Man adding fuel to a log burner

Burning wood efficiently isn’t just about creating a warm, cosy atmosphere - it also has numerous benefits. It helps you save on fuel costs, keeps your chimney cleaner, and reduces harmful emissions. If you live in a Smoke Control Area, burning the right fuel can even help you avoid fines!

By following a few simple guidelines, you can enjoy a clean-burning fire while minimising pollution. It’s all about getting your fire up to the right temperature quickly and maintaining it for the best results. Here’s why it matters and how you can make sure you’re burning right:

  1. Start with Quality Fuel: Use dry wood with a moisture content of 20% or less. Look for the ‘Ready to Burn’ logo when purchasing logs, and store them properly in a well-ventilated area.
  2. Quick Fire Start: Use plenty of small kindling or firelighters to get the fire going fast. This helps your fire reach the right temperature efficiently.
  3. Control Airflow: Set air controls to fully open when lighting your stove or fire. For stoves, let the fire burn for at least 10 minutes before adjusting the air controls. Each stove operates differently, so check the manufacturer’s instructions.
  4. Use the Right Tools: A flue pipe thermometer can help you track the temperature and keep it in the optimal range. This ensures you’re burning efficiently and minimising emissions. 
  5. Avoid Smoke: Check your chimney to make sure no smoke is visible once the fire is burning steadily. Smoke-free burning is a sign of efficient combustion. 
  6. Consider Upgrading: If you’re using an older stove or open fire, switching to an Ecodesign stove can drastically cut emissions and fuel consumption. Modern Ecodesign stoves are over 80% efficient compared to just 25% for open fires, meaning you’ll need far fewer logs to produce the same amount of heat.

Burning the right fuel and upgrading to an energy-efficient stove doesn’t just help the environment, it also saves you money in the long run. If you're considering upgrading, explore our range of highly efficient Ecodesign stoves here.