occur.

Under the Act it is also an offence to emit smoke from a chimney of a building, which is located in a “smoke controlled area” or to acquire an “unauthorised fuel” for use within a smoke control area unless it is used in an “exempt” appliance. Many parts of the UK are still designated as “smoke control areas”. More details can be viewed at http://smokecontrol.defra.gov.uk, which also gives information on authorised fuels and exempt appliances. A DEFRA approved appliance is one that has passed specific tests for burning wood in smoke control areas. Just because a stove may be described as clean burning does not mean it is automatically approved for use in smoke control areas, which is why the smoke control website should be checked.