As Big Ben chimed to close 2018 and the bang of fireworks ushered in the new year, was there a whimpering threat around the yuletide fires burning in our homes?
Late December of last year saw newspaper reports herald the UK government’s investigation into pollutants (known as tiny particles PM2.5) which are, in part, caused by burning wet wood and traditional household coal in wood burning / multi fuel stoves in the UK. This is part of the government’s Clean Air Strategy, which officially launched in January.
So what are the Implications for…
Our New Customers?
These policy changes are being made in preparation for the Environmental Regulations which will come into force in 2022. In order to be compliant, heating appliances will need to minimise their impact on the environment, be efficient, and significantly reduce emissions of particulate matter.
At Greenview, we are already compliant and have stoves available now to meet the new standards.
Our Existing Customers?
However, for those of you who have recently invested in a stove (within the last 10 years) there is no need to panic! Buying seasoned wood (we always recommend this) or allowing your own wood to dry over a period of two years to reduce the moisture levels is acceptable. As for coal – this needs to be smokeless or low smoke coal briquettes. Why? Well, the Government plans to reduce the particulate matter contributed by multi fuel stoves (currently at 38%) to 8% by 2030. A spokesperson from the UK’s Stove Industry Alliance (SIA) says it is all about using the right fuel in the right appliance.
Ultimately, emissions will generally be reduced sufficiently if recommendations are followed correctly.
“I’m considering buying a new stove. How can Greenview help me?”
By having a new stove installed by us in the immediate future (ie. before 2022), you can rest assured that all of our heating devices are certified by HETAS (Heating Equipment Testing and Approval Scheme). Our certified installers will be able to advise you with regards to the latest technologies and environmentally-friendly options. For example, filters can now be fitted to flues to attract particles by ionising them to the flue wall.
By being a responsible stove owner and only using fully-seasoned, approved fuels, you will not be affected by the new regulations. A minimum of two chimney sweeps a year will ensure your appliance is efficient and safe.
How ‘Green’ is my Greenview Stove?
It is in everyone’s interest to consider the environment and one’s impact upon it. There are many factors at play here. For us, we are concerned with heating, emissions and efficiency.
We are compliant with all of our industry’s governing bodies – DEFRA – The Government Department for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs – Stove Industry Alliance and HETAS). We fully support the Government’s aim for their ‘Clean Air Plan’ and will ensure our customers have access to the facts and figures if they so desire!
We are now approaching the half way mark in 2019 and the fires maybe aren’t burning too much at the moment. However, at Greenview, we’re ready to install your new appliance – whatever the weather outside. And our customers come to us, safe in the knowledge that their new appliance will be ‘Green and ready!’
If you would like any further help or guidance on the 2022 regulations, please call us on 0113 322 6558 or fill in our web contact form.
As oil and gas have become more expensive, the popularity of wood-burning stoves has grown in the UK. Wood is a carbon-neutral fuel and wood-burning stoves can give out five times as much heat as a regular fire and heat a much bigger area of the home.
Costs of wood-burning stoves
The cost and fitting of a good stove can be as little as £1,000, although this will be more if chimneys need to be lined. It’s possible to recoup the money spent on the stove quickly, however, through cheaper fuel bills.
Using wood for heat uses 2.5p per kw of heat, compared to around 4p for gas and 11p for electricity, so it’s easy to see how quickly cost savings can mount up when a wood-burning stove is fitted.
Why the increased popularity of wood-burning stoves?
Cast iron stoves have long been popular in Europe, particularly in Scandinavia with their plentiful forests. In Britain, they are popular for older houses and increasingly in new homes. There are some good British manufacturers, including Esse, Aarrow and Aga.
A good stove will have an airtight box without leaks and get rid of gases, but the heat will not go up the chimney. Many stoves will burn wood successfully in smokeless zones such as London and they grace any room with their stylish appearance. The minimalist appearance of many wood-burning stoves adds style and a focal point to homes of any age and will add value to the home, creating a ready-made fireplace within the home even in new builds without any hint of a fireplace.
Wood burners have certainly proved to provide the heating of choice for many homes.
If you have any questions about wood-burning stoves, or would like to learn more about fitting one in your home, please contact us to discuss further.
Every time there’s an energy price rise more and more consumers make the switch to wood-burning stoves. If you want to cut your energy costs by up to 25 percent, fitting a wood-burning stove makes good sense. Running costs can work out even more cheap if you source your own wood from local skips or find it in the countryside.
Cost Comparison
If you’re replacing an old non-condensing gas central heating system with your new wood-burner you can expect your energy savings to amount to around £205 to £225 annually. When you replace your old electricity storage heaters with a wood-burning stove you should expect to save from £550 to £990 per year. You will save from £360 to £560 per year when you opt to replace newer electric storage heaters with a wood-burner. It’s not hard to understand why these stoves have become so popular and they soon pay for themselves when all the savings are added up.
More Savings from Wood-Burning Stoves
Savings in carbon dioxide emissions are one way your new stove helps to maintain the environment. You could save up to 15.7 tonnes in carbon dioxide emissions each year when you choose to fit a new wood-burner.
Get in touch if you need more information on the benefits of installing a wood-burning stove.
