Classic wood burning stoves are a cosy staple in British homes, and are seemingly perfect for keeping your house warm in winter.
With rising energy prices, the wood burning stoves seem like a cost-efficient way heat houses, with lots of people relying on them.
However, some owners may be unaware of regulations that came in to place in 2022, that limits where you can use the stoves.
UK rules state that all newly manufactured wood-burning stoves, multi-fuel stoves and fireplaces must meet stringent new guidelines called Ecodesign, The Mirror reports.
Installation of wood burning stoves has to comply with Building Regulations, andonly specific types of fuel can be burnt.
When a stove has been evaluated by Ecodesign, it means the stove has been tested by an approved lab and meets requirements on air quality and particulates, The HomeOwners Alliance explains.
Ecodesign tests stoves based on seasonal efficiency over a year, levels of nitrogen oxides, carbon monoxide, particulate matter and organic gaseous compounds produced by burning fuel.
The verified stoves that are correctly installed, well-maintained and use good quality dry wood, use renewable and sustainable fuel, and are a low-carbon heating method.
The new regulations were introduced in a bid to reduce air pollution after the Government’s Clean Air Strategy 2019 named wood burning stoves as being accountable for 38 percent of particulate matter air pollution.
You may still use a wood burning stove that doesn’t comply with Ecodesign standards if you do not live in a smoke control area where different rules apply.
In smoke control areas, significant amounts of smoke cannot be emitted from a chimney, Government guidelines state.
If you are found to be violating this rule, you could face a £175 to £300 fine.
To check if you live in a smoke controlled area, you can use this interactive map.
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