The rise of the Eco-Stove - Why you should make the switch.
We all want to do our bit towards a better world: whether that’s using less plastic, recycling glass bottles or driving an efficient car. Each of us is looking for ways to reduce our impact on the environment: and choosing a stove is no different. There have been plenty of stories about the impact of wood-burning stoves on the environment and health so it’s now more important than ever to learn about the eco-alternative!
Following restrictions on wood burning stove installations in certain areas of the UK, stove producers have been pushing hard to create eco-conscious designs that counterclaim that wood-burning stoves aren’t ecological obsolete. The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, a particularly strong opposer of poor efficiency wood-burning appliances that can be seen to be damaging to the environment and is active in encouraging the design of eco-stoves. This current breed of ‘eco-stove’ is certified by Defra (Department of Environment, Farming and Rural Affairs), and must fulfil certain criteria that mean that you can rest easy in the knowledge that your stove is burning at a clean and efficient level.
Moving forward into 2022 Defra will step aside and allow the SIA (Stove Industry Alliance) to take over the testing of all wood burning stoves. This will mean the introduction of new even more stringent tests in order for these appliances to gain approval for use in smoke controlled areas. As an industry, we are very supportive of this move as it will help to eradicate the less efficient appliances with low-level green credentials. Ultimately this will ensure that stove users continue to enjoy their wood burning stove and be rewarded with a product that will work for the home and the environment.
Eco-stoves are not only the ecological alternative to a more traditional wood-burner, but they also help to keep your chimney clear, with far less smoke than their inefficient counterparts. As a further plus, far higher efficiency, means cost savings on fuel in the long run!
However, the responsibility doesn’t lie within your stove alone! Defra recognises that the wood you use can also affect the emissions given off by your stove in its ‘Clean Air Strategy’. It is absolutely key that you ensure the wood that you are burning is dry, under 20% moisture content is ideal before you light up a log! To check the moisture content of your wood a moisture meter is a crucial piece of kit.
- Stove Reviews
