A recent report from the Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (Defra), “Emissions of Air Pollutants in the UK – Particulate Matter (PM10 and PM2.5),” highlights a significant reduction in emissions from domestic combustion. This is important to us as a business, as it marks an important milestone in our industry’s ongoing commitment to improving air quality and highlighting the environmental benefits of burning wood on an Ecodesign stove.
Understanding Particulate Matter (PM) and Its Health Risks
It’s important to understand what PM is and why it’s so dangerous. Particulate Matter (PM) refers to all airborne substances that are not gases, consisting of a mix of chemical compounds and materials, some of which are harmful to human health. Due to their microscopic size, many PM particles can penetrate deep into the body, entering the bloodstream and reaching vital organs such as the heart and brain.
Exposure to PM is linked to serious health risks, including respiratory conditions like asthma, cardiovascular disease, and lung cancer. The most vulnerable groups include children, the elderly, and individuals with existing respiratory conditions who are at a higher risk of experiencing adverse effects.
Published in February 2025, this report reveals that annual particulate emissions from domestic combustion continued to decline in 2023, dropping below emissions from road transport. This trend underscores the significant progress made in lowering air pollution associated with solid fuel and biomass burning in homes. Not all domestic burning is equal. Below shows just how little an Ecodesign stove contributes to domestic burning emissions in comparison to an open fire:
Collectively, PM2.5 and PM10 emissions from domestic combustion have dropped by 17% between the years 2020 to 2023, with a 7% decrease shown in the latest data (2023) compared to 2022. Since 1990, there has been a huge 72% reduction in both PM2.5 and PM10 from domestic combustion.
“This significant reduction in emissions from domestic combustion can be attributed to several factors, including the adoption of modern stove appliances and the use of better-quality fuel, and increased consumer awareness and education. The SIA and its members have played a crucial role in this progress, working collaboratively to create cleaner and more efficient appliances, and to promote consumer best practice.” Andy Hill, chair of the Stove Industry Association (SIA)
Why are open fires so bad?
One key reason open fires, a bad polluter in the world of domestic heating, are so bad is that they require more wood fuel for the same heat output compared to a high-efficiency wood-burning stove. Furthermore, the fire does not sit behind a sealed glass window, unlike with a wood-burning stove, which has two inherent problems: 1. Much of the heat in a room disappears up the chimney, similar to leaving a window open and 2. Pollutant byproducts from the badly efficient fire ventilate, to some degree, into the room. One of the best things you can do to lower your carbon footprint is to swap your open fire for an Ecodesign stove.
Top Tips Direct from the SIA:
1. Choose an Ecodesign-compliant stove, such as a ClearSkies-certified appliance. If you currently use an open fire or an older, very basic stove, consider upgrading. A modern Ecodesign-compliant stove releases up to 90% fewer emissions than an open fire and can be up to 80% less than some older stoves. Your local SIA Retail Group member can help advise on the best stove for you and your family.
2. If you live in a Smoke Control Area, your stove will also need to be Defra exempt. All clearSkies Level 3 and above models are certified as Defra exempt.
3. Visit your local stove retailer for guidance on choosing the right size stove for your property and for a detailed installation quote. You can find your nearest SIA Retail Group member showroom here.
4. Ensure your stove is fitted by an appropriately qualified competent person such as one who is HETAS or OFTEC registered.
5. Ensure you use quality fuel. Look for the Ready to Burn logo to ensure your wood logs are at or below 20% moisture content. Never use chemically treated wood or burn waste on your stove.
6. Ensure your stove is serviced and your chimney swept at least once a year – the SIA recommends NVQ-qualified sweeps for the ongoing maintenance and servicing of your stove and chimney. The Federation of British Chimney Sweeps has links to all the main sweep associations. Chimney sweeps are a valuable source of information for good practice and advice.
7. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions when using your stove.
