Understanding Efficiency Ratings

Stove efficiency refers to how much of the fuel’s energy is converted into usable heat. An open fire typically achieves only 20–25% efficiency, while a modern woodburning stove can exceed 80%. The more efficient your stove, the less fuel you burn for the same amount of heat, reducing both costs and emissions.

When buying a stove, check its official efficiency rating. Higher ratings mean less wasted energy and a cleaner burn. In many areas, only stoves that meet strict efficiency standards can be sold legally.

Emissions & Air Quality

One of the biggest environmental concerns around stoves is particulate emissions. These are tiny particles released during combustion that can affect air quality. Modern “eco-design” stoves are designed to reduce emissions dramatically compared to older models.

• Ecodesign stoves: Since 2022, only stoves that meet Ecodesign standards can be sold in the UK. These produce up to 90% fewer emissions than an open fire.
• Chimney maintenance: A clean, swept chimney reduces blockages and allows smoke to exit more efficiently, lowering emissions.
• Burning technique: Lighting fires “top-down” and ensuring good airflow reduces smoke and incomplete combustion.

Fuel Choice

The type of fuel you use has a huge impact on both efficiency and the environment.

• Seasoned hardwood: Logs that have been properly dried (below 20% moisture content) burn hotter and cleaner, producing less smoke.
• Kiln-dried logs: These guarantee low moisture content and are ideal for consistent, efficient burning.
• Avoid wet or green wood: Burning damp logs wastes energy evaporating water, causes excessive smoke, and clogs your flue with tar and creosote.
• Smokeless fuels: In smoke control areas, using authorised smokeless fuels is often required by law.

Best Practices for Eco-Friendly Use

Even the best stove will perform poorly if it’s not used correctly. Following these practices will maximise efficiency and minimise impact:

• Always use dry, seasoned wood with moisture content under 20%.
• Store logs in a well-ventilated, covered log store to keep them dry.
• Do not burn household waste, treated wood, or plastics—these release harmful chemicals and can damage your stove.
• Have your chimney swept at least once a year (more often with heavy use) to keep airflow strong and emissions low.
• Run your stove in the optimal temperature range (typically 120–250°C) to ensure clean combustion and prevent tar build-up.

Long-Term Environmental Benefits

When used responsibly, a modern stove can be one of the most eco-friendly home heating methods:

• Carbon neutral fuel: Wood is renewable, and the carbon released when burned is roughly balanced by the carbon absorbed during the tree’s growth.
• Reduced fossil fuel use: Supplementing or replacing gas or oil heating with a stove lowers reliance on non-renewable energy sources.
• Longevity: A well-maintained stove can last decades, reducing the need for frequent replacements and lowering its overall environmental footprint.