Wood-burning stoves have become a key talking point in England as the cost of gas and electricity soars, and people have started to burn wood for heat.
The stoves have also become popular because of the cosy atmosphere they can lend a house, and many, especially in affluent urban areas, have noticed the distinctive wintry smell coming from chimneys as they walk around their neighbourhoods. Some people also believed burning wood must be better for the environment than using gas.
But there have also been warnings that stoves cause significant air pollution, releasing fine particulate matter known as PM2.5 that has dire health implications. Politicians have called for their use to be urgently reviewed.
If you have a stove and decide to remove it, you will need to pay someone to do it, unless you are experienced with DIY. When hiring someone, ensure that person is certified and insured, and it is safe for them to proceed.
The person will have to extract the appliance from the chimney, then lift the stove out. A contractor may need to be found to take it away for you, but ensure they recycle it. If not, you can recycle it yourself by finding a metal recycling centre.
Some stoves are suitable for conversion into gas or electric, where you can enjoy the warmth without the guilt of spreading dangerous particulates.
Alternatively, if it is more for decoration than necessary heating, you could remove it entirely and use the space for something else.
There are limits on where and how wood-burners are used in England. People in rural, more remote regions have leeway when it comes to burning wood in their homes, as they are less likely to add to existing pollution or affect a close neighbour. Many urban areas fall within a smoke control zone, which means it is an offence to allow smoke emissions from a chimney, unless using authorised fuel or an exempted appliance. There is also a limit on the amount of smoke that is permitted to be expelled from a chimney.
Even in London, which has had smoke control areas for more than 60 years, wood-burning accounts for up to 31% of PM2.5, according to a study by King’s College. The mayor’s office said in 2017 that 7.9 million residents of the city (95% of the population) lived in places where this form of air pollution exceeded World Health Organization guidelines by at least 50%. And a dozen or more other towns and cities, including Scunthorpe, Manchester, Swansea and Gillingham, have even higher levels of pollution.
Certain fuels are still allowed: seasoned or kiln-dried logs (as long as they have moisture levels below 20%). This fuel is more expensive, but burns more efficiently and more cleanly, which means more heat, lower flue maintenance costs and fewer health concerns. It is also easier to light and produces a satisfying crackle rather than a sputtering hiss.
