Frequently Asked Questions

A wood burning stove is designed specifically for burning wood. Air is generally supplied above the fuel, allowing logs to burn efficiently on a bed of ash.

A multi-fuel stove is designed to burn more than one approved fuel type, typically wood and suitable smokeless fuels.

Multi-fuel stoves normally have a grate beneath the fuel so air can circulate from below as well as above. Some models also use a riddling grate to help ash fall into the ash pan.

A commonly used starting point is to measure your room in metres and calculate:

Length × Width × Height ÷ 14

This gives a rough indication of the stove output required in kW. Insulation, glazing, room layout and the age of the property can all affect the final requirement.

You can also use our Stove Output Calculator.

A heat shield may be required where combustible materials are positioned close to the stove.

A traditional brick fireplace is normally considered non-combustible, although the installation must still comply with the stove manufacturer's required clearances and current installation regulations.

Required clearances depend on the stove and whether the surrounding materials are combustible or non-combustible.

The manufacturer's installation instructions provide the specific minimum distances for each model. A qualified installer can also advise you during a site survey.

SIA stands for the Stove Industry Alliance, which was formed in 2008 to represent the stove industry and promote modern, lower-emission appliances.

Further information is available from the Stove Industry Alliance.

Ecodesign sets minimum environmental performance requirements for solid-fuel appliances, including limits relating to efficiency and emissions.

New stoves sold in the UK are designed to comply with the applicable Ecodesign requirements.

You can find further information from the Stove Industry Alliance.

These terms are commonly used by manufacturers to indicate that a stove meets the Ecodesign requirements introduced for solid-fuel appliances.

DEFRA is the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs. In Smoke Control Areas, you normally need to use an authorised fuel or an exempt appliance when burning solid fuel.

You can read the government's Smoke Control Area guidance and search the official exempt appliance list.

clearSkies is an independent emissions and energy performance certification scheme for solid-fuel stoves and fireplaces.

Appliances are rated in different levels, allowing customers to compare models that exceed the minimum Ecodesign requirements.

More information is available from clearSkies.

HETAS is a specialist organisation supporting the safe installation and use of biomass and solid-fuel heating systems.

A registered installer can self-certify qualifying work under the competent person scheme.

Visit HETAS or use its installer search.

The government's Clean Air Strategy covers measures intended to reduce air pollution from a range of sources, including domestic solid-fuel burning.

This is one reason modern stove design focuses heavily on improved combustion efficiency and lower particulate emissions.

The fuel you can use depends on your stove and whether your property is located within a Smoke Control Area.

Typical suitable fuels include:

• Dry, seasoned or properly kiln-dried firewood
• Approved smokeless fuels in a suitable multi-fuel stove

Always follow the appliance manufacturer's instructions and only burn fuels approved for your stove.

Read our guide to choosing the best firewood.

Two commonly used methods are the traditional lighting method and the top-down, or upside-down, method.

HETAS provides a useful guide to lighting a fire.

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